It’s that time of the year, again. The white fluff is flying everywhere, and regardless of what colour clothes I’m wearing, they end up white…
The past three years, I have tried everything: all kinds of brushes and rakes, even the Furminator. Some worked and some didn’t. With the ones that “almost” worked, my biggest complaint was that they didn’t penetrate the fur and only did a superficial job. I’ve noticed that there was more and more matted areas around Rocco’s hips and the base of his tail. Nothing seemed to be able to penetrate through that thick coat.
Until Rocco’s trainer introduced us to a grooming comb! That thing works like magic.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using it:
– Always comb with the hair
– Go very slowly, making sure that the comb is reaching all the way to the base of the hair.
– When you hit a mat, don’t pull on it, it will hurt and make your dog resent the experience. Move the comb above the mat, separate the hair and gently comb it out.
Combing takes much more time than brushing. Don’t rush it. I usually spend 15-30min each day working on a small area and the results are amazing. A cleaner, softer and silkier coat.
I found many benefits of using the comb:
– allows me to inspect his fur, and possibly find debris or signs of fleas.
– also allows me to inspect his skin. I look for any red, irritated or balding areas
– gives Rocco a nice, gentle massage. I’ve noticed that Rocco loves the comb and finds it very relaxing. I try to alternate between working on a mat and giving him a nice massage on his back or chest.
Nice grooming job! I have a very similar comb that I used on my late corgis, Rosie and Monty (RIP 2011) when they were shedding, and I use it on Dakota the Corgi, who hasn’t shed yet, just to get her used to the idea. When I had several Siberians years ago, the amount of hair they produced was amazing. They were show dogs, so they were groomed often. The comb was great for them too.
I have a brush and a comb, but it’s not as wide as that. Will have to look into those. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you found something that works for you. Part of our flea and tick protocol during the warmer months involves brushing the dogs when we get back from our walk.
I’d heard many people say their dogs don’t like the brush but mine seem to enjoy it.
Since they are both short haired I don’t need to comb them, but my hands are always inspecting them and I’m usually right up on finding an unwanted friend.
It’s amazing what can something hide in their fur, Jodi!
Excellent grooming and it did look like Rocco loved it! I should tell my mum about the comb. I’m not a fan of being brushed!
Maggie
We have a comb that looks a lot like that. I think we’re in the same sort of league for shedding hair!
Hi Clowie, I think so too, but yours must be quite challenging, since you have longer fur!
We are going throught “that part of year” too at my place. My German Shepherd looses soooo much hair that it seems like the hair can form another animal. haha. When the hair starts falling it usually last a couple of weeks, and I find myself cleaning up the floors a couple times a day.
Same here….combing him and cleaning the floors takes over my life for a couple of weeks lol!
We absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content for you personally?
I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome blog!