Best brush for a Cavapoo

When you first bring your adorable little Cavapoo home, you’ll still be gathering all the things you need to take the best care of him or her.

This post has been updated on 27th Feb 2024.

One of the best brushes I’ve found is the Big G Slicker Brush by Chris Christensen. The longer pins help tackle tangles and has a comfortable handle with a rubber coating which makes it easy to use. It also has a cushioned pad, to make it more comfortable for your dog.

This is the brush I use to keep my Cavapoo Bean’s coat in tip-top condition.

Aside from the obvious things you’ll need to get, like a comfortable bed, dog food and a chew toy, you’ll need to invest in a good brush to help keep their coat shiny and healthy.

If your dog is anything like Bean, it will take a while for them to get used to being brushed, but it’s worth the effort to keep your pup’s coat looking great and stop it from becoming matted.

Bean has even learned to quite enjoy his thrice weekly brushing sessions, and I’m sure your new pup will too.

Ready to find out how to groom your dog at home, how you should brush them and how often you should do so?

Let’s begin by finding out what kind of brush is best for your pup.

What kind of brush is best for a Cavapoo?

There are a multitude of brushes out there to choose from, but regular brushing is vital if you want to stop your Cavapoos fur matting and getting tangled. The amount of choice can be daunting, so we’ll take you through some of the best brushes available.

A brush specifically designed for your pup’s coat can make the grooming process quicker, easier, and more enjoyable for you and your dog.

Obviously, the kind of brush you get will depend on the type of coat your adorable Cavapoo inherits. They can either have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s thick, straight, double coat, the curly coat of a Poodle, or somewhere between the two.

My Cavapoo Bean’s coat is somewhere between the two. He has dense layers of fur underneath his outer coat that needs to be brushed often to remove excess hair before it becomes matted, but the brush still needs to be able to deal with the waves in his fur.

There are a variety of different brushes available. Here’s why you should buy a slicker or pin brush as well as an excellent quality comb.

Slicker Brushes - These are good all-round brushes and come in all shapes and sizes. The best ones are usually rectangular because you can brush more fur with each stroke. They have slightly bent, tightly packed pins which make them perfect for dealing with tangles and getting rid of dirt and dead hair.

Pin Brushes – Pin brushes are versatile and have fewer, longer pins, making them ideal for brushing straighter, wavy coats, because they can reach right down to the undercoat and skin.

If your Cavapoo has a curly coat, go for a brush with more pins, but if your dog has more of a straight coat, buy a brush with fewer pins.

Combs - A sturdy steel-toothed comb is an absolute must for every grooming kit. You can use them to get rid of ticks and fleas, sort out matted fur and keep the fur around your dog’s face and legs tidy. The best combs have space between the teeth that allow you to deal with any sort of coat with ease.

Your dog may lick the brush, but there are things you can do to stop them. Check out our post on why dogs lick blankets for more.

When you decide which brush to buy, there are three things you should look out for.

• Design - Choose a brush that gives you good control, so that you don’t cause your pup unnecessary pain. Pay attention to the length of the pins and ensure the grip is comfortable so you can use it for long periods.
• Safety Features - Make sure the prongs are smooth enough to move through your dog’s fur without pulling. Check that they don’t have pointed edges that could damage the skin. Remember to test brushes on the underside of your arm before you use it to groom your dog.
• Construction –Go for a sturdy brush with very few joints that is made from high-quality materials that are likely to last longer than cheaper, less well-built ones.

Soon, we’ll discuss how often you should brush your Cavapoo. Now though, it’s time to discover how you should brush your pup.

How should you brush a Cavapoo?

The best time to brush your pup is when they are calm. This makes the process less startling and can help both you and your Cavapoo avoid unnecessary stress.

Work your way up your dog’s body from the bottom, separating the hair into small sections to ensure the brush goes all the way through. This is vital if your Cavapoo has a double-layered coat. Be careful around the belly and legs, and use firm, gentle strokes as you brush.

If the brushing is difficult, it could mean that you’re not brushing your Cavapoo often enough. If you encounter many tangles, you can buy dog detanglers that will leave their coat lustrous and shiny.

It’s time to find out how often you should brush your dog.

How often should you brush a Cavapoo?

You should brush your pup every three days to get rid of trapped fur and dirt. Once a week, you need to carry out a more thorough brushing to deal with any tangles or matted fur.

If you don’t keep to that routine, your Cavapoo’s fur may become matted, and he/she may need to be shaved.

Doing this will also ensure that your pup can boast a healthy-looking, shiny tangle-free coat, and help him or her become accustomed to the grooming process.

How do you keep a Cavapoo coat shiny?

The state of your dog’s coat is a sign of their overall health. Here are some top tips to help you keep their coat shiny and sleek.

• Groom your dog often- Grooming can keep your dog’s coat free from dirt and dead hair, which helps with the spread of the natural oils in the skin that keep the coat soft and shiny.
• Avoid bathing your Cavapoo too much - Unless your Cavapoo is visibly dirty, resist the urge to give him a bath. If you bath your dog too often it can cause them to have sensitive, dry skin. A viable alternative is to buy a paw cleaner to remove dirt and muck from your pup’s paws.
• Ensure that they have a nutritious diet - Your dog should have a healthy diet of foods rich in fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, and oils. These can keep their coats shiny, and eyes bright. It will also help prevent too much shedding.
• Protect them from the sun - If your Cavapoo has shorter, light-coloured fur he or she will be much more susceptible to the sun. It can lead to them having sensitive skin and put them at risk of sunburn. Instead, keep your dog inside on hot days and give him a bed in the shade.
• Use parasite control - A common cause of skin complaints in dogs is fleas and parasites. Your Cavapoo can scratch themselves and bald patches can begin to appear. Make sure you regularly treat your Cavapoo for flees and parasites to prevent this.
• Keep your home clean and tidy – By vacuuming your house regularly, you can reduce the amount of dust in your home and stop it from getting in your Cavapoo’s fur. Wash their bed every so often too, as this will help keep their coat clean.

How to groom a Cavapoo at home

It’s essential to keep on top of grooming when you own a Cavapoo. Getting your kids involved in the process can be a fantastic way for them to bond with the pup too. Read our post on how good Cavapoos are with kids.

You should start grooming your pup regularly as soon as you bring him or her home. This will get them used to the process before their adult coat starts to come in at about 7-9 months.

Here are some tips on how to brush and groom your pup at home.

• Buy a two-sided bristle and pin brush. The metal side can help deal with tangles, and the other side smooths the coat.
• Brush before and after a bath, to make sure the fur is unmatted before applying shampoo so that it dries without frizzing. Brushing the fur when damp prevents tangles and helps remove any excess fur.
• Check their ears for any knotted hair and check them for infection and any ingrowing hairs.
• Tend to your Cavapoo’s nails. Their nails need to be clipped often to prevent any discomfort and pain for your pup.
• Wipe their eyes. Cavapoos can develop reddish-brown tear stains under the eyes. Thus, you should wash their face every day and wipe carefully under their eyes to keep them healthy.

Video of the Big G Slider Brush

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