Things to Consider (cont.)

1. Groom your dog - Regular brushing is beneficial to your dog's coat. Short-haired dogs can benefit from a rake brush. This pulls out the loose undercoat. I use this and a wire pin brush on my smooth Saint Bernards. Long-haired dogs will require a longer time brushing them; this keeps tangles and matts from becoming overwhelming. There are many types of brushes out there, if you are not sure what to use for your particular breed, ask your breeder. I use the wire pin brushes for long-haired Saint Bernards. A metal comb is very benefical around the ears and other areas where the fur can become matted. By slowly working the comb through the matted area, you can be successful in getting the fur free without having to cut the matted area out.