What is the use of Slicker Brush?

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Many of us love pets. And in today’s busy world when relationships are in disarray due to distrust and misunderstandings, time contraints, people consider pets their most trusted friends. Nowadays, we have everything made especially for pets including foods, medical help, games and toys, grooming equipments, cosmetics and clothes. Depending upon interest, people adopt different types of pets, but cats and dogs are the most favorite. So as to maintain the fur of these animals, its cleanliness and texture, special slicker brushes are popularly preferred.

What is a slicker brush?

Slicker brush is made up of short bristles of metals and is used for separating the hairs of fur of animals. Basically it helps you to brush along the direction of the grain or against it making your dog look fluffier. Repeated brushing with a slicker brush helps in improving the look and texture of the fur of your pet. But since the bristles are made up of metal, you should never brush the hair vigorously or else it may hurt your pet. Using slicker brush twice a week can help in making your dear puppy look fluffier and mat-free.

Why is a slicker brush used?

Fur of dogs has a tendency to get disoriented and tangled giving a mat appearance to their hair. Slicker brush helps in gently removing the tangles of long-haired puppies and also gives gentle massage to the skin in the process. Slicker brush is an integral part of the intensive grooming program for pets and gives extra shine and softness to the fur coat with regular use. Well tuned strokes of this brush helps to improve blood circulation of their skin and also removes any dust, grime and flies attached to the upper layer of the skin. Although very easy to use, this brush should be handled gently as they are quite sturdy. It carries a slanted design which puts the beast at ease and the hardness of wooden handle and metal bristles efficiently remove stickiest of the dirt from the fur coat.

How to use slicker brush?

Here is a step by step direction for using slicker brush effectively:

• Before using the brush, check the direction of growth of the hair and start moving the brush in the same direction.
• Start from the shoulders, slowly coming to the tail and then from belly to the legs
• At the tangled spots or mats, hold the hair and slowly untangle the hair with easy and smooth strokes of the slicker brush
• For feet and face you can use a smaller version of slicker brush which is made especially for delicate parts and is gentle with the hair
• After the brushing, rub the body of the puppy with a soft piece of cloth so as to remove traces of dead hair 

How should you treat a mat or knot?

Whenever your pet indulges in high activity, his hair gets tangled causing mat or knots on the coat. This gives the puppy an untidy look. So whenever you come across a knot do not try to use slicker brush on it. Instead immediately cut it, because many times these knots are knitted very close to the dog’s skin and using slicker brush can cause injury to its skin resulting in profuse bleeding. Areas where you mostly find mat or knot include armpits, thighs, belly, inside of the ear and the point where ear and head connects. Never let the hairs grow long as they can enter the eyes and ears of the puppy and get entangled with the ear wax making a complicated knot.

What precautions should be taken while using slicker brush?

You should take following precautins while using a slicker brush:

• While purchasing a slicker brush, test it first on your forearm. If the tines on it cause scratches on your skin or any other injury, do not buy it.
• Slicker brush come in different sizes and you can purchase one according to the size and strength of your dog.
• Never use the brush harshly as it can cause puncture to the skin
• After the use, clean the brush so that no traces of hair remain tangled in its bristles. This is important because, many times flies and other insects that are attached to your pet's skin get attached to the brush. 

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