Course 03 · Brushing and Combing · Lesson 4 of 12
How do you comb out a coat after brushing?
Combing after brushing means running a wide-toothed comb through each section to find tangles, packed undercoat and debris that the brush missed, and it is the final check of any brushing session.
Combing after brushing means running a metal comb through each section of the coat to find tangles, packed undercoat and debris that the brush has missed, and it is the final check that makes a brushing session complete. A brush can glide over the surface and leave tangles underneath, especially in curly, long and double coats, while a comb, with its straight teeth, snags on anything that remains. Combing should be done section by section, in the direction of growth, with the coat held above the section to protect the skin. If the comb passes through without snagging, the section is done. If it snags, the section needs more work or professional help. The comb check is simple, quick and honest, and it should never be skipped.
Why does combing matter after brushing?
Brushing and combing do different jobs. A brush works through the coat with many pins or bristles, removing loose hair and smoothing the surface, but its pins can flex around a tangle. A comb has rigid teeth in a single row, so it cannot flex around a tangle, and it reveals what the brush has missed. That difference is why groomers comb after brushing, and why a coat that looks neat can still be tangled underneath. Combing also finds burrs, seeds, debris and skin changes that brushing may push aside. For a double coat, combing reveals packed undercoat. For a curly coat, it reveals hidden tangles. For a long coat, it reveals friction-point tangles. Without combing, brushing is an assumption, and with combing it becomes a check.
How do you comb each section?
Start with the wide teeth of the comb, and move to the narrow teeth only when the wide teeth pass freely. Hold the coat above the section with the free hand, and comb from the ends toward the skin, then through the whole section, in the direction of growth. Work in the same order as brushing, covering friction points first, and keep pressure light. If the comb snags, stop, hold the hair above the snag, and work the tangle gently with fingers or the wide teeth, rather than forcing the comb through. If the tangle will not release with gentle work, leave it and seek groomer help, since forcing it will hurt the dog and may break hair or skin. The comb should be cleaned as it collects loose hair, so it does not drag debris back through the coat.
Which comb suits which coat?
A metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth suits most coats, and it should have smooth, rounded teeth with no sharp edges. A wide-toothed comb alone suits thick, dense coats and the first pass on any coat, while a fine-toothed comb suits finishing work on silky coats and checking for debris. A flea comb, with very fine teeth, is a specialist tool for checking for fleas and flea dirt, and it should be used only as advised by a vet, since finding fleas needs vet guidance on treatment. The comb should be sized to the dog, with a handle that is comfortable to hold, and it should be checked for bent or broken teeth, which can scratch skin. One good comb, kept clean, is enough for most home routines, and a second comb is rarely needed.
How do you comb sensitive and friction areas?
Sensitive and friction areas, behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, groin, chest, legs and tail base, need extra care, because skin is thinner and tangles are tighter there. Comb these areas with the wide teeth first, with very light pressure, holding the skin taut gently with the free hand to prevent pulling. If the dog reacts, pause, offer a treat, and try a gentler approach or leave the area for another session. Never comb across a sore, wound or mat that is tight to the skin, and never use a comb to pull a mat out. If a friction area is consistently tangled, note it and increase brushing frequency there, or ask a groomer for advice. The comb check should be thorough, but it should never be painful.
What is the sequence to follow?
- Brush the coat in sections. 2. Comb each section with wide teeth, ends toward skin. 3. Repeat with narrow teeth where the wide teeth pass freely. 4. Stop at snags, work gently, leave tight tangles for a groomer. 5. Clean the comb and note any findings.
When should you stop and get help?
Stop and get groomer help if the comb snags on a tight mat, if combing causes pain or bleeding, or if the dog panics. Get vet help for pain, broken skin, red or discharging ears, wounds, lumps or parasites found during combing. Do not force a comb through a mat, do not cut a mat out, and do not use a blade tool without hands-on training. Combing is a checking technique, and a comb that will not pass is information that professional help is needed, not a challenge to be forced through.
A brush smooths, a comb tells the truth, and the few minutes spent combing after brushing are what turn a tidy appearance into a coat that is genuinely free of tangles.
Further reading
- American Kennel Club, grooming guidance
- PDSA, dog care guidance
- RSPCA, pet care guidance