Many pet owners think of brushes when they are shopping for grooming tools for their pet. The commonly used “slicker brush” is an effective tool for grasping and removing the dead hairs and are especially useful in the high shedding breeds (e.g. Labrador Retrievers, Golder Retrievers, Huskies, and some cats.
However, the best tool to completely remove hairs and mats is a comb. Metallic combs (often called “Greyhound combs” are useful for the shedding breeds listed above but essential for fine, thin coated, non shedding breeds like longhaired terriers (Wheatens, Scotties, Cairns, Westies, Yorkies), Spaniels, Schnauzers, Poodles and Poodle mixes (Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Bernadoodle, Cockapoo, Malti-poo, Shih-poo, etc.), Maltese, Havanese, Shih Tzu, as well as medium and longhaired cats.
The major advantage of the comb is the long metallic tines reach all the way through the coat to the skin, where tangles, knots, and mats like to hide from brushes. When combing through the coat, the groomer will experience resistance when the comb catches on a tangle, so slow, gentle persistence is necessary to work all the knots out. Combs also effectively remove debris caught in the fur (eg burrs). Going over a pet’s entire body with a comb will remove dozens of mats and leave the coat soft and fluffy. Although your pet won’t necessarily love the combing process, removing mats and tangles will leave them feeling more comfortable and prevent irritation to the skin over time.
If you don’t have a comb for your pet, pick one up today. You’ll be amazed at how many tangles on your long-haired pet are just waiting to be removed!
