Grooming and coat
How often should I replace a dog brush?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A well cared for slicker or pin brush can last a year or more, but it is time to replace one once pins bend, the cushioned base cracks, or it stops pulling hair effectively even after a good clean. Owners of dense or curly coated dogs who brush daily often wear through a brush faster, closer to every six to nine months.
Signs a brush has reached the end of its life
Bent or splayed pins no longer sit at the angle needed to catch loose hair properly, and a cracked or peeling cushioned base can start to pinch skin during use. If a thorough clean no longer restores how effectively a brush removes loose hair, the tool itself, not your technique, is usually the reason.
Frequency of use shortens the lifespan
A brush used daily on a curly or double coated dog during a coat blow wears out noticeably faster than one used once a week on a short coated dog, since the pins flex and loosen with every pass. Checking the pins for give or wobble every few months is a simple way to catch wear before it affects the coat.
A cheap habit that pays off
Keeping a spare of whichever brush you use most, especially an undercoat rake before a seasonal coat blow, avoids being caught without a working tool during the two to four weeks a season change matters most.
Key takeaways
- Bent pins, a cracked base, or reduced hair pickup after cleaning all signal it is time for a new brush.
- Daily use on dense or curly coats wears a brush out faster than occasional use on a short coat.
- Keeping a spare of your most used tool avoids being without one during a seasonal coat blow.