Brush?

[pinkpiggy1989]

When petting my black velvet chin, I've noticed what almost feels like tiny mats underneath his fur. The top of his fur looks normal, but underneath the top layer is tons of little knots. I believe its from when my Dad watched him for a few weeks and was too afraid to take him out for a dust bath, unfortunately I'm just noticing now. I've heard you can brush chins, but with what kind of brush? I was thinking of getting a dog brush, but I didn't know if it had to be certain bristles or what? I don't have a credit card, so it will have to be something I can purchase at a store.


Also, pictures/links to the style of brush I'm looking for would be most appreciated. And a tutorial on exactly how to brush properly.

 

[tunes]

Most people don't brush chins, they comb them with special combs. If the chin has a bunch of knots, then using a brush may end up causing a bunch of fur loss.

If they are big knots, you can gently tug them loose with your hand. If they are a ton all over the place of really little ones, then a comb would most likely be needed to get them out.

 

[pinkpiggy1989]

If they are big knots, you can gently tug them loose with your hand. If they are a ton all over the place of really little ones, then a comb would most likely be needed to get them out.

Yeah, its tiny all over knots. Almost at the base of the fur. You can't actually see any of them, but when I pet him I feel tiny pea-sized furballs all over. Do you have any pictures of the type of comb I should look for? And where I can buy one without having to use a credit card?

 

[Stackie]

Most people use these combs here: http://www.ryersonchinchilla.com/arc_013.htm

I use the number 3 comb for just general rough grooming for my chins. The finer toothed combs are more used for getting the chin ready for show. The 3 does a good job at grooming out the dead fur.

 

[tunes]

JAGS also sells the combs and you can pay through Paypal or send them a check. They are members here and pretty easy to get ahold of. Ryerson's accept Paypal, credit cards, and checks as well.

 

[pinkpiggy1989]

Would something like this be acceptable?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754349&lmdn=Product+Type

Like I said, I dont have a credit card, nor even a bank account, so whatever I buy I'll have to pay as cash. So I was hoping I could find something I can purchase locally.

 

[tunes]

Nope, won't do a thing. The teeth are way too far apart to do any good on a chin's fur and I would guess they would rip all the fur out, rather than just the problem fur.

You can send a money order and they aren't expensive.

 

[pinkpiggy1989]

I also found this one? The teeth are much closer together.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754350&lmdn=Product+Type

If that ones not good either, I'll take you advice and send a money order!

 

[tunes]

Honestly, I would spend the extra and get a "real" chin comb. You just can't imagine the difference. Their tips are pointed, so they glide through the fur, whereas the ones from a pet store are generally blunt. That is going to pull and rip fur, not groom it (on a chin anyway).

Or maybe there is someone nearby who shows and can help you with grooming your chin, since you won't be needing a comb on a regular basis?

 

[pinkpiggy1989]

Or maybe there is someone nearby who shows and can help you with grooming your chin, since you won't be needing a comb on a regular basis?

I live in Baltimore, MD - Whitemarsh area. I really don't know any chin owners, let alone breeders/showers in the area. I don't show, so I really don't need to constantly comb. I give dust baths twice a week, and thats plenty good enough for my guys. I just wanna get his underneath mats out. I know on humans when knots are close to the skin, it hurts like nobodies business, but I'm not sure about on chins.