Grooming
Pet Grooming Guide: Brushing, Bathing & Coat Care at Home
Regular grooming isn't just about looks — it's a weekly health check. A calm brushing session lets you catch lumps, parasites and skin issues months before they'd otherwise be noticed.
Brushing schedule by coat type
Match your brush to the coat: slicker brushes for double coats, bristle brushes for short coats, pin brushes for long silky coats.
- Short coats (Beagle, Boxer): weekly
- Double coats (Husky, Golden Retriever): 2–3× per week
- Long coats (Yorkie, Maltese): daily to prevent mats
- Curly/wool coats (Poodle, Doodle): daily + monthly professional clip
Safe bathing
Use lukewarm water and a pH-balanced pet shampoo (never human shampoo). Rinse thoroughly — leftover suds cause itching. Cats generally don't need baths unless they get into something toxic.
Nail trimming without stress
If you hear clicking on hard floors, nails are too long. Trim small amounts every 3–4 weeks to avoid cutting the quick. Reward with high-value treats — most fear comes from bad early experiences.
Ear and dental care
Clean ears monthly with a vet-approved solution (never cotton buds deep in the canal). Brush teeth 3–7 times per week — periodontal disease affects 80% of dogs by age 3.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?+
No. Human shampoos are too acidic and strip the skin's protective oils. Always use a pH-balanced dog shampoo.
How often should nails be trimmed?+
Every 3–4 weeks for most dogs. Active dogs walked on pavement may wear nails down naturally; senior dogs typically need more frequent trims.