General Cleanliness Caring for a guide dog isn't much different than caring for a regular pet with a few exceptions. They get the same love and affection if not more than the average pet because of the work they do. Guide dogs have to be groomed daily. They are brushed each day to keep the coat clean and free of debris. This is especially important during shedding seasons.
Most handlers use brushes like the slicker brush, zoom groom brush, shedding blade and flea combs.
Slicker brushes are wide brushes with wire bristles that remove dead loose fur and help restore natural oils in the skin. To removed the most fur we use a technique where you brush the fur against the growth with your fingers. This helps loosen the fur. After this has been done all over the dog's body, brush the fur in the direction of growth with a slicker or zoom groom brush to remove the loosened fur. The zoom groom brush is made of rubber and is a bit easier on the dog's skin.