Dog Comb: Comb Right Down to the Skin and Gently Loosen Tangles

Dog Comb: Fine Work Right Down to the Skin

The brush smooths the surface of the coat, while the dog comb goes deeper. It glides right down to the skin, loosens small tangles and instantly shows you where mats are still hiding. That's why it belongs in every grooming routine, especially for long, curly or dense coats. Here you'll find grooming combs from Aesculap and Wahl, special combs for undercoat, mats and fleas, and a practical dog grooming box.

Comb and Brush Working Together

It's best to brush first and comb afterwards. If the comb gets stuck anywhere, you've found a spot that still needs attention. Typical problem areas are behind the ears, in the armpits, on the back of the legs and between the toes. A comb with wide and narrow teeth is especially versatile: use the wide side to loosen the coat and the narrow side to comb through and remove fine hair and dirt.

What to Look for in a Comb

Good combs have rounded teeth that don't scratch the skin and a smooth surface that hair doesn't catch on. A sturdy metal comb won't bend and is easy to clean. For specific jobs there are special combs: the undercoat comb and the moulting comb remove loose undercoat, the dematting comb loosens knots and the fine flea comb reveals fleas and dust. Hold the comb loosely in your hand and work section by section rather than pulling through the whole coat at once. If you hold the hair at the root when you hit a tangle, it pulls far less.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a comb if I already have a brush?
For short coats, usually not. For long or curly coats, however, the comb is the best check after brushing, because brushes often only reach the top layer. Once the comb no longer catches anywhere, the coat is truly groomed through.

How do I loosen a tangle without my dog yelping?
Hold the hair between the tangle and the skin with two fingers so the pull doesn't reach the skin. Then work through the tangle with the teeth from the outside in. A little detangling spray or conditioner makes the hair more supple.

Can I use a comb to check for fleas?
A fine flea comb helps you spot flea dirt or small parasites in the coat. Comb especially along the back just in front of the tail and wipe what you comb out onto a damp white cloth. If it turns reddish, that's a sign of fleas and you should talk to your vet.