Professional grooming is a vital part of your dog’s care routine, but what happens between those visits is just as important! Consistent at-home grooming not only keeps your pet looking and feeling great but is also a fantastic way to bond and monitor their overall health.
Here’s a guide to maintaining your dog’s coat, regardless of their specific type, between professional trims.
The universal grooming routine
No matter the breed, these core practices are key for all dogs:
• Regular Brushing: This is your most important tool. Brushing removes loose hair, dirt, and debris, helps distribute natural skin oils for a healthy shine and significantly prevents painful matting and tangles.
• Ear Checks: Inspect ears weekly for redness, odour or discharge, which can indicate an infection. If needed, gently clean the outer ear flap and visible canal with a veterinarian-approved cleaner and cotton ball (avoid cotton swabs, as they can push debris deeper).
• Nail Maintenance: Long nails can cause discomfort. Aim to check and trim nails every 2-3 weeks or when you hear a clicking sound on hard floors. If you are unsure how to trim to avoid the quick or if your dog is anxious, our veterinary clinic can help!
• Dental Care: Daily or frequent brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the gold standard to prevent dental disease. Good oral hygiene supports overall health and comfort.
Grooming by Coat Type: Know your dog!
Smooth/Short – Short Sleek hair (Beagles, Boxers, Dachshunds)
Weekly brushing: Use a soft bristle brush, grooming mitt or curry/rubber brush to remove loose hair and add shine.
Double Coat – Dense, soft undercoat for insulation and a protective topcoat (Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies)
2-3 times a week, daily brushing during shedding seasons: Use an undercoat rake or slicker brush paired with a comb to target the undercoat and prevent matting at the skin.
Long/silky – Single or double-layer long hair, often fine (Yorkshire terriers, Afghan Hounds, Shih Tzus)
Daily brushing – Highly prone to tangling and matting. Use a slicker brush and a metal comb to gently work through the coat, especially in problem areas such as the legs, ears, tail and muzzle.
Curly/Wavy – Hair that grows continuously and sheds minimally (Poodles, Bichon Frise, Poodle Mixes)
Daily brushing – Very high risk of matting. Use a slicker brush and metal comb to brush right down to the skin. A conditioning spray can help prevent breakage and detangle.
Wiry – Coarse, rough outer coat with a softer undercoat (Terriers, Schnauzers)
Weekly brushing – Use a slicker brush to remove dead hair and prevent tangles, a metal comb can be used for any long hair to prevent matting/tangles.
Consistent, gentle grooming at home is a habit that pays off with a healthier, happier companion. If you have any questions about the right tools or techniques for your pet’s specific coat, please don’t hesitate to ask us at your next appointment or call us on 08 8318 1801 for assistance!
