Your dog should be groomed regularly so they stay comfortable, clean, and healthy. Keeping their nails trimmed and hair neat can help to remove dead skin cells, dandruff, dirt, or even matted areas if your dog likes to get particularly mucky. Shop our collection of grooming tools to make the job a breeze!
Of course, different dog breeds need different kinds of care, so you should always consult with a professional groomer or vet before starting, and do thorough research on your dog. Trimming and cutting their coat should always be left to a professional to avoid accidental injury to your pup.
So, how can you safely groom your dog at home?
Brush their coat often. Invest in a good quality grooming brush and make sure you brush your dog every few days, helping to remove dirt and pollen after walks and reducing the chance of matting. Be careful around sensitive areas and handle your dog gently to get them used to frequent brushing. When picking a brush, take into consideration whether your dog has short or long hair, coarse or fine, as there's a variety of brushes designed for different hair types, just like there is for humans!
Brush in the direction of the hair growth and use firm strokes that don't put too much pressure on your dog's skin. If your dog is particularly distressed or uncomfortable, stop and try again another day.
Bathe them semi-regularly. Bathing helps to remove dirt and reduces odour, but unless they’re particularly dirty, you don’t need to bathe them more than once a month. Overwashing can strip your dog of their natural oils which are needed for healthy skin and coat. A gentle shampoo designed for dogs is usually best and can be lathered like human shampoo, but make sure you're avoiding their eyes as you go. Brush before bathing to keep knots to a minimum.
Clip their nails every three to six weeks. Ideally, your dog’s nails shouldn’t touch the floor – if they do, they’ll need trimming to keep them comfortable. Clipping nails can hurt your dog and make them bleed if you’re not comfortable or careful, so if you’re not sure, this is best left to a professional.
Remove mucus build-up from their eyes. You can do this easily with a damp piece of cotton wool or tissue and moving in a gentle downward motion. Doing this regularly will prevent build-up and keep them bright and shining.
Use flea treatment often. Even if your dog doesn’t have fleas, using regular flea treatment can help keep fleas at bay.
Reward your dog with their favourite treat. Grooming your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience for you both, so be sure to reward them with a tasty treat to give grooming further positive connotations and help them to relax.
Whether you're an expert in grooming already or a complete beginner, you can shop our brilliant collection of pet grooming products for the perfect tool.
