Regular brushing means less fur on the sofa and fewer tangles. The right tool depends mostly on your pet's coat and how much they enjoy being groomed.
Quick guide
| Tool | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Slicker brush | Medium and long coats, tangles, heavy shedding | Use light pressure; pins can irritate skin |
| Grooming glove | Short coats, nervous pets, pets who dislike brushes | Won't work out tangles in long coats |
| Steam (mist) brush | Flyaway fur and light daily brushing | Use plain water; it's a cool mist, not hot steam |
| Flea comb | Checking for fleas, fine fur around the face and eyes | A comb isn't a flea treatment |
| Paw trimmer | Fur between paw pads, around face and ears | Detail areas only, not full-body clipping |
Short coats
Short, fine coats don't tangle much but still shed. A grooming glove gathers loose fur as you stroke, which many pets accept more easily than a brush. A mist brush helps with flyaway hair.
Medium and long coats
A slicker brush lifts loose undercoat and works out small tangles. Brush in the direction the fur grows and use light pressure. If you find a large mat close to the skin, don't pull at it: ask a groomer or your vet.
Making brushing calmer
- Pick a quiet time when your pet is relaxed, like after a walk or before bed.
- Let them sniff the tool first.
- Start somewhere easy, like the shoulders, with a few short strokes.
- Stop before they get fed up, and finish with a treat.
- Build up a little each day.
Fleas
A fine-tooth flea comb helps you spot fleas and flea dirt, especially around the neck and base of the tail. If you find any, talk to your vet about a suitable treatment for your pet and your home.
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These guides are general information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet's health, eating or drinking, speak to your vet.