Professional grooming is essential, but what happens between appointments matters just as much. A dog whose coat is maintained at home arrives at the groomer in far better condition — which means less time on the table, less stress for the dog, and often a lower bill. Here's a practical guide to what you should be doing between professional grooms.
Why At-Home Maintenance Matters
Dogs with neglected coats between appointments present groomers with matting, tangled fur, and excessive shedding — all of which take significantly more time to address. In severe cases, matting can cause skin irritation, hide parasites, and restrict movement. Regular brushing takes five to fifteen minutes and prevents all of these problems.
Brushing: How Often and With What
The right brushing frequency depends entirely on your dog's coat:
Short-coated breeds (Beagle, Boxer, Dalmatian)
- Frequency: Once a week
- Tools: Rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush
- Purpose: Removes loose hair and distributes skin oils
Medium coats (Labrador, Border Collie, German Shepherd)
- Frequency: 2–3 times a week; daily during shedding season
- Tools: Slicker brush, undercoat rake
- Purpose: Removes shed undercoat and prevents surface tangles
Long coats (Golden Retriever, Spaniel, Setter)
- Frequency: Daily or every other day
- Tools: Pin brush, wide-tooth comb
- Purpose: Prevents tangles and surface matting
Curly and Doodle coats (Poodle, Cockapoo, Labradoodle)
- Frequency: Daily
- Tools: Slicker brush followed by a metal comb
- Purpose: Prevents the deep matting that develops rapidly in curly coats
The metal comb test: After brushing, run a metal comb through your dog's coat from root to tip. If it passes through freely, you're done. If it catches, keep brushing.
Ears: Weekly Checks
Ear infections are common in dogs with drop ears — Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Poodles, and many Doodle breeds. A weekly check takes thirty seconds and can catch problems early.
Lift each ear flap and look inside. Healthy ears are pale pink, clean and odour-free. See your vet if you notice:
- Dark discharge or debris
- A yeasty or foul smell
- Redness or swelling
- Your dog scratching at their ears or shaking their head frequently
Use a vet-approved ear cleaner applied to a cotton pad to gently wipe the visible parts of the inner ear. Never insert anything into the ear canal.
Nails: Every 4–6 Weeks
Overgrown nails are painful and can alter the way a dog walks, causing long-term joint issues. If you can hear your dog's nails clicking on hard floors, they need trimming.
Many owners prefer to leave nail trimming to their groomer. If you do it yourself:
- Use a sharp, dog-specific nail clipper
- Trim small amounts at a time to avoid cutting the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail)
- For dark nails, trim to where the nail begins to curve downward
- Keep styptic powder on hand in case of bleeding
If your dog is resistant to nail trimming, start by simply touching the feet with the clippers regularly, rewarding with treats, before attempting to cut.
Teeth: Brushing 2–3 Times a Week
Dental disease affects the majority of adult dogs in the UK and is entirely preventable with regular brushing. Use a dog-specific toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and a finger brush or soft toothbrush.
Start slowly — let your dog sniff and taste the paste first, then gradually introduce the brush over several sessions.
Eyes: Daily Check
Some breeds — Shih Tzus, Pugs, Poodles — produce more eye discharge than others. Use a damp cotton pad to gently wipe away any build-up around the eye. Always wipe away from the eye, using a clean pad for each eye.
Persistent redness, discharge or pawing at the eyes warrants a vet visit.
Paws: After Every Walk
Check your dog's paws after every walk, particularly in winter when grit salt is used on roads. Salt and ice can dry and crack paw pads. Rinse paws with warm water, dry thoroughly between the toes, and apply paw balm if skin looks dry or cracked.
In summer, check for grass seeds, particularly in the fur between toes — grass seeds can work their way through the skin and cause serious infections.
Keeping Mat-Prone Areas Under Control
Certain spots mat more quickly than others, regardless of breed:
- Behind the ears
- Under the collar
- In the armpits (where the front legs meet the body)
- Between the back legs
- Around the bottom
Pay extra attention to these areas during your regular brush.
A good home maintenance routine keeps your dog comfortable every day — not just on grooming day. Use our directory to find a professional groomer in your area for a full groom when needed.