Pets of differing sizes need different brushes. [Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

How to brush your pet's coat

Pick your brush based on your pet's coat. Long haired animals need a pin brush that will painlessly get rid of loose hairs and also get all the way down to the skin. Use a stiff natural-bristle brush for short haired animals, then a soft-bristle brush to distribute natural oils to the hair.

Start on one side and brush from front to back. Brush against the coat to fluff the hair up. Start with a small section, brush down one side and then the other.

Work the brush from the tail to the head once you finish the initial brushing. Brush in the same direction of the coat this time.

Use a spray coat conditioner if you find any matted parts within the fur. Spray the conditioner directly on the matted hair, let it sit for a couple of minutes and use a wide-toothed comb to untangle it. Work from head to toe with the comb to smooth the coat.