Brushing your dog at home is essential for maintaining their coat health and hygiene. The tools you'll need can vary depending on your dog's coat type. Here's a general guide:

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1. **Slicker Brush**: This type of brush has fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. It's suitable for most coat types, especially those prone to tangles and mats like curly or long-haired breeds such as Poodles, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers.

 

2. **Bristle Brush**: Bristle brushes have soft, natural bristles and are great for dogs with short, smooth coats like Beagles, Dachshunds, and Bulldogs. They help distribute natural oils and remove loose hair and debris.

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3. **Undercoat Rake**: Designed to penetrate thick undercoats, undercoat rakes are ideal for breeds with double coats such as Huskies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. They help remove loose fur and reduce shedding.

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4. **Comb**: A comb with both wide and narrow teeth is useful for detangling mats and removing loose hair. It's particularly handy for long-haired breeds like Collies, Afghan Hounds, and Shih Tzus.

~~***For all long-haired dogs, it's crucial to comb their fur thoroughly down to the skin to ensure there are no hidden tangles. If you can't see the skin or the base of the hair, you might just be brushing over a clump of tangled or matted hair instead of reaching the root. This thorough combing helps prevent mats and ensures your dog's coat stays healthy and free from discomfort***~~

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5. **Dematting Tools**: For dogs prone to mats and tangles, a dematting tool can be invaluable. These tools have sharp blades or serrated edges designed to gently cut through tough mats without pulling on the dog's skin.

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6. Undercoat Rake: An undercoat rake is designed to penetrate thick undercoats, making it ideal for breeds with double coats such as Huskies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. It helps remove loose fur and reduces shedding.

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~~**It's important to be cautious when using dematting tools because some of them feature blades designed to cut through mats. While these tools can be very effective, there's a risk of accidentally cutting or damaging your pet's hair, especially if they have an undercoat. This undercoat hair may not grow back correctly, or at all, if damaged. Dematting tools can be great assets to your grooming kit, but it's crucial to use them carefully, taking into account the specific type of coat your dog has to avoid any unintentional harm.***~~

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7. **Flea Comb**: This is a great tool to get ride of eye boogers and small little food tangles that are stuck in the beard.

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8. **Rubber Curry Comb**: These grooming tools have rubber bristles and are excellent for massaging your dog's skin, removing loose hair, and distributing natural oils. They're suitable for short-haired breeds like Boxers, Dobermans, and Labrador Retrievers.

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"Remember, regardless of your dog's coat type, it's important to choose grooming tools that are appropriate for their specific needs. Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking and feeling their best but also helps prevent skin issues and mats from forming. If you feel your pet needs a deep brush in between grooming, consider booking our Just The Brush Service for a thorough brush-out. However, it's important to note that we cannot brush out matting due to the pain it will cause the pet. At our salon, we prioritize Humanity Over Vanity. In cases of severe matting, shaving may be necessary to give your pet a refreshing restart. Dematting causes pain and stresses out the pet. While hair grows back, rebuilding trust with your pet takes time. Mild matting can be taken out, but it will require hours of work, which the owner will need to tackle a few days at a time."

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