Ask Candi Hargrove

FD: How do I know what kind of brush to use on my dog?

Candi: It is best to use a hard bristle slicker brush and a small-to-medium-toothed comb. Slicker brushes are available in various sizes to accommodate all breeds. The slicker brush is used to brush your dog’s coat, release any  undercoat, and remove any small mats or tangles. After you have brushed, use the comb to go back over the coat to ensure that all the undercoat and tangles have been brushed out, especially before and after a bath.

FD: Is there a danger in washing my dog too often?

Candi: If a dog is bathed too often it may cause the skin to dry out. If the skin becomes too dry, your dog may get flaky skin or start scratching often which could result in hot spots or other skin conditions. I recommend bathing your dog once a month for a healthy coat. If you feel your dog needs to be bathed more often, then try bathing him (or her) every other week and add a conditioner along with the bath to help moisturize the skin.

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Candi is a certified professional groomer, working out of Franklin Kennels. She graduated from The Nash Academy of Animal Arts of Lexington, Ky.

With the goal of helping dog owners fully enjoy their dog, we want to draw on the knowledge of experts in our city. Look at the side menu to select a category of interest under “Ask a Franklin Dog Expert.”