Coat care: how much brushing does your dog really need?

Brushing is about more than appearance. It removes dead undercoat, distributes the skin's natural oils and allows you to spot ticks or skin changes early.

By coat type Short-haired breeds only need brushing once a week with a rubber brush. Breeds with an undercoat should be groomed two to three times a week using an undercoat rake. Long-haired dogs with silky coats need daily brushing to prevent mats from forming.

Shedding season In spring and autumn, increase brushing to once a day for two to three weeks. You will have less cleaning to do, and your dog will cope better with the change in temperature.

Bathing For most dogs, a bath every two to three months with a dog shampoo is enough. Frequent bathing can disrupt the skin's protective barrier.

Textiles around the home Vacuum the bed cover before washing it — otherwise, the hair may clog the washing machine filter. Hair comes away from smooth fabrics more easily than from plush materials.

What to look for while brushing Check for lumps, redness, oily or unusually dry skin, ticks and tender areas. Brushing is one of the best routine health checks you can carry out at home.