HOW OFTEN SHOULD DOG GROOMING BRUSHES BE CLEANED?

Brushing the dog’s coat is important for your dog. It will remove dead skin and
other allergens from your dog’s body. To prevent redistribution of the same dirt
and small hair stuck in the brushes, cleaning the brushes frequently is necessary.
To clean the brushes, we need some basic household products which can be
found in any home. Some hygienic measures are also required for maintaining
the brushes’ quality.

TIPS TO CLEAN THE GROOMING BRUSHES

1. Remove all hairs from the brush
   Before making a cleaning solution, remove hairs and dirt from the brush. You can
   remove this with your hand or leave the brush in water, and after some time, all
   the visible hair and dirt will automatically come out. It is not necessary to remove
   all the visible dirt. Just try to detach the strong, large clumps of hair and dirt.
2. Solution of water and shampoo
   Add shampoo in a bowl of water and put the brush in it. After some time, take the
   brush out and clean it with your hand. You can also use a pin-like object to
   remove the dirt which is placed in the brush pad. Use a pet shampoo for this or
   you can use vinegar also, according to your preference. Check the pet shampoo
   ingredients before buying it because many shampoos contain propylene glycol,
   carcinogens, and perfumes. If possible, choose organic shampoo.
3. Wash it with clean water
   After soaking, rinse the brush with clean water. It will wash away the shampoo
   from the brush and will remove invisible dust stuck in the bristles. After washing,
   shake it off slightly to remove excess moisture from the brush. You can do this by
   dipping the brush in the bowl of fresh water or you can rinse the brush in the
   sink.
4. Use disinfectant
   Shampoo and vinegar contain antibacterial properties. If you are worried about
   bacteria and germs, then you can apply strong disinfectant separately. You can

buy disinfectant spray like aerosol and enzymatic from the store. If possible, you
can make disinfectant spray at home by mixing water with bleach. Now,
ultraviolet light is even available in the market, which also helps in killing
bacteria.

5. Dry the brush before its use
   Never use a wet brush for grooming. Let it dry before using it. You can use a towel
   for this.
6. Store it in a dry place
   Keep the brush in a dry place. Bacteria live longer in colder temperatures so avoid
   storing it in a place where the temperature is low. Don’t forget to keep it where
   your dog can’t reach it. Too much humid climate is also not good, so purchase a
   dehumidifier if you live in a moist climate to keep your brush dry. Be aware that a
   dehumidifier can destroy the rubber pad so try to use a plastic brush.
7. Clean the brush frequently
   After each use, clean the brush thoroughly; otherwise, hair and dirt will start
   generating on it. Most people clean it after each use while some clean it weekly.

TYPES OF DOG BRUSHES

1. Slicker brush
   It has a short wire. It is used on long to medium-hair dogs and curly-haired dogs.
   It easily removes mats from dogs. Various types of slicker brushes are available in
   the market, so select the one that will make grooming easier for your dog. Be
   gentle when using this because the wires are tightly spaced and can cause them
   discomfort. It can be easily used on different breeds.
2. Bristle brush
   It is perfect for short and smooth-haired dogs. It stimulates the skin and removes
   dirt from the coat. It increases oil production in the dog’s skin. It can be used on
   different breeds.
3. Pin brush
   A pin brush looks like the brushes that we use. It is oval and their wires are
   loosely arranged with pins at the top of it. It is a very common brush. It is good
   for removing mats and tangles from long to medium-haired dogs.

BEST DOG BRUSH

1. Hertzko self-cleaning slicker brush

It is the favorite brush of pet owners. It removes loose hair, tangle and mats from
the dog’s body very gently. Its wires are slightly blended which allow for going
deep into the dog’s fur. It doesn’t scratch or irritate the skin. It can be used for all
breeds.
2 Pet neat pet grooming brush
It is best for a short-haired dog like bulldogs, labs and beagles. It is efficient and
effective and has a plastic safety cover. It easily removes all loose hair and no
tangle problems will be found when you comb your dog with this brush.