Should I brush my dog while she's wet

When we play with our dogs outside and they accidentally get their fur wet, or when we just give them a bath and look at their wet fur, many owners may wonder: should we comb their dog's fur at this time? This seemingly simple question actually contains many knowledge related to the health of dog hair.

The hair structure of dogs is different from that of humans, as their fur is composed of an outer layer of protective hair and an inner layer of fluff. The hair protector is long and tough, playing a role in protecting the body and resisting the external environment; Fleece is softer and finer, mainly used to regulate body temperature. Different breeds of dogs also have differences in the length, texture, and density of their fur. For example, Golden Retrievers have long, thick double layered fur, while Chihuahuas have relatively short and thin fur.

Combing dog hair when it is wet has certain benefits. Wet fur is relatively softer and less likely to break when combing. For some dog breeds with easily tangled fur, such as Bichon and Poodle, combing wet fur can make it easier to untie some small knots. From a cleaning perspective, combing wet hair can further remove dirt and impurities from the hair, making it cleaner. For example, when a dog gets mud while playing outside, combing it out in a wet state can better remove the mud from its fur.

But there are also many risks involved in grooming dogs when their fur is wet. Moist hair is more prone to tangling because when the hair is in a moist state, the scales will open up and become easier to entangle with each other. If forcibly combing at this time, it will not only be difficult to comb through, but also cause pain to the dog, making it fearful and resistant to combing. Moreover, wet hair combing may also damage the dog's hair follicles and skin. Excessive force in combing wet hair may cause damage to hair follicles, affect normal hair growth, and even trigger skin inflammation. Dogs with sensitive skin, such as Bacchus and French Mastiffs, have a higher risk of skin injury when grooming their fur in a wet state.

If you choose to comb your dog's hair when it is wet, you must master the correct method. Firstly, choose the appropriate comb. For long haired dogs, a needle comb can be used, which has longer teeth that can penetrate deep into the bottom layer of the hair, resulting in a better combing effect; Short haired dogs can use combs, which have fine comb teeth and can effectively comb their short hair. Before combing, use a dry towel to absorb as much moisture as possible from the dog's hair, reduce the humidity of the hair, and lower the risk of tangling. When combing, the action should be gentle. Start from the tip of the hair and comb slowly towards the root. Do not forcibly pull the knotted area. Spray some pet specific untie spray, or use your fingers to carefully untie the knots before combing.

Actually, it is recommended to comb the dog's hair when it is dry. Dry hair is less prone to tangling, allowing for smoother combing and reducing damage to the dog's skin and hair follicles. Generally speaking, grooming a dog's fur once a day is a suitable frequency. When combing, start from the head and comb the neck, back, abdomen, limbs, and tail in the direction of hair growth. By combing, not only can dead hair and dust be removed, but it can also promote blood circulation in the dog's skin, enhance skin health, and make the dog's hair smoother and more shiny. Moreover, grooming is also a good opportunity for intimate interaction between the owner and the dog. During this process, the dog can feel the owner's love and enhance their relationship with each other.

In addition to the timing of combing hair, daily hair care is also very important. Providing dogs with nutritionally balanced food that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help maintain the health of their fur. For example, dogs can be fed foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and fish oil, which can improve the quality of their hair and make it more shiny. Regularly bathing dogs is also essential, but the frequency of bathing should not be too high, usually 2-3 times a month. Overbathing can disrupt the oil balance of the dog's skin, leading to dryness and hair loss. When taking a bath, use pet specific shower gel and avoid using human bath products, as the pH of human bath products may not be suitable for the dog's skin.

Dogs are our most loyal companions, and their health and happiness are our top concerns. When it comes to dog hair care, we need to learn more about relevant knowledge and choose the most suitable grooming time and method based on the actual situation of the dog. Whether combing our dog's hair wet or dry, our goal is to give them healthy and beautiful fur, so that they can accompany us happily through every day. Let us cherish every hair of our dogs with love and care, accompanying them to grow up healthy.