How to Brush Pets

You may brush your own hair a good old-fashioned 100 strokes a day but you may be neglecting your pet's hair. Pets need brushing too. Regular brushing is needed to maintain a healthy coat. Brushing helps to reduce shedding. The more loose hairs you pick up in the brush the less you find all over your furniture. Brushing also helps prevent your long-haired pet's fur from tangling. Brushing helps to distribute the skin's natural oils keeping the skin healthy and the fur soft and shiny. It's worth noting that brushing a dog is usually easier than brushing a cat. Some cats don't mind brushing but many others do. There are ways to brush even the most uncooperative pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pet Brush

1. Choose the right brush for your pet. Make sure the brush you pick is appropriate for your pet. Cats need a softer brush than dogs. Consider the type of coat your pet has. A long top coat with a dense undercoat will benefit from a brush with firm bristles that are widely spaced whereas a fine, short coat would do better with softer bristles that are set close together. If you're in doubt ask a salesperson for assistance.

2. Get in a comfortable position. Pick your cat up and place it in your lap. Pet the cat to help it relax and get comfortable before you begin to brush. If brushing a dog you can assume the same position as you would with a cat if the dog is small. If the dog is large try to get the dog to lie down and then sit down beside the dog and pet it as you normally would before you begin brushing. Begin brushing lightly and slowly so you don't startle your pet.

3. Brush your pet thoroughly to remove loose hairs from the coat. Use short, firm strokes to get beneath the surface of the top coat. People often brush the surface of their pet's coat but do not completely reach the undercoat.

4. Try a backstroke. When brushing your pet's coat try brushing against the grain. By doing so you get beneath the top coat and remove loose hairs from underneath. Brushing against the grain also helps to massage the skin thereby providing better distribution of the skin's natural oils.

5. Don't get frustrated if your pet won't sit still long enough to allow you to brush his/her coat. There is a solution that may be preferable to both you and your pet. Try a grooming glove. You can slip the glove on your hand and simply pet your cat or dog. The glove has bristles that permits it to work like a brush. Most cats and dogs love it when you pet them. The grooming glove will help you to keep your pet's coat healthy and he'll love the attention.