A slicker brush for dogs is an important tool when it comes to your dog’s grooming. Not every dog has the same grooming requirements though, so it’s important to become familiar with your pup’s coat before choosing a brush. Even if you take your dog to the groomer for baths and haircuts, it’s still crucial that you brush them in between appointments. Proper brushing can help you decrease shedding or prevent matting in your dog’s coat.
What is a Slicker Brush?
A slicker brush for dogs is a brush with many thin, short wires close together. The brush is flat and often rectangular-shaped on the top. It comes in multiple sizes depending on how large your dog is. Slicker brushes are most commonly used on long-haired dogs or dogs with curly coats because it can help prevent matting. If you don’t brush your dog enough, their coat could develop knots called mats, which can be painful if not brushed out.
This type of brush is most commonly used for dogs that have hair instead of fur, meaning their coats continuously grow instead of shed. Some examples are Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Cocker Spaniels. Sometimes, slicker brushes are also used for dogs with thick coats of fur like Golden Retrievers and Saint Bernards.
There is a common misconception that slicker brushes hurt dogs. However, this is only true if the brush is not used correctly. When using a slicker brush, you should be gentle. If your dog has a thin coat, make sure you don’t apply too much pressure to their coat when brushing. Otherwise, the fine wires could scratch their skin.
Best Slicker Brush Products for Dogs
Here are some examples of slicker brushes for dogs. We have analyzed each option based on features, pros, and cons.
#1 – Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush Large
This brush only comes in a large size, so it’s great for large breeds with thick, curly hair, like Standard Poodles. The exterior and handle are red, and it’s designed with more bristles than most slicker brushes. It should be able to brush through even the curliest and most dense coats. It can be used for smoothing out a dog’s hair or removing loose fur from a dog with a dense undercoat. It can be used on all parts of a dog’s body, making them feel soft and cuddly afterwards.
Pros:
- It can brush through matted coats.
- It can brush through dense undercoats.
- It has more bristles than most brushes.
- It’s used by professional groomers.
Cons:
- It only comes in a large size.
- It’s expensive.
- The handle could break off.
#2 – Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs
This green brush comes in either small, medium, or large to better suit your dog’s size. It has a unique feature that allows the bristles of the brush to retract with the push of a button. This makes it much easier to remove the hair and wipe the brush clean. Then, you can reposition the brush when you’re ready to use it again. The bristles are gentler than most brushes to ensure that they don’t irritate your dog’s skin. The handle is also comfortable to make brushing better for you too.
Pros:
- The bristles are retractable.
- It comes in three sizes.
- It’s affordable.
- The bristles are gentle.
- The handle is comfortable.
- It’s easy to clean.
Cons:
- It could arrive damaged.
- It might not be as strong as other brushes.
#3 – Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush
This black and purple brush has a thicker top than the other brushes, but it also has a mechanic that makes cleaning easy. The button on the back causes the bristles to retract. Then, the hair can easily be removed without hassle. It’s designed to brush through thick hair and fur without causing any irritation to your dog’s skin. It also has a comfortable anti-slip handle to ensure that you and your pup are as comfortable as possible during grooming. It can be purchased in a regular size for larger breeds and a smaller size for small breeds.
Pros:
- The bristles are retractable.
- It can brush through mats.
- It’s easy to clean.
- It comes in two sizes.
- It won’t irritate your dog’s skin.
- The handle is comfortable.
Cons:
- The button could break.
- The button doesn’t lock.
- The bristles bend easily.
#4 – Andis Premium Large Firm Pet Slicker Brush
The Andis Premium Slicker Brush only comes in a large size, which is ideal for large dog breeds, but not so much for small breeds. It’s a sleek black color with fine wire bristles. These bristles are designed to remove tangles, matting, dirt, and debris from your dog’s coat. It can be used for any dogs that are prone to matting, whether they have hair or fur. It can also remove loose fur from the undercoats of shedding dogs. The soft, anti-slip handle will also help you stay comfortable while brushing.
Pros:
- It’s affordable.
- It removes mats, tangles, dirt, and debris.
- It can remove loose fur.
- It has a comfortable handle.
- It lasts long.
Cons:
- It only comes in a large size.
- It’s difficult to clean.
- It might not work well for dogs with double coats.
#5 – FURminator Firm Slicker Brush for Dogs
This double-sided brush is much more affordable than similar options. It can be purchased in either small or large, and it has different bristles on each side. One side has straight bristles and the other has curved ones, making it easier to choose your preferred brush type. The bristles are designed to remove mats and tangles without harming your dog’s coat. The handle is made to be comfortable and efficient to make brushing fast and easy for your dog. The plastic it’s made of is also anti-microbial, which means it will help keep germs and bacteria away from your dog.
Pros:
- It’s very affordable.
- It comes in two sizes.
- It has two different types of bristles.
- It’s anti-microbial.
- The handle is comfortable.
- It removes mats and tangles from your dog’s coat.
Cons:
- The bristles might be too sharp.
- It’s heavy and bulky.
- It might not be good for dogs with double coats.
- It’s hard to clean.
Does Your Dog Need a Slicker Brush?
If your dog has long, curly hair, then they need a slicker brush the most. Curly-haired dogs with hair that continuously grows can get tangled and matted very easily. So, brushing them multiple times a week is necessary for keeping them happy and healthy. The same is true for any dogs with long hair. If you want to grow your dog’s hair out, you need to be ready for more brushing. This is because if your dog gets too many mats, then the groomer might have to shave their hair shorter to prevent the mats from hurting your pup.
Slicker brushes can also be used for dogs with thick double coats. Dogs that shed can’t get mats as easily, but they can have a lot of loose fur. Therefore, a slicker brush can help rake out all of the loose fur that is hidden among their top coat and undercoat. Other brushes can do this too though, so you might want to look at all your options before settling on a slicker brush.
If you have a dog with short fur, such as a Labrador Retriever or an American Pit Bull Terrier, then this probably isn’t the best brush to use. Short-haired dogs don’t usually have mats or loose hair trapped in their coats. Plus, since their coats are so thin, slicker brushes could scratch their skin and feel uncomfortable for them. So, you should find a brush with softer bristles for your short-haired pup. Always consider your dog’s specific grooming needs before choosing grooming supplies for them.