Coat brushing

Cleo2014

Cleo2014

Forums Enthusiast
I want to make sure I am not damaging Cleo's coat. I have been recently told that if I am going to be brushing her, I need to have a spray bottle with me and dampen her fur so I don't cause any breakage. I have not been doing this when I brush her and now I'm concerned.
 
That's correct, you should always mist the coat with water (or if you want to get fancy or eliminate static a bit of conditioner mixed with water) before you brush. Brushing a dry coat increases hair breakage. Don't worry, even if you've been brushing it dry, any damage will grow back. You don't have to soak the dog...just mist lightly using a spray bottle.

I add a drop of essential peppermint oil to my misting bottle every few refills. It smells great and helps keep bugs away. You can also use essential lavender oil, but the peppermint acts as insect repellent.
 
So then my next questions are... I have a furbuster (generic furminator). Is that okay to use on a Sheltie's fur? I have been using it but I am reading mixed reviews on the type of dog you use them on and fur length. Or do I just need to get a shedding rake? And if I can use these then do I still need to line brush? I find that after I use the furbuster, when I line brush a week later, there is hardly any undercoat under there... Also while using the furnimator I was told not to wet the hair. She is only 11 months old now, so I am not even sure if all of her undercoat has come in at this point. It’s all confusing to me.. I'm still learning as you can see...:o
 
Well I answered one of my questions by doing much more research. I won't be using the furbuster anymore on Cleo. I will still use it on my cat though. So now I just need to get a shedding rake. And I will continue to line brush but I may get a different brush than I was using. I need a nice pin brush, one without the little balls on the end. Ugh so confusing. But I will eventually get it I think.
 
Now I have another question. I am looking at getting a Chris Christensen pin brush but I have no idea what size I am needing.... anyone else have this brush? What are your thoughts?
 
Cleo2014 said:
Now I have another question. I am looking at getting a Chris Christensen pin brush but I have no idea what size I am needing.... anyone else have this brush? What are your thoughts?
Click to expand...

I have a 20mm because Missy doesn't have a very thick coat. I think most Sheltie people use the 27mm. Madan pin brushes, which people also like, have 22mm pins.
 
I'm so glad you decided against the Furminator. It's terrible for Sheltie coats! It cuts the guard hair which you don't want to do to a Sheltie coat. A shedding rake is much better. I have a simple wooden-handled one that takes out tons of fur. Here's a link to something similar:
http://www.amazon.com/Conair-Short-...446847381&sr=8-19&keywords=shedding+rake+dogs

If you get the CC pin brush, I would get the 20mm pins.

I have a few of the Chris Christensen brushes, and they're good, but I love my Madans! They're cheaper and do a great job. Be careful if you order them to get the right pin strength. You probably want a Medium...they're color-coded. You can find them at http://wicketsbymel.com/madan.html.
 
Ann said:
I'm so glad you decided against the Furminator. It's terrible for Sheltie coats! It cuts the guard hair which you don't want to do to a Sheltie coat. A shedding rake is much better. I have a simple wooden-handled one that takes out tons of fur. Here's a link to something similar:
http://www.amazon.com/Conair-Short-...446847381&sr=8-19&keywords=shedding+rake+dogs

If you get the CC pin brush, I would get the 20mm pins.

I have a few of the Chris Christensen brushes, and they're good, but I love my Madans! They're cheaper and do a great job. Be careful if you order them to get the right pin strength. You probably want a Medium...they're color-coded. You can find them at http://wicketsbymel.com/madan.html.
Click to expand...

Madan brushes are cheaper elsewhere.. If I'm going to spend $26 on a brush, I'm going to get a CC brush. Personal preference. I have the lavender Madan brush and I prefer the 20mm CC brush over it. But I know others prefer the Madan brush over the CC brushes.
http://www.paws-and-tails.com/madanbrush.aspx
 
Jess041 said:
I have a 20mm because Missy doesn't have a very thick coat. I think most Sheltie people use the 27mm. Madan pin brushes, which people also like, have 22mm pins.
Click to expand...


I can't quite tell, but I think I have the 20mm CC brush as well. I've had ours for around 7 years. It's still in perfect shape. I have that and a small slicker brush, and a cheap petsmart comb and I've never needed anything else.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top