How to Brush Your Dog Properly: A Complete Guide for Every Coat Type

A clean, tangle-free coat does far more than look smart. Brushing your dog properly helps remove loose hair, dirt and debris while keeping their coat comfortable and healthy. It also spreads the skin's natural oils, helping the coat stay shiny and reducing the risk of mats, tangles and dry skin.

The right brushing routine depends on your dog's coat type. A short, smooth coat needs a different approach from a long-haired, curly or double-coated breed. This guide explains how to brush your dog properly, how often they need brushing, which brush to choose and how to make grooming a positive experience for both of you.

Why Brushing Matters

Regular brushing does much more than keep your dog's coat looking neat. It's one of the simplest ways to support your dog's overall skin and coat health, while also making grooming easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

Brushing removes loose hair, dirt and everyday debris before they become trapped in the coat, helping to keep your dog cleaner between baths and reducing the amount of fur left around your home. As the brush moves through the coat, it also distributes the skin's natural oils from root to tip, leaving the coat looking healthier, shinier and feeling softer.

Regular brushing also helps prevent mats and tangles from forming, particularly in longer or thicker coats where knots can quickly become uncomfortable if left untreated. Even short-haired dogs benefit from routine brushing, as it removes dead hair and stimulates healthy skin.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits is that brushing gives you the opportunity to check your dog's body from nose to tail. As you work through the coat, you're far more likely to notice small lumps, skin irritation, parasites or changes in the coat before they become more serious problems.

Finally, brushing is about more than coat care. Done gently and consistently, it becomes valuable one-to-one time that helps build trust, strengthens your bond and teaches your dog that grooming is a calm, positive experience.

❤️ Mutts & Moggs Good to Know

Brushing is one of the easiest ways to spot small skin problems, parasites, ticks or lumps early—often before they become more noticeable. Spending just a few minutes grooming your dog each week can help you identify changes sooner and seek advice from your vet if needed.

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?

There isn't a single brushing routine that suits every dog. The ideal frequency depends on your dog's coat type, how much they shed and how easily their coat becomes tangled.

Some short-haired breeds only need a quick brush once a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy, while long-haired, curly and double-coated breeds benefit from more regular grooming to prevent mats and remove excess undercoat. During seasonal shedding, many dogs will also need brushing more often than usual.

The key is consistency. Short, regular brushing sessions are usually far more effective—and much more enjoyable for your dog—than leaving the coat until it becomes tangled or heavily coated with loose hair.

💡 Mutts & Moggs Did You Know?

Many owners think short-haired dogs don't need brushing—but they often shed just as much as long-haired breeds. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair before it ends up on your clothes, furniture and carpets.

Choosing the Right Brush

Using the right brush makes grooming easier, more comfortable for your dog and much more effective. A brush that's too harsh can irritate the skin, while the wrong type may simply glide over the coat without removing loose hair or reaching hidden tangles.

The best brush depends on your dog's coat type, length and texture. Some dogs only need a simple grooming mitt, while others benefit from a combination of brushes and combs to keep their coat in good condition.

Smooth Coats

Dogs with smooth coats usually need very little equipment. A rubber grooming mitt or similar soft brush gently removes loose hair while stimulating the skin and helping distribute natural oils. It's also a great choice for dogs that are new to brushing because it feels more like being stroked than groomed.

Short Coats

Short-haired breeds benefit from a soft bristle brush that lifts loose hair and everyday dirt without scratching the skin. Although these coats are easy to maintain, many short-haired dogs shed surprisingly heavily, making regular brushing worthwhile.

Long Coats

Long-haired breeds need brushes that reach through the outer coat to prevent tangles forming underneath. A slicker brush followed by a metal comb helps remove loose hair, work through small knots and check that the coat is completely tangle-free.

Double Coats

Double-coated breeds have a dense undercoat beneath a protective outer coat. An undercoat rake helps remove loose undercoat during normal grooming and seasonal shedding, while a slicker brush keeps the outer coat tidy without stripping away healthy fur.

Curly Coats

Curly coats are naturally prone to tangles and mats, so regular brushing is essential. A slicker brush helps separate the curls, while a metal comb checks for knots close to the skin that the brush may have missed.

💡 Mutts & Moggs Did You Know?

No single brush is right for every dog. Choosing a brush that's designed for your dog's coat type makes grooming more comfortable, more effective and much more enjoyable for both of you.

How to Brush Your Dog: Step-by-Step Guide

Brushing your dog doesn't need to be a long or complicated task. A few minutes of calm, gentle grooming can make a big difference to your dog's coat and overall wellbeing. Work slowly, use the right brush for your dog's coat type and keep the experience positive from start to finish.

Step 1: Give the Coat a Quick Check

Before you start brushing, run your hands gently over your dog's body and look for any tangles, mats, twigs, burrs or other debris caught in the coat. This is also a good opportunity to check for lumps, bumps, ticks, fleas or areas of sore or irritated skin.

Finding small tangles early makes them much easier to remove than waiting until they become tight mats.

Step 2: Choose the Right Brush

Select the brush that's best suited to your dog's coat type. Using the correct brush will make grooming more comfortable for your dog and much more effective at removing loose hair and preventing tangles.

If your dog has a longer or thicker coat, you may find it helpful to use both a slicker brush and a metal comb as part of the same grooming session.

Step 3: Brush in the Direction of Hair Growth

Start at your dog's head or neck and brush gently in the direction the coat naturally grows. Use smooth, gentle strokes and avoid pressing too firmly against the skin.

Brushing with the coat helps remove loose hair while keeping the experience comfortable for your dog.

Step 4: Work in Small Sections

Rather than brushing over the top of the coat, work methodically through small sections, especially on longer, thicker or double-coated breeds. Lift the coat gently with your hand if needed so you can brush closer to the skin without pulling.

Pay particular attention to areas where tangles commonly develop, including:

• Behind the ears
• Under the collar
• Under the front legs
• Around the tail
• On the back of the legs

Working in sections helps prevent hidden mats from being missed.

Step 5: Finish with a Comb Check

Once you've finished brushing, run a metal comb gently through the coat. If the comb glides through smoothly, you've probably removed all the loose hair and tangles. If it catches in one area, return with your brush and gently work through the knot before checking again.

This final comb check is particularly useful for long-haired, curly and double-coated breeds where tangles can hide beneath the top layer of fur.

Step 6: Reward Your Dog

Finish every grooming session with plenty of praise, fuss or a favourite treat. Keeping brushing positive helps your dog relax and makes future grooming sessions much easier.

Even short brushing sessions can become something your dog looks forward to when they're consistently rewarded.

🐾 Mutts & Moggs Top Tip

If the brush catches on a knot, stop and work gently around it rather than pulling through. A few extra seconds now can save your dog a lot of discomfort—and help prevent grooming from becoming a stressful experience.

Dealing with Mats and Tangles

Finding a knot in your dog's coat doesn't always mean it's become a mat. Small tangles are usually easy to remove with a little patience, while mats are much tighter and can pull uncomfortably on the skin. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether you can deal with it at home or whether it's time to seek professional help.

The aim is always to deal with tangles early. A few minutes spent brushing regularly is much easier—and much kinder for your dog—than trying to remove a heavily matted coat.

Small Tangles

Small tangles are usually loose knots that haven't tightened against the skin. They often develop behind the ears, under the front legs, around the collar or near the tail where there's more friction.

Work gently from the ends of the tangle towards the skin using short, careful strokes. Holding the surrounding hair close to the skin can help prevent pulling and make brushing much more comfortable for your dog. If needed, use your fingers to loosen the knot before brushing it through.

Tight Mats

Mats are much denser than ordinary tangles and often sit close against the skin. Pulling or forcing a brush through them can be painful and may even damage the skin underneath.

If a mat won't come free with gentle brushing, don't force it. Large or tight mats are often safer to remove with the help of a professional groomer, particularly if they're close to sensitive areas such as the ears, legs or tail.

Preventing Mats

The easiest way to deal with mats is to stop them forming in the first place. Regular brushing keeps loose hair from becoming tangled and allows you to spot small knots before they tighten.

Pay extra attention after muddy walks, swimming or wet weather, as damp coats and trapped debris can cause tangles to develop more quickly. Focusing on areas behind the ears, under the collar, under the legs and around the tail will help keep your dog's coat comfortable and mat-free.

❤️ Mutts & Moggs Good to Know

A small tangle can often be brushed out at home, but a tight mat is different. Mats pull on the skin every time your dog moves and can quickly become uncomfortable if they're left untreated.

Special Brushing Tips by Coat Type

Every dog's coat is different, so there's no single brushing technique that works for every breed. Understanding your dog's coat type will help you choose the right approach, making grooming more effective and much more comfortable for your dog.

Short and Smooth Coats

Dogs with short or smooth coats are generally the easiest to groom, but they still benefit from regular brushing. A soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt is usually all that's needed to remove loose hair, dirt and surface debris while helping to spread the skin's natural oils.

Although these coats rarely develop mats, many short-haired breeds shed more than owners expect, so a quick weekly brush can make a noticeable difference around the home.

Double Coats

Double-coated breeds, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds, have a dense undercoat beneath a protective outer coat. These dogs benefit from brushing several times a week, particularly during spring and autumn when they naturally shed more heavily.

Use an undercoat rake or slicker brush to remove loose undercoat without damaging the outer coat. Work gently and avoid trying to remove every last hair, as the top coat helps protect your dog from both hot and cold weather.

Long Coats

Long-haired breeds need regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats forming beneath the surface of the coat. Rather than brushing over the top, work methodically in small sections, paying particular attention to areas where friction occurs.

Common problem areas include:

• Behind the ears
• Under the collar
• Under the front legs
• Around the tail
• On the back of the legs

Finishing with a metal comb helps check that you've removed any hidden knots before they become mats.

Curly Coats

Curly-coated breeds, such as Poodles and Cockapoos, are particularly prone to mats because loose hair becomes trapped within the curls instead of falling away naturally.

Frequent brushing using a slicker brush followed by a metal comb helps keep the coat free from tangles and prevents mats from forming close to the skin. Short, regular grooming sessions are much easier than trying to deal with heavy matting later.

Wire Coats

Wire-coated breeds have a unique coat texture that benefits from gentle, regular brushing to remove dirt and loose hair without flattening the coat. Depending on the breed, some wire coats also require occasional hand stripping or professional grooming to maintain their natural appearance.

If you're unsure about the best grooming routine for your dog's coat, a professional groomer can show you the most suitable techniques and tools.

Brushing During Shedding Season

Many dogs naturally shed more during spring and autumn as they change between their winter and summer coats. During these periods, increasing how often you brush your dog can help remove loose undercoat before it ends up around your home.

Double-coated breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds often benefit from brushing every day during heavy shedding, using an undercoat rake or slicker brush to remove loose fur gently.

Shedding is a completely natural process for many breeds. Regular brushing won't stop your dog moulting, but it can dramatically reduce the amount of loose hair around your home.

Making Brushing a Positive Routine

Brushing shouldn't feel like a struggle for you or your dog. With patience and a little consistency, most dogs learn to see grooming as a normal part of their routine—and many even come to enjoy the extra attention.

The key is to keep brushing sessions calm, gentle and positive. Short, successful sessions are much more effective than trying to brush your dog for too long in one go.

Introduce the Brush Gradually

If your dog is nervous or new to grooming, let them sniff and investigate the brush before you begin. Start with just a few gentle strokes and gradually increase the length of each session as your dog's confidence grows.

Puppies especially benefit from being introduced to brushing little and often, helping them build positive associations from an early age.

Use Praise and Rewards

Offer plenty of praise, gentle reassurance and the occasional treat while brushing. Rewarding calm behaviour helps your dog associate grooming with something enjoyable rather than something to avoid.

Keep Sessions Short

It's better to brush for five or ten relaxed minutes than to continue until your dog becomes restless or frustrated. Ending on a positive note makes it much more likely that your dog will cooperate next time.

🐾 Mutts & Moggs Top Tip

Choose a regular time for grooming, such as after a walk or before settling down in the evening. Dogs thrive on routine, and brushing often becomes much easier when it's part of the normal day rather than something unexpected.

When to Call a Professional Groomer or Your Vet

Most brushing can be carried out safely at home, but there are times when it's better to ask for professional help. Knowing when to stop can prevent unnecessary discomfort for your dog and help avoid making a small problem worse.

Sometimes the right answer is a professional groomer, while other situations need veterinary attention. Understanding the difference will help you make the best decision for your dog's coat and overall health.

When to Call a Professional Groomer

Some grooming jobs are simply too difficult or uncomfortable to tackle at home. A professional groomer has the experience, equipment and techniques to deal with heavily tangled coats safely and comfortably.

Consider booking a grooming appointment if your dog has:

• Tight mats that won't brush out gently.
• Large areas of tangled fur close to the skin.
• A coat that has become heavily matted after being neglected.
• A coat type that requires specialist grooming, such as hand stripping for some wire-coated breeds.
• Become anxious or resistant to brushing despite gentle, positive training.

A groomer can also show you the best brushes and techniques for your dog's coat, making future home grooming much easier.

When to Contact Your Vet

Some coat problems aren't grooming issues at all. If you notice anything unusual while brushing, it's important to seek veterinary advice rather than continuing to groom over the affected area.

Contact Your Vet If Your Dog Has:

• New lumps or bumps.
• Red, inflamed or sore skin.
• Open wounds or scabs.
• Hair loss or bald patches.
• Parasites such as ticks or signs of fleas.
• Persistent itching or scratching.
• A strong or unusual smell coming from the skin.
• Pain or discomfort when being brushed.

These symptoms may indicate an underlying skin condition, allergy, infection or another health issue that needs professional treatment.

❤️ Mutts & Moggs Good to Know

Regular brushing isn't just about keeping your dog's coat tidy—it's one of the easiest ways to notice changes in their skin and coat early. If something doesn't look or feel normal, it's always worth asking your vet for advice.

Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, a few simple mistakes can make brushing less effective—or less enjoyable—for your dog. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help keep grooming comfortable while protecting your dog's skin and coat.

Using the Wrong Brush

Not every brush suits every coat type. Using a brush that's too harsh can irritate the skin, while one that's too soft may only skim the surface without removing loose hair or reaching hidden tangles. Choosing the right brush for your dog's coat will make grooming easier and far more effective.

Pulling Through Knots

If the brush catches on a knot, resist the temptation to pull harder. Tugging at tangles can be painful and may make your dog anxious about being brushed in the future. Instead, work gently around the knot using short strokes or your fingers before trying again.

Only Brushing the Top of the Coat

A coat can look neat on the surface while hidden tangles develop underneath. This is particularly common in long-haired, curly and double-coated breeds. Brushing in small sections and finishing with a metal comb helps ensure you've reached all the way through the coat.

Rushing the Grooming Session

Trying to brush your entire dog as quickly as possible often means areas are missed or tangles are overlooked. Short, calm grooming sessions are usually much more successful than trying to do everything in one go.

Ignoring Small Mats

Small tangles can quickly develop into tight mats if they're left untreated. Checking your dog's coat regularly and dealing with knots early is much easier—and much kinder—than waiting until the coat becomes heavily matted.

⚠️ Mutts & Moggs Avoid This Mistake

Never force a brush through a tight knot or mat. Pulling can be painful and may damage the skin underneath. If a tangle won't come free with gentle brushing, it's usually safer to ask a professional groomer for help than to keep pulling.

Building a Healthy Grooming Routine

Looking after your dog's coat isn't about brushing or bathing in isolation—it's about creating a simple routine that keeps their skin, coat and overall wellbeing in great condition throughout the year.

A little time spent grooming regularly is usually far more effective than waiting until your dog's coat becomes dirty, tangled or uncomfortable. By combining brushing, routine health checks and sensible bathing, you'll help keep your dog looking, feeling and smelling their best.

1. Brush Regularly

Regular brushing is the foundation of good coat care. It removes loose hair, dirt and debris, helps prevent tangles and mats, and distributes the skin's natural oils to keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Choose a brushing routine that suits your dog's coat type and lifestyle, remembering that little and often is usually the best approach.

2. Check the Ears

While grooming, take a moment to check your dog's ears. Healthy ears should be pale pink with only a small amount of wax and no unpleasant odour. Regular ear checks make it easier to spot changes early and help keep your dog comfortable.

3. Freshen Up Between Baths

Not every muddy walk or slightly smelly coat needs a full bath. A waterless dog shampoo is ideal for quick freshen-ups between washes, helping remove light dirt and refresh the coat when bathing isn't practical.

4. Bathe When Needed

When your dog becomes properly dirty or starts to develop stubborn odours, it's time for a bath using a gentle dog shampoo that's suitable for their skin and coat. Bathing removes built-up dirt, excess oils and allergens that brushing alone can't always tackle.

5. Dry the Coat Thoroughly

After bathing or swimming, dry your dog's coat thoroughly, paying particular attention to thicker coats, skin folds and around the ears. A damp coat can encourage unpleasant odours, tangles and skin irritation if left for too long.

6. Finish with an Optional Freshen-Up

❤️ Mutts & Moggs Good to Know

The best grooming routine is one that fits easily into everyday life. Spending just a few minutes brushing your dog and giving them a quick health check each week is often enough to keep their coat healthy and make grooming a positive experience for both of you.

Myth vs Fact

Myth

Short-haired dogs don't need brushing.

Fact

All dogs benefit from regular brushing. Even short-haired breeds shed loose hair, collect dirt and produce natural oils that brushing helps distribute through the coat.

Myth

If the brush catches, you should pull a little harder.

Fact

Pulling on knots or mats can be painful and may damage your dog's skin. Work gently around tangles using short strokes, and seek help from a professional groomer if a mat won't brush out safely.

Myth

Brushing is only about making your dog look tidy.

Fact

Regular brushing helps remove loose hair, prevent mats, reduce shedding and gives you the chance to spot skin problems, parasites or lumps early. It's an important part of your dog's overall health and wellbeing—not just their appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my dog?

It depends on your dog's coat type. Smooth-coated dogs may only need brushing once a week, while long-haired, curly and double-coated breeds usually benefit from brushing several times a week or even daily during heavy shedding.

What's the best brush for my dog?

The best brush depends on your dog's coat. Rubber grooming mitts work well for smooth coats, bristle brushes suit many short-haired breeds, while slicker brushes, metal combs and undercoat rakes are better suited to longer, curlier or double-coated dogs.

Should I brush my dog before or after a bath?

Brushing before a bath is usually best. It helps remove loose hair and small tangles before they tighten when the coat becomes wet. Once your dog's coat is completely dry, a quick brush afterwards can help restore its natural finish.

What should I do if I find a mat?

Don't pull or force the brush through it. Try gently working around the edges of the mat using short strokes or your fingers. If it's tight against the skin or too large to remove comfortably, it's usually safest to ask a professional groomer for help.

My dog hates being brushed. What should I do?

Keep grooming sessions short, calm and positive. Introduce the brush gradually, use plenty of praise and treats, and stop before your dog becomes frustrated. Most dogs become much more relaxed when brushing is part of a regular routine.

Can I brush my puppy?

Yes. Introducing gentle brushing from a young age helps puppies become comfortable with grooming. Keep sessions short, use a soft brush that's suitable for their coat and reward them with plenty of praise and treats.

Recommended Products

The right products can help keep your dog's coat clean, healthy and comfortable between grooming sessions. These are the products we recommend to complement a regular brushing routine.

• Mutts & Moggs Oatmeal Dog Shampoo – A gentle shampoo with colloidal oatmeal and Aloe Vera that's ideal for regular bathing and dogs with dry or sensitive skin.
• Mutts & Moggs Drywash Shampoo – Perfect for freshening your dog's coat between baths after walks, muddy adventures or everyday life.
• Mutts & Moggs Dog Cologne – A light, dog-friendly finishing spray that helps keep coats smelling fresh between washes when used as part of a regular grooming routine.

Regular brushing is the foundation of a healthy coat. Combined with sensible bathing and the right grooming products, it helps keep your dog looking, feeling and smelling their best throughout the year.

The Takeaway

Brushing your dog is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support their overall health and wellbeing. Regular brushing removes loose hair, helps prevent tangles and mats, keeps the coat looking its best and gives you the opportunity to spot skin problems or parasites early.

The key is to use the right brush for your dog's coat type, brush little and often, and keep every grooming session calm and positive. Combined with sensible bathing and routine health checks, regular brushing helps keep your dog's coat healthy, comfortable and looking great all year round.

Remember, grooming isn't just about appearance—it's an important part of caring for your dog's health and strengthening the bond you share.

🐾 Continue Your Pet Care Journey

Good grooming is about more than just brushing. Explore our other practical Pet Care Guides for expert advice on bathing, coat care and everyday wellbeing.

• Bathing Your Puppy for the First Time
  
  
• How to Clean Your Dog's Ears Safely at Home
  
  
• How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
  
  
• How to Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh Between Baths
  
  
• Why Does My Dog Smell Even After a Bath?
  
  
• Waterless Dog Shampoo: When to Use It (and When Not To)
  
  
• Oatmeal Dog Shampoo: Benefits for Sensitive Skin