Walk down the grooming aisle of a pet store and you will find dozens of brushes, combs and gadgets. During spring shedding season, having the right tools makes the difference between a quick, pleasant routine and a frustrating tug-of-war. The key is matching tools to your pet’s coat. A professional groomer or your veterinarian can help you identify your pet’s coat type if you are unsure.
Common coat types
- Short and smooth: close-lying hair, as on many hounds, terriers and short-haired cats.
- Double coat: a dense undercoat beneath longer guard hairs, common in many northern and herding breeds.
- Long and silky: flowing hair that tangles easily.
- Curly or wiry: coats that often shed less visibly but mat if not maintained, or that may need specialized grooming such as hand-stripping.
Tools and what they do
Rubber curry brush or grooming mitt. Great for short, smooth coats on dogs and cats. Rubber nubs loosen dead hair and many pets enjoy the massage-like feel.
Bristle brush. Useful for finishing short coats and distributing natural oils, giving the coat shine.
Slicker brush. Fine, bent wire pins help remove loose hair and small tangles in medium and long coats. Use a light touch, since pressing hard can scrape the skin.
Undercoat rake. Long teeth reach through guard hairs to pull out loose undercoat. Often a favorite for double-coated dogs in spring.
Metal comb. A wide-and-fine-tooth comb is excellent for checking your work. If the comb glides through to the skin, you have done a thorough job.
Deshedding tools. Various tools are designed to remove loose undercoat efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use them gently and limit how long you work in one spot to avoid irritating the skin or cutting the topcoat.
Technique matters as much as tools
Brush in the direction the hair grows, working in small sections. Line brushing, where you part the coat and brush a little at a time from the skin outward, helps with thick coats. Be gentle around the face, ears, belly, armpits and tail, where skin is thinner. Keep sessions short and upbeat, especially with cats and with dogs who are new to grooming. Treats and praise help. Many owners find that a few minutes every day during a heavy shed is easier on everyone than one long session on the weekend.
When to call a professional
Mats can tighten against the skin, become painful and hide skin problems underneath. Do not try to cut mats out with scissors, which is a common way pets get injured. A professional groomer can safely remove mats, and your veterinarian can help if the skin underneath looks irritated or infected.
Also check with your veterinarian if grooming reveals redness, bumps, bald spots, flaking or anything unusual, or if your pet seems painful when touched. Regular brushing is a great chance to notice changes early.
