Keeping a dog clean and neat is about more than looking tidy. Grooming helps skin, coat, nails, and ears stay healthy.
It also makes daily life easier. A well-groomed dog feels comfortable, moves freely, and smells fresh. Good grooming can even pick up early signs of health problems.
This guide explains what grooming really does and how to make it part of a simple, steady routine.
Why grooming matters for health, not just looks
A dog’s skin makes natural oils that protect the coat. Dirt, pollen, and dead hair build up on top. If that build-up stays, the skin can get itchy or sore.
Brushing spreads those oils and lifts loose hair away from the skin. It also brings air down to the skin so it can breathe.
That keeps the coat soft and shiny without heavy sprays or scents.
Mats are tight knots of hair. They pull at the skin and can hurt when a dog moves. Mats also trap moisture after a swim or a bath.
Damp hair next to warm skin makes the perfect spot for hot spots and rashes.
Regular brushing stops mats from forming. For dogs that already have mats, a careful trim removes them without hurting the skin.
Everyday comfort: coat, paws, and nails
Healthy coats keep dogs warm or cool as needed. But when the coat is dirty or tangled, it cannot do its job.
Dogs then scratch more, shake more, and lie still less because everything feels wrong. Clean, brushed coats move with the body. That means less itching and fewer flakes of dry skin.
Paws need care too. Hair grows between the toes on many breeds.
When it gets long, grit and seeds can stick there and rub.
Trimming that hair reduces rubbing and helps paws grip better on smooth floors.
Nails should not click loudly across the floor. If nails are too long, toes splay and the foot sits at a strange angle.
Over time, that can strain the wrists and elbows. A neat nail trim lets dogs stand and walk in a natural way.
If a local professional is needed, a calm, kind service such as dog grooming perth can be helpful for breeds that mat easily or for owners who want a careful tidy-up around paws, face, and nails.
Grooming as a health check
Grooming is a chance to spot small problems before they grow. While brushing, it is easy to notice a new lump, a patch of red skin, a tick, or a flea.
Finding these early means treatment can start sooner. Ear care is also important. Dogs with droopy ears or lots of hair in the ear canals can hold onto wax and moisture.
Gentle cleaning reduces the chance of ear infections. During a bath or blow-dry, it is also simple to spot tear staining under the eyes or small cuts from thorns.
Teeth are another part of the picture. Brushing teeth is not the same as grooming the coat, but the habit fits well with a grooming routine.
Clean teeth help avoid sore gums and bad breath. Short sessions a few times each week keep things under control.
Home care versus professional help
Many tasks are easy to do at home with the right tools. A soft slicker brush and a metal comb cover most coats.
A gentle dog shampoo and a simple, lukewarm rinse work for bathing. Cotton pads and a vet-approved ear cleaner handle ear care.
For nails, a grinder or clippers both work, but a grinder can be safer because it removes tiny bits at a time.
Always keep treats ready so the dog links grooming with calm and rewards.
A professional groomer helps when the coat is curly, dense, or prone to mats.
Groomers also help with tidy work around the face, paws, and hygiene areas.
Some breeds need breed-standard trimming to keep the coat in good shape. Nervous dogs can benefit from a groomer who knows how to handle stress and set a slow, steady pace.
Many services offer shorter “maintenance” visits between full grooms for nails, pads, and a quick brush-out.
Different coats need different care
Dogs come with many coat types, and each one needs a slightly different plan.
Short coats, such as those on beagles and boxers, shed often. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or a soft brush removes loose hair and keeps the skin clear. Baths can be less frequent, as long as the dog does not roll in mud or swim in dirty water.
Double coats, common on breeds such as huskies and border collies, have a soft undercoat and a tougher topcoat.
These dogs “blow coat” seasonally. During that time, undercoat rakes and slicker brushes help the loose fluff come out.
Shaving a double coat is usually not a good idea. The undercoat and topcoat work together to protect from sun and heat as well as cold. Stripping that protection can lead to sunburn and slow coat growth.
Curly and wavy coats, such as those on poodles and many doodle mixes, can mat fast.
Daily or every-other-day brushing is best. A metal comb should pass through to the skin without snagging.
If the comb catches, there is a knot that needs gentle work. Regular professional trims prevent heavy mats and keep the coat light and clean.
Wiry coats, found on breeds such as border terriers and schnauzers, may be hand-stripped or clipped. Hand-stripping removes dead hairs from the topcoat so new, strong hairs can grow.
Clipping is quicker and still tidy, though the texture may soften over time. The choice depends on breed goals and comfort.
How often should a dog be groomed?
Frequency depends on coat type, lifestyle, and season. A short-coated dog that sleeps indoors and plays in a garden may need a weekly brush and an occasional bath.
A fluffy or curly-coated dog that hikes through long grass could need brushing most days and a bath each month.
Nails usually need trimming every three to six weeks. Ear checks can be weekly, with cleaning only when there is wax or dirt.
As a simple rule, brushing little and often works better than long sessions once in a while.
Short sessions help the dog relax and make knots less likely. They also protect the skin by removing the small tangles before they tighten into mats.
Puppies: building calm habits early
The first months decide how a dog feels about grooming. Short, gentle sessions teach that hands, tools, and sounds are safe.
Start with touching paws, ears, and muzzle for a few seconds, then reward. Add a soft brush for one or two strokes and reward again.
Keep sessions under five minutes at first. Bring a puppy to a groomer for an intro visit with no bath or trim.
Meeting the place, the table, and the dryer noise without any pressure helps the puppy feel safe later.
For a puppy with a fast-growing coat, book the first tidy-up before mats appear. This visit can include a face trim, nail care, and a light brush-out. The goal is to end on a calm note so the puppy wants to come back.
Senior dogs: gentle care for older joints and skin
Older dogs benefit from slower, kinder grooming. Joints may be stiff. Standing for long periods can be hard. Short breaks on a soft mat help.
Warm water soothes muscles, and low dryer settings protect thin skin. Nails often grow faster in older dogs because they move less.
More regular trims keep feet stable. Watch for pressure sores on elbows and hips, and use soft brushes to avoid scratching delicate skin.
If a dog has a health condition, a vet can advise on safe products and methods.
For example, dogs with skin allergies may need a special shampoo and a set contact time. Dogs with ear issues may need to avoid water in the ears during baths.
What happens during a full grooming visit
A standard visit usually starts with a gentle check of the coat and skin. Mats are noted so the groomer can plan a safe way to remove them.
Next comes a bath with a shampoo suited to the coat type, followed by a careful rinse. A conditioner may be used if the coat is dry or curly.
Towels remove most of the water, then a dryer with warm, not hot, air finishes the job.
Brushing and combing after the bath remove any last tangles. Nails are trimmed or ground smooth. Hair around the paws and pads is tidied to prevent slipping.
The face and hygiene areas are neatened as needed. If the breed needs a full clip or hand-strip, that happens near the end when the coat is clean and dry.
Ears are checked and cleaned if they show wax or dirt. The groomer then does a final pass to ensure the coat sits well and the dog feels comfortable.
Keeping stress low and safety high
A calm dog is the top priority. Short appointments help nervous dogs cope.
Quiet rooms, non-slip mats, and patient handling reduce stress. Muzzles are used only when truly needed for safety, and they should fit well and allow normal breathing.
Gentle handling around paws and face builds trust. Clear notes about any past worries, medical needs, or triggers help the groomer plan a safe session.
Owners can help by giving a toilet break before the visit and skipping heavy meals right before grooming.
Bringing a favourite small treat can make nail trims and face tidies easier. Regular visits let the groomer learn what the dog enjoys and what needs extra care.
Simple tools that make a big difference
A small set of tools covers most needs. A slicker brush lifts loose hair and light tangles. A metal comb checks for hidden knots.
A rubber curry is great for short coats and bath time. Nail grinders reduce sharp tips without sudden cuts.
A soft towel and a gentle dryer on low keep the coat fluffy without heat damage. Store tools clean and dry.
Replace them if the brush pins bend or the grinder wheel wears out.
Building a routine that sticks
Routines work best when they fit everyday life. Linking brushing to a regular event helps.
For example, a quick brush after the evening walk becomes a habit. Keep sessions short and calm. Work on one area at a time—back, then chest, then tail.
Praise and pause often.
If a knot is tight, stop pulling and use a detangling spray or schedule a professional tidy so the skin is not stressed.
Final thoughts and simple next steps
Grooming keeps dogs healthy, comfortable, and ready for play. Clean coats protect the skin. Trim nails protect joints.
Calm handling protects trust. Start small, keep sessions short, and use the right tools. Add a professional visit when the coat or nails need extra care.
Tonight, set out a brush and a few treats, and give the coat two gentle passes while the dog rests. Check the nails. Peek at the ears. Small steps, done often, build a strong routine. A fresh coat and a happy dog follow from there.