Regular grooming is vital to maintaining the cleanliness and positive health of your dog's skin and coat. While dogs can keep their coats clean on their own, they require your help for proper cleaning. It is where brushing their coat proves helpful.

Brushing your dog is a necessary part of taking care of your dog. Along with improving your bond, it keeps your dog clean, enhances the appearance of his fur and skin, and prevents mats and tangles.

Luckily, brushing a dog only takes a few minutes each day. Here is how to brush your dog correctly!

4 Tips to Brush Your Dog

1. Choose the Right Brush

Various brushes are available in the market. Every one of them serves a specific coat and purpose.

• Short-Coated Dogs: These dogs do not need much brushing. All you have to do is, rub them down with a soft cloth or a bristle brush (great for removing dead hair) once or twice a week.
  
• Medium-Coated Dogs: These dogs need more regular care. A pin brush is better for removing tangles and loose hair. Use it daily on long-haired areas, such as the tail and underbelly, and weekly on the rest of the body.
  
• Long-Coated Dogs: These dogs are more prone to mats, so they require more frequent brushing with a pin brush or slicker brush — two or three times a week should do it. You can also use these brushes on medium-coated dogs. A soft pin brush is best for silky coats.
  
• For Curly-Coated Dogs: For dogs like Poodles and Bichons, use a greyhound comb to get through the layers of hair and reach the skin.
  

2. Brush With Love

Like us, every dog is different. Some enjoy getting brushed while others fidget or run away. Before you brush your dog, make sure he is used to being handled all over his body and head — especially around his ears or other sensitive areas.

The first time you brush your dog should be short and sweet — pet him as you slowly run the brush over his fur. Reward him with praise or treats after each brushing session so he associates it with positive things.

3. Use Detangling Products

To remove tangles and mats, spray your pet with detangling spray. You can also apply detangling serum or conditioner before brushing. Once you do so, work through the problem area with a slicker brush or detangling comb.