There’s nothing quite like that post-groom glow — soft fur, wagging tail, and a dog who feels their best. But grooming isn’t just about good looks, it’s an essential part of keeping your dog healthy and comfortable. A little TLC goes a long way.
How to make grooming a happy experience for your dog
The key to stress-free grooming starts early. Pet Groomer Melissa Tabuteau recommends beginning grooming when your dog is a puppy so you can avoid nervous, anxious, or even reactive behaviour during grooms later on.
“From the day you bring your puppy home, get them used to gentle handling,” she advises. “Touch their paws, rub their ears, brush their coat, open their mouth, and brush their teeth regularly.”
Building these habits early helps your puppy grow confident and comfortable with being handled, making grooming at home (and professional appointments) much easier. It also helps them stay calm during vet visits.
Timing is also crucial. Before you start grooming your dog, take them for a long walk, an intense ‘sniffari’ (sniffing adventure) or even have a play session.
“A little exercise will help them burn off energy and stay relaxed during grooming,” says Melissa.
How to brush your dog and manage shedding
Brushing your dog’s fur regularly not only helps distribute natural oils, giving their coat a healthy shine, but it also helps to remove loose hair, prevent matting and keep their skin healthy (and smelling good). The kind of brush and how often you do it depends on your dog’s breed:
- Short coat (like Beagles, Staffies, Chihuahuas) can benefit from a weekly brush using a bristle brush to help remove loose hair and add shine.
- Medium or long coat (like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds) do well with a slicker brush. Its fine wire bristles reach deep into the coat to detangle fur before mats form. You can also use a deshedding tool or undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat hair. Brush every few days, and more often during shedding seasons (Autumn and Spring).
- Curly or wavy coats (like Cavoodles, Poodles, Labradoodles) need to be brushed daily with a slicker brush and a metal comb to avoid matting.
“Owners of curly or thick-coated dogs often brush just the surface, leaving hidden tangles close to the skin,” explains Melissa. “The coat may look smooth on top, but mats can quickly form underneath.”
To prevent this, always brush right down to the skin. Lift sections of fur and brush from the roots outwards. This keeps the entire coat healthy, soft, and mat-free. To further manage shedding, try a shedding shampoo (ask your vet for their recommendation), feed your dog a premium diet, reduce stress and invest in a vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair removal.
“Grooming is a wonderful way to bond with your dog,” says Melissa. “As you brush or pat them, take the opportunity to run your hands over their body and check for any new lumps, bumps, or changes. If you notice anything unusual, book a visit with your local vet for a check-up.”
How to bath your dog
Your nose will usually tell you when your dog needs a bath, says Melissa. As a general guide, most dogs benefit from a bath every 4 to 6 weeks. Active and outdoor dogs may need more frequent bathing, while short-coated or indoor dogs might be able to go a little longer. Only use dog-specific shampoos (ask your vet for a recommendation), especially if your dog has any skin conditions or sensitive skin.
“Avoid bathing too frequently, as this can strip the natural oils from their skin and damage the protective barrier that keeps it healthy,” says Melissa.
Before bathing, brush your dog to remove tangles and loose hair. Use lukewarm water and be careful to keep it out of their eyes, nose, and ears. After the bath, blow-dry their coat with a pet dryer or a human hairdryer on a no-heat setting. If your dog isn’t comfortable with this, simply towel-dry them and follow up with a good brush-through.
How to trim your dog’s nails safely and calmly
It’s best to trim your dog’s nails about once a month, but it does depend on how active they are. A good rule of thumb, if you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim, says Melissa.
- Puppies: every 2 to 3 weeks: Puppies’ nails grow quickly and are often not doing enough walking to wear them down naturally. Regular trims will also get them used to nail clipping and paw handling.
- Adult dogs: every 3 to 4 weeks: Active dogs may need less frequent trimming, while indoor and small-breed dogs might need more frequent nail cutting.
You’ll need spring-loaded nail clippers (appropriate for your dog’s size), treats and a septic powder or corn flour in case the nails bleed. Avoid cutting too close to the quick, which is the blood supply to the nail. In pale nails it can be seen easily as a pink area, while in darker nails it can be harder to spot. In that case, trim small pieces at a time until you see a dark spot in the nail. Having someone assist you can make the process easier.
“One person can gently hold and distract your dog with treats while the other focuses on the nails,” says Melissa. “Keep your dog calm with praise, gentle pats, and plenty of treats, and always work within their comfort level.”
Keeping your dog’s nails short is essential. Overgrown nails can curl to the side, split, or make walking uncomfortable. If you’re a Best for Pet Wellness Plan member, caring for your dog’s nails is simple. Your plan includes four nail trims a year, plus additional benefits like unlimited consults, core vaccinations, $250 off a dental clean, and more.
How to look after your dog’s teeth
Brushing your dog’s teeth can seem challenging but once you get the hang of it, it can be quick and easy. You’ll need a dog toothbrush or finger brush and pet toothpaste. Position the toothbrush where their teeth and gums meet, and brush in a circular motion. Keep a 45-degree angle and focus on the tooth’s base and spaces between teeth.
“Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week to help prevent plaque buildup and bad breath,” says Melissa. “Good dental hygiene supports their overall health, too.”
You can also support your dog’s dental health with dental food specifically formulated to reduce plaque, stains and tartar buildup, dental chews which clean your dog’s teeth while they enjoy a treat, and water additives which soften and remove tartar and keeps their breath fresh.
How to clean your dog’s ears
Looking after your dog’s ears is really important for preventing infections, removing wax build up and making sure nothing is stuck in them (like a pesky tick). How often you clean your dog’s ears depends on their breed and whether they’re prone to allergies, so it’s best to check with your vet for guidance.
Never use cotton buds, instead try a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution and cotton balls. Don’t worry if your dog shakes its head as you’re doing it, that can help bring debris and loose wax to the outer ear.
“If your dog is prone to ear infections or has long, floppy ears, gently place a small ball of cotton wool in each ear before bathing”, says Melissa. “This helps keep water out and prevents that warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast can grow, reducing the risk of painful ear infections.”
When to visit a professional groomer
All dogs can benefit from professional grooming, although breeds with long, curly or double coats often need help with clipping or deshedding. The ideal grooming schedule for your dog depends on their coat type.
If they have a curly coat dog or one that doesn’t shed, Melissa recommends a visit to a groomer for a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent any matting. If your dog has a double coat, like Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, they will typically shed their coat twice a year.
“I recommend taking them to the groomer at least twice a year in autumn and spring to help de-shed their coat to prepare for the warmer and colder weather,” says Melissa.
You can also visit your groomer just for a haircut, bath and blow-dry, or use a hydrobath at your local vet or pet store if available.
When to visit your vet
If your dog becomes anxious, reactive or aggressive, it’s best to visit your vet for advice. They may recommend a sedative or anti-anxiety medications to help keep your dog calm during grooming, or they may recommend grooming under full sedation in a veterinary clinic.
Dogs that have trouble expressing their anal glands naturally can also benefit from a trip to the vet — a strong, fishy smell is often a sign they need attention.
Lastly, remember that dogs can sense your emotions. “If you’re nervous, your dog will be too,” says Melissa. “Try to stay calm and confident. Practice makes a big difference. By making grooming part of your regular routine, you’ll both get used to it and soon find it’s an enjoyable bonding experience.”
