Finding the correct dog brush for your short-haired dog can be a minefield. There are so many choices available the selection process is often a hit-and-miss procedure, or you have to take a leap of faith and hope you have purchased the correct brush for your dog’s coat.
After doing a lot of research for the best brush for my German Shorthaired Pointer, I came up with this article to help other dog owners brush their short-haired dog’s fur balls clear from their coat and leave the dog looking wonderfully groomed.
Below you’ll find the answer, and we also cover:
- How often should you brush a short haired dog?
- Why is my dog shedding so much?
- What are the brush options for short-haired dogs?
- Is there a time when you shouldn’t brush your dog?
Should short-haired dogs be brushed?
Yes, your dog will need regular brushing. It’s a misconception that short-haired dogs do not need brushing, they need brushing the same as a dog with a regular coat to keep their hair clean and free from debris which also keeps their skin clean.
When selecting a brush for a short haired dog such as a German Shorthaired Pointer, you will need a brush that has stiff bristles that are compact and close together.
This will enable you to remove as much of the dead hair from the dog as possible in the shortest amount of grooming time.
Why do short-haired dogs need to be brushed?
Because they shed hair. Short hair dogs can shed hair which is apparent if the dog has a thick coat, but you should also understand a dog with a thin coat will also shed hair but not quite as much.
For this reason, you must remove the dead hair from the dog’s coat to keep the hair in good condition and to protect your dog’s skin.
How often should you brush your shorthaired dog’s coat?
It’s a little less than dogs with long coats. You should be brushing your short-haired dog at least once every two weeks to keep the dog’s coat in good condition.
If your dog is active, brush the coat once a week to remove dead hair and other debris the dog may have collected in his coat while outdoors.
How do you brush a shedding short-haired dog?
With the direction of hair growth. When you brush your dog’s hair, you may have the urge to go against the direction of hair growth or against the grain, and this will achieve nothing and maybe agitate your dog.
It’s a simple process with a short haired dog. Brush your dog’s coat in small sections, maybe 3-to 4-inch strokes, so you are removing all of the dead hairs and other debris in the dog’s coat.
Ensure the dog is groomed thoroughly and enjoy the unique bonding experience between your dog and yourself.
Why is my short-haired dog shedding so much?
If shedding is excessive, visit your veterinarian for advice. Your furry friend may have a canine medical condition that is exacerbating the hair loss. This could be caused by:
- A fungal infection.
- Your dog has picked up a parasite or parasites that are causing skin irritation.
- Keep your dog out of the sun; dogs can suffer significantly in the sun and get sunburn which will cause them to shed.
- Is your dog stressed? A stressed dog can behave strangely, and excess hair loss could be a symptom your dog needs some TLC.
- Hormone issues are responsible for shedding.
- Thyroid issues should be investigated.
What type of brush should I use on short hair dogs?
You want a short, densely packed bristle brush. There is a large selection of brushes, so let’s take a look at a selection of brushes in no particular order.
- The Furminator is a great name but does it do a good job? It’s better than you might think and does a perfect job for brushing short haired dogs. It removes the dead hairs without damaging the top coat.
- Slicker brush has fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. They are used on medium-to-long-haired or curly-haired dogs to remove mats. A commonly used brush that does a tremendous job at removing dead hair. They are cheap and easy to use. Again,
- The bristle brush is ideal for short-haired dogs and stimulates the skin with its gentle action. The molded ball ends on the bristles to make sure the dog is not stressed and feels comfortable.
You can see from the selection of three brushes that you will need to make a decision or two when it comes to grooming your short haired dog.
Do you need more than one type of brush for your dog?
Long haired dogs, yes. Short Haired dogs can use the same brush on their body, legs, and face without a problem.
Does your dog enjoy being brushed?
Mostly yes, once they are used to the experience. Imagine you were covered from head to foot in hair. Would you enjoy brushing your hair to remove the dead hairs and debris you have gathered while walking with your owner?
The answer would be a resounding yes, and your dog likes it just as much. It makes your dog feel clean and prevents fleas and ticks from establishing a home on your dog’s hair.
Most of all, you will also enjoy the experience of being close to your pooch and sharing that time together.
Is there a time when you should not brush your dog?
Yes, if your dog has a skin irritation. If your dog has sunburn, then brushing may be a sore experience for the dog, so hold off for a few days and let the sunburn subside, the same if the dog is undergoing treatment for a skin condition.
Should you brush a wet coat?
Why not! Short Haired dogs don’t have tangles like their long-haired relatives, so brushing your dog after bath time will be ok if not somewhat redundant, but if you want to do it after bath time, go ahead.
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