If you have a Maltese, you will know that combing and brushing is an important part of their grooming routine. So it’s important to know how to properly brush and comb their fur. This includes knowing exactly which tools should be used and in which order.
Why Brushing and Combing Your Maltese Is Important
Regular brushing and combing of your doggie is crucial for maintaining their coat’s health and well-being. Neglecting to do so can lead to a host of problems, including: matting, skin irritation, and even infection.
By regularly brushing and combing your doggo, you can remove tangles and mats that can cause discomfort and pain. Brushing also helps to distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any skin irritations, bumps, or lumps that may require veterinary attention. By catching these issues early, you can ensure that your maltese receives prompt and appropriate care.
Another important aspect that may be overlooked, is that regular grooming also provides an opportunity for bonding between your pupper and you. Take that time to cultivate a trusting and special bond between the two of you. This will not only bring you closer to your doggie, but allow them to complete the necessary grooming ritual in a safe and loving way. This will create positive lasting effects, especially when they then transition to regular groomer or veterinary appointments.
Brushing also helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, which can reduce shedding. This also helps to reduce the amount of loose hair and pet dander within your home; thus reducing the increased risk of exposure for allergy sufferers.
It is recommended to brush your Maltese at least every other day. It is important to remember the coat length will determine brushing order for this pooch. For short coats, you will brush first and then comb. But for medium-to-long hair, you will comb first and then brush.
What You’ll Need
Before you start brushing and combing your maltese, make sure you have the following:
- Brush Types
- Short coats: A bristle brush with natural bristles
- Medium-to-long coats: A pin brush
- Comb Types
- A stainless steel metal comb with widely-spaced and fine teeth
- A flea comb
- Other Tools
- A leave–in conditioner
- A mat table or high surface
- A detangling spray
- A treat to reward your maltese for good behavior
Preparing to Brush and Comb Your Maltese
It is important to start the grooming process as early as possible. For pupper up to 4 months of age, you should brush several days a week with a metal pin brush in order to begin to establish a grooming routine. Always make sure to remain patient and gentle when completing. Place the puppy on an elevated surface with a non-slip mat such as a dog grooming table in order to complete the grooming routine (brushing, combing, teeth, and nails). Get them comfortable lying on their side and standing while on the higher surface. Just make sure you grab all the necessary equipment required prior to placing your pup up high, and if you have forgotten something then lower them back down to the floor so as you’re making sure not to leave them on a high surface unattended.
Bringing them to a higher work surface will not only signal to your pup that ‘now it’s time for the grooming routine,’ but will also save your back. It will allow you to have proper body mechanics, which will become especially important as they become bigger and stronger. Also, please make sure to incorporate praise and treats prior to and after completing the grooming routine. This will not only help solidify the bonding experience, but will signal to your pupper that the grooming process is a safe and loving space for them.
How to Brush A Maltese
Short Coats:
- You should start by removing all mats, dirt, debris, and loose hair from their coat. Attempt to use your fingers firstly, by gently pulling apart small sections at a time and working your way from outermost mat sections and moving closer to the skin. You can use your comb or metal rake to assist, trying to work the tangle out delicately and in small sections at a time. And a detangling spray is always a good option in order to ease the tangles out more freely.
- Use a bristle brush with natural bristles and brush the topcoat in the direction of hair growth. Then you will want to add a leave-in conditioner to the undercoat prior to brushing. Use line brushing technique, which is when you systematically part the hair into sections and brush each section before moving to the next. A helpful tip to remember is to never use a slicker brush or raking comb on these puppers, as these will ruin their coat.
- You can start at the buttocks. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Remember to spray leave-in conditioner prior to brushing the undercoat.
- Now, the tail. Start at the roots and work your way to the ends. Brush towards the skin. Make sure to pay special attention to the tail, as it’s prone to matting.
- Next, brush the legs and feet. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Remember to spray leave-in conditioner prior to brushing the undercoat. Make sure to pay special attention to the intersection where the legs meet the body, as these areas are prone to matting.
- Then, the chest and back. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Remember to spray leave-in conditioner prior to brushing the undercoat. Be extra gentle around the belly, as this area is very sensitive.
- Finally, the face. Gently brush the head and face. Be careful around the eyes and ears. And be mindful that the ears are prone to matting.
How to Comb a Maltese
Short Coats:
- You can start at the buttocks. Use a wide-toothed comb to comb in the direction of hair growth.
- Now, the tail. Start at the roots and work your way to the ends. Comb towards the skin. Make sure to pay special attention to the tail, as it’s prone to matting.
- Next, comb the legs and feet. Remember to comb in the direction of hair growth. Make sure to pay special attention to the intersection where the legs meet the body, as these areas are prone to matting.
- Then, the chest and back. Continue to comb in the direction of hair growth. Be extra gentle around the belly, as this area is very sensitive.
- Finally, the face. Only use the fine-toothed section of the comb on the face and paws.Gently comb the head and face. Be careful around the eyes and ears. And be mindful that the ears are prone to matting. You can finish with a cotton ball or wipe to clean around their eyes to remove dirt and eye boogers.
- Then use a flea comb to comb any remaining debris along the face. Position the comb so that it’s facing down and away from the eyes. Start at the ends and work your way towards the skin.
- After brushing and combing, you can brush through a final time for a finishing touch.
How to Comb a Maltese
For medium-to-long coats, you will comb first and then brush.
Medium-to-Long Coats:
- You can start at the buttocks. Use a wide-toothed comb to comb in the direction of hair growth.
- Now, the tail. Start at the roots and work your way to the ends. Comb towards the skin. Make sure to pay special attention to the tail, as it’s prone to matting.
- Next, comb the legs and feet. Remember to comb in the direction of hair growth. Make sure to pay special attention to the intersection where the legs meet the body, as these areas are prone to matting.
- Then, the chest and back. Continue to comb in the direction of hair growth. Be extra gentle around the belly, as this area is very sensitive.
- Finally, the face. Only use the fine-toothed section of the comb on the face and paws.Gently comb the head and face. Be careful around the eyes and ears. And be mindful that the ears are prone to matting. You can finish with a cotton ball or wipe to clean around their eyes to remove dirt and eye boogers.
- Then use a flea comb to comb any remaining debris along the face. Position the comb so that it’s facing down and away from the eyes. Start at the ends and work your way towards the skin.
How to Brush a Maltese
Medium-to-Long Coats:
- Use a pin brush and brush the topcoat in the direction of hair growth. Then you will want to add a leave-in conditioner to the undercoat prior to brushing. Use line brushing technique, which is when you systematically part the hair into sections and brush each section before moving to the next. A helpful tip to remember is to never use a slicker brush or raking comb on these puppers, as these will ruin their coat.
- You can start at the buttocks. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Remember to spray leave-in conditioner prior to brushing the undercoat.
- Now, the tail. Start at the roots and work your way to the ends. Brush towards the skin. Make sure to pay special attention to the tail, as it’s prone to matting.
- Next, brush the legs and feet. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Remember to spray leave-in conditioner prior to brushing the undercoat. Make sure to pay special attention to the intersection where the legs meet the body, as these areas are prone to matting.
- Then, the chest and back. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Remember to spray leave-in conditioner prior to brushing the undercoat. Be extra gentle around the belly, as this area is very sensitive.
- Finally, the face. Gently brush the head and face. Be careful around the eyes and ears. And be mindful that the ears are prone to matting.
Tips for Maintaining Your Maltese’s Coat:
To keep your doggo’s coat healthy, you should brush and comb it regularly. Here are some tips:
- Brush their entire coat at least every other day
- Use a pin brush or *slicker brush to remove tangles and mats. (Slicker brushes should only be used by professionals, because if used incorrectly, it will be very painful)
- Use a comb to remove loose hair and debris.
- Be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the coat.
- Pay special attention to areas that are prone to tangles, such as behind the ears and under the legs.
- If you encounter a mat, use your fingers first. A detangling spray and/or dematting tool or scissors to carefully remove it are also options.
- Always give a treat and praise for good behavior.
By following these tips, you can maintain your Maltese’s coat and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
As long as you are able to maintain regular brushing, shedding will be minimal and will drastically reduce shedding as well.