Why Brushing Isn't Just for Long-Haired Dogs

When most people think about brushing their dogs, they picture fluffy golden retrievers or border collies with long, flowing coats. It makes sense. Long-haired breeds obviously need more grooming. But the truth is, regular brushing can benefit every kind of dog, from short-haired pugs to sleek boxers. It’s about more than just tangles and shedding. Brushing supports your dog’s skin, cuts down on mess, and gives you a chance to spot anything unusual.

Good brushing habits don’t just make your dog look better—they help them feel better too. And with fall shedding kicking in, all dogs can use a little extra care. Whether you’ve got a low-shedding breed or a year-round fur machine, these dog brushing tips can help keep your routine simple and your pup more comfortable in cooler months. If you need examples, The Dog Buzz’s video library features breed-specific grooming tips for brush selection and technique.

Short-Haired Dogs Need Brushing Too

It’s easy to overlook short-coated dogs when it comes to grooming. Their fur lies flat, mats are rare, and you’re not likely pulling hair off your jeans every hour. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need regular brushing. Dogs with short hair still shed. In some cases, they leave behind tiny, stiff hairs that stick to everything and feel sharp against bare skin.

Brushing helps remove this loose fur before it covers the couch or clogs up the vacuum. It’s also helpful for spreading natural oils through the coat. These oils keep the skin moist and the fur shiny. Without regular brushing, oil and dirt can settle into the coat and dull its appearance over time.

Think about breeds like pit bulls, dachshunds, Boston terriers, or even chihuahuas. They may not have volume, but they shed, especially with seasonal changes. Brushing once or twice a week with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt can help keep things clean and keep their skin healthy.

Brushing Helps Catch Skin Issues Early

A quick brush-through does more than tidy up. It lets you keep tabs on what’s happening beneath the fur. Some skin issues—like bumps, scabs, ticks, or dry patches—can hide unless you’re paying close attention. Brushing gives you an easy excuse to check for anything out of the ordinary.

This is especially true for short or wiry coats, which can conceal smaller irritations until they become hard to ignore. If you’re brushing regularly, you’ll feel changes earlier. A lump that wasn’t there last week or a warm patch that seems sore could be worth looking into before it turns into something painful for your dog.

It’s not just about catching issues either. Many itchy spots can be cleared up with more consistent brushing, since it lifts dirt and dead hair away from the skin. That means fewer reasons for your dog to scratch—and if your dog isn’t constantly licking or nipping at one spot, that usually means less healing time too.

Seasonal Shedding Isn’t Just for Big Fluffy Dogs

Fall tends to bring heavier shedding no matter your dog’s coat length. The reason is simple. Many dogs shift their coat in response to daylight and temperature. That’s how their bodies prep for cooler weather. Shedding looks different depending on the breed, but it's still there. So do not be surprised if your short-haired dog begins dropping more fur on the floor this season.

Brushing helps with that buildup. By making it part of your weekly routine, loose fur lands in the brush instead of on your furniture. You’ll also reduce matting around sensitive areas like the legs, collar area, or tail, where fur tends to gather and tangle—even in dogs with short fur.

And there’s another win. Getting ahead of shedding early makes grooming season smoother. Instead of one giant mess or surprise mats that need clippers, you’re just keeping pace day by day. That’s far more relaxing for both you and your dog. Guides on The Dog Buzz blog address ways to handle changing coats for common breeds in the fall.

Brushing Builds Routine and Trust

Dogs do better with routines, and grooming shouldn’t feel like a surprise. Brushing regularly gives your dog a consistent rhythm, where they know what to expect. If brushing is done calmly and gently, many dogs start to enjoy it—even look forward to it.

It also makes things easier when you visit the groomer or vet. Dogs that are used to being brushed are usually more comfortable having someone check their feet, ears, or belly. Nervous dogs especially benefit when daily routines include quiet time, light touching, and positive attention.

Trust builds over time. Start slow if your dog isn’t sure about brushing. Pick a soft brush, find a calm space, and keep the sessions short in the beginning. Over time, your dog will start seeing brushing as a regular part of the day. Like walks or meal times. And that familiarity helps lower their guard during more stressful situations.

Using the Right Brush for the Right Coat

Not all brushes work for all coat types. Using the wrong one could do more harm than good. If you have a short-haired dog, skip anything with sharp pins or steel bristles. Those tools are built for thicker coats. For short fur, stick with soft bristle brushes, rubber curry brushes, or grooming gloves. They’re better for lifting loose hair, spreading oils, and massaging the skin without scraping it.

Medium-length coats (like those on labs or beagles) can handle slightly stiffer bristles or combo brushes. Just use a light hand. The goal is to remove hair without creating static or pulling.

Curly or wiry coats (like on poodles or schnauzers) need a slicker brush or comb to reach deeper. These coats trap fur, dirt, and sometimes debris in the curls, so a deeper brush helps keep things clean.

Double-coated dogs (like shepherds or huskies) shed from two layers. Undercoat rakes work better for these breeds during seasonal shedding. These tools gently lift the under layer, preventing mats and helping airflow reach the skin.

Whatever tool you use, brush with care. Pause if your dog flinches or seems uncomfortable. And if you’re not sure which brush suits your dog’s fur, a groomer can show you how to pick and use tools the right way. These kinds of dog brushing tips often save time and make the grooming process less frustrating long-term.

Brushed and Ready for Fall

Brushing does more than keep your dog looking tidy. It makes their skin healthier, cuts down on shedding, and gives you a chance to catch small problems early. Even if your dog doesn’t have a long or fluffy coat, they’ll still feel the benefit of a few weekly brushing sessions.

Fall is a perfect season to reset your routine. Cooler days and longer nights mean more changes in your dog’s coat. Take a little time each week to brush them through, check their skin, and build a habit that works all year. What feels like a small task now can mean fewer messes later and a more comfortable dog with each passing season.

Keep brushing simple and stress-free this season with a few of our favorite tools and some expert-backed dog brushing tips that work for all coat types. At The Dog Buzz, we’re here to help you care for your dog in ways that feel easy, rewarding, and right for fall.