With the wrong brush, grooming becomes a test of patience for both you and your dog. That's why I almost always reach for the ActiVet for fluffy, shaggy dogs like Bolonkas, Havanese, or Maltese.
What makes an ActiVet special
An ActiVet has long stainless steel pins with rounded tips. They sit on comb pads that flex with the coat. You can tell how firm these pads are by the color of the brush. The pins work at different depths in the coat. Some models are specially designed to remove cottony undercoat.
There are different firmness levels and tine spacings. There is a suitable version for every coat and every problem. This makes combing much easier and saves you time.
The difference under the microscope
Nowadays, there are many brushes that look similar. We wanted to know for sure, so we placed a brush from a pet store and an ActiVet under the microscope.
The pet store brush examined
The tines are made of sheet metal and simply cut off. You can see the burr on the cut edge. It runs over your dog's skin with every stroke. Ouch.
The ActiVet
Finely rounded stainless steel pins that glide gently over the skin. Plus a brush head that flexes with the coat.
If your dog squirms or runs away when you brush them, it's worth taking a look at the brush.
Which ActiVet is right for your dog?
That depends on the coat. How much undercoat does your dog have? How fine or coarse is the topcoat? How often does it mat? In our shop, you will find these models:
- ActiVet Soft Brush (green)
- ActiVet Strong Brush (purple)
- ActiVet Mat Zapper Brush (red)
- ActiVet Duo Undercoat Brush
- ActiVet Duo Silcoater Brush
- ActiVet Duo TuffFinishCoater Brush
- ActiVet Pro TuffZapperCoater
Not sure? Send me a photo of your dog and tell me what you're currently struggling with. Then I'll tell you which brush I would choose.
How to brush with the ActiVet
The brush is most effective right after bathing. Blow-dry the coat while brushing it through section by section. You can read my entire routine in Bathing and blow-drying a Bolonka.
For mats, I spray Power Frizz on the area beforehand, massage it in lightly, and let it work for a while. After that, the mat comes out much more easily with the ActiVet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brush is suitable for a Bolonka?
For fluffy, shaggy coats, I recommend an ActiVet. It has rounded stainless steel pins and flexing comb pads that work at different depths in the coat.
What is the difference compared to the pet store brush examined?
Under the microscope, the examined comparison brush shows cut tines with burrs. The ActiVet has finely rounded stainless steel pins. The comparison refers to the two brushes pictured.
Is there an ActiVet specifically for undercoat?
Yes, some models are designed to remove cottony undercoat. Which one is right for your dog depends on the coat. Feel free to send me a photo.
Does the brush also help with mats?
Yes, preferably in combination with a detangler like Power Frizz.