Good grooming isn't just about how your dog looks — it's about their health. Regular at-home care prevents painful mats, catches skin issues early, and keeps professional appointments shorter and cheaper. Here are 25 expert dog grooming tips every owner should know.
Brushing Tips (1–6)
1. Brush More Than You Think You Need To
Most owners under-brush their dogs. A quick daily brush prevents 90% of matting issues and spreads natural oils for a healthier coat. Five minutes a day beats 30 minutes once a week.
2. Use the Right Brush for the Coat
- Slicker brush — Medium to long coats, doodles, poodles
- Pin brush — Long, silky coats like Shih Tzu or Yorkshire Terrier
- Rubber curry brush — Short-coated breeds (Boxers, Pit Bulls)
- Undercoat rake — Double-coated breeds (Huskies, Goldens, GSDs)
- Bristle brush — Finishing and smoothing any coat
3. Start at the Ends, Work Upward
When brushing long coats, start at the bottom of each section and work up toward the skin. Pulling mats from the top down causes pain and breaks hair.
4. Line-Brush for Thick Coats
Section the coat like hair layers. Lift a small amount, brush to the skin, then move up to the next layer. This ensures you reach the undercoat instead of just brushing the surface.
5. Check Common Mat Zones
Mats form first behind the ears, in the armpits, around the collar, on the chest, and near the hindquarters. Check these spots daily.
6. Don't Brush Mats Out — Work Them Apart
Never rip a mat out with a brush. Use your fingers or a dematting tool to gently work it apart. If it won't budge, take your dog to a groomer — see our matted dog hair guide for details.
Bathing Tips (7–11)
7. Don't Over-Bathe
Most dogs need a bath every 4–8 weeks. Bathing too often strips natural oils and dries out the skin. Exception: dogs with skin conditions may need medicated baths on a prescribed schedule.
8. Always Use Dog-Specific Shampoo
Human shampoo has the wrong pH for dog skin. Use a mild, dog-formulated shampoo. Oatmeal-based shampoos are great for sensitive skin.
9. Brush Before the Bath
Wet mats become concrete. Always brush out thoroughly before bathing or you'll make mats worse.
10. Rinse Twice
Leftover shampoo causes itching and skin irritation. Rinse until the water runs completely clear, then rinse again.
11. Dry Thoroughly
A damp coat leads to skin infections and hot spots, especially in double-coated breeds. Towel dry, then use a dog blow dryer or hair dryer on cool/low setting.
Nail Care Tips (12–15)
12. Check Nails Weekly
If you can hear clicking on hard floors, nails are too long. Aim to keep them short enough that they don't touch the ground when your dog is standing.
13. Use Sharp, Dog-Specific Clippers
Dull clippers crush the nail and cause pain. Replace clippers every 1–2 years, or use a nail grinder instead.
14. Know Where the Quick Is
The quick is the blood vessel inside the nail. On light nails, it's visible as a pink area. On dark nails, trim in very small slices until you see a dark dot in the center — that's your stop point.
15. Keep Styptic Powder Nearby
Accidents happen. Styptic powder stops bleeding quickly. Cornstarch works in a pinch.
Ear Care Tips (16–18)
16. Clean Ears Monthly
Use a vet-approved ear cleaner. Soak a cotton ball, wipe the visible parts of the ear, and never insert anything deep into the canal.
17. Watch for Signs of Infection
- Foul odor
- Red or swollen ear tissue
- Dark or discolored discharge
- Excessive head shaking or scratching
See a vet if you notice any of these — ear infections are painful and get worse quickly.
18. Dry Ears After Swimming
Moisture in the ear canal causes infections. Always dry your dog's ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing.
Dental Care Tips (19–21)
19. Brush Teeth Daily
Dental disease is the most common health issue in adult dogs. Daily brushing with dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste — it's toxic) is the single best preventive measure.
20. Use Dental Chews Strategically
VOHC-approved dental chews supplement brushing but don't replace it. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal.
21. Schedule Professional Cleanings
Most dogs benefit from a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia every 1–2 years. Your vet can assess when it's needed.
Skin and Coat Tips (22–25)
22. Check Skin During Every Brushing
Look for lumps, hot spots, flakiness, redness, or fleas. Catching issues early makes treatment much easier.
23. Feed for Coat Health
A shiny coat starts from the inside. High-quality food with appropriate omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil supplements can help) makes a visible difference in coat condition.
24. Protect Paws in Extreme Weather
Hot asphalt and icy sidewalks damage paw pads. Use dog booties or paw wax in extreme conditions. Check paws after every walk.
25. Know When to Call a Professional
At-home grooming has limits. See a professional groomer for:
- Breed-specific haircuts
- Deshedding treatments for heavy shedders
- Hand-stripping for wire-coated breeds
- Dematting that's too painful for DIY
- Any grooming task your dog won't tolerate from you
How Often Should Dogs Be Groomed?
At-home care is essential, but most dogs also benefit from professional grooming every 4–8 weeks depending on breed. Check out our grooming frequency guide by breed for specifics.
What About Cost?
Good at-home grooming saves money on professional appointments. For a full price breakdown, see our dog grooming cost guide.
Find a Groomer Near You
Ready to find a professional groomer for the services you can't do at home? Browse expert dog groomers in our directory to compare services and find someone who specializes in your dog's breed and coat type.