A double-coated dog has fur that you just can’t ignore. Why? Because they shed all year round, most especially during warmer weather. Your Shiba Inu is included in the list of dog breeds that need their fur taken care of by brushes for double-coated dogs.
First, to avoid the trouble that comes with shedding, it’s important that you have a durable vacuum cleaner at home. Second, you need a reliable dog brush specifically designed for double coats to manage loose hair and keep the coat in good shape.
What is a double-coated dog?
Double-coated dogs refer to dog breeds that have two layers of fur.
The outer coat is longer and coarser. It’s also known as the guard hair as it protects your dog’s skin against first and moisture. In addition, it is a protection against environmental elements, like cold snow and harmful UV rays.
The inner coat is shorter, thicker, and softer. It’s also known as an undercoat and shields your dog against hot and cold weather. It can keep him warm during the colder season and cool in warmer months.
Why double-coated dogs need regular brushing?
Double-coated dogs, such as the Shiba Inu, need high-maintenance grooming. Shiba Inu sheds a lot and without regular proper grooming, the undercoat will get caught with the outer coat, resulting in mats and tangles.
When you regularly brush your Shiba Inu’s fur, you are helping your dog’s body temperature regulate, eliminate dead hair and distribute natural oils. You also get to regularly examine your Shiba Inu’s skin and detect underlying skin conditions and parasites.
Types of Brushes to Groom your Shiba Inu
Considering that your Shiba Inu has two different fur types in its body, it’s only justifiable that you need different types of brushes to groom these as well.
Here are essential brush types you need to groom a double-coated dog.
- Wide-toothed comb. Eliminate mats and tangles on the overcoat
- Undercoat rakes. Goes through the undercoat to gently remove loose hair from the inner coat
- Bristle brushes. Smoothens the hair and spreads natural oils throughout the dog’s fur
- Slicker brushes. Helps remove loose hair and prevents matting and tangles. Helpful for areas where hair is thicker and longer.
The Best Dog Brushes for your Shiba Inu
Having a Shiba Inu at home means investing in the best dog brushes for double-coated dogs. That being said, we have rounded up the best brushes that you can use for your double-coated best friends!
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush perfectly collects loose fur from all over your Shiba Inu’s body. Since it is a slicker brush, it is capable of thoroughly brushing areas where the hair tends to be thicker and more difficult to clean.
One feature to appreciate about this brush is its self-cleaning button that retracts the metal wires and you can easily remove the collected fur.
BV 2-Sided Bristle and Pin Dog Brush
With the BV 2-Sided Bristle and Pin brush, you get two functions in one product. The pin side is helpful for detangling and smoothing out long fur while the bristle side distributes your dog’s natural oils throughout its body and removes dirt.
This is a regular brush that is gentle enough to be used daily.
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs
The FURminator deshedding tool is popular and we must say it does live up to the hype. If you are looking for the perfect tool to thin out the undercoat, this might be the perfect one for you.
It consists of small, closely-spaced teeth, specifically designed to collect loose undercoat hair. It also has a button that disposes of the fur you’ve gathered.
Like all deshedding tools, you need to be extra gentle in using the FURminator to prevent skin irritation and keep the top coat intact.
Pat Your Pet Undercoat Rake
For dogs with super thick fur, finding the appropriate brush might be a challenging task. But the Pat Your Pet Undercoat Rake is here to save you. It’s designed like a rake with rounded teeth. It reaches down past the thick coat and into the undercoat to comb out fur and remove tangles.
It also serves a double purpose. One side is lined with nine wide-spaced teeth for tangles while the other has 17 closely-spaced teeth for looser fur.
HappyDogz Slicker Dog Brush for Shedding Short Hair and Long Pet Hair
This tool is something that pet groomers love to the core. It’s excellent for long-haired dogs and helps brush away loose hair, tangles, and knots. It consists of gentle bristles to avoid irritating your dog’s skin.
The HappyDogz Slicker Dog Brush has an ergonomic design that is well-appreciated. It’s available in two sizes, one for small breeds while the other is for bigger dog breeds.
