How to Use a Slicker Brush on Your Dog

Slicker brushes smooth and add shine to any long-haired dog's coat.

A slicker brush removes tangles and mats from long-haired dogs while gently massaging the skin with its tines. These brushes work well for intensive dog grooming and proper use results in soft, shiny coats and healthy circulation in the skin. Slicker brushes are simple to use, but require a gentle hand.

Things You'll Need

• Slicker brush
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Brush hair in the direction of hair growth, from shoulders to tail, down to the belly and then down the legs.

2. Hold the hair while brushing out mats and tangles to prevent uncomfortable tugging or pulling of the hair.

3. Brush the face and feet with a small slicker brush. The small slicker brush is more gentle on delicate areas.

4. Rub down the dog's body with a soft cloth after brushing to remove dead hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the tines of the slicker brush against your forearm. If the tines puncture the skin or cause any discomfort, the brush shouldn't be used on your dog and another, gentler brush should be purchased.

• Use a small slicker brush for small dog breeds and a large slicker brush for large dog breeds (with the exception of a small slicker brush on the face and feet).

• Brush small areas of the dog's hair at a time to allow the dog to become used to the feel of the brush.

• Do not press the brush down too hard, as the tines can puncture or scrape the skin.

References

• Dogs Love Forever; Best Slicker Brush for Dogs; Patricia Fioriello; November 2010
• Youtube; Long Haired Dog Grooming Tools : Slicker Brushes for Dog Grooming; Elise McMahon; October 2008