Professional grooming does a lot of heavy lifting, but what you do at home between appointments matters too. A few simple habits can stretch the time between visits, prevent matting, and catch small issues before they become bigger ones. Here’s what we recommend to our clients.
1. Brush More Often Than You Think You Need To
Most coats benefit from brushing 2–3 times a week, and double-coated or long-haired breeds often need it daily during heavy shedding seasons. Regular brushing prevents mats from forming in the first place — which matters, because once a mat sets in close to the skin, it often can’t be brushed out and has to be shaved instead.
Tip: Focus on friction points — behind the ears, under the arms/legs, and around the collar — where mats tend to form first.
2. Check Paws and Nails Weekly
Long nails aren’t just noisy on hardwood floors — over time they can affect your dog’s posture and gait. Between grooming visits, keep an eye on nail length (a good rule of thumb: if you can hear nails clicking on hard flooring, they’re due) and check paw pads for cracks, debris, or irritation, especially after walks on hot pavement or in winter salt.
3. Wipe Down After Walks
A quick wipe of paws, belly, and legs after a walk — especially in wet or muddy weather — cuts down on tracked-in dirt and reduces the chance of skin irritation from allergens like pollen or lawn chemicals.
4. Don’t Skip Ear Care
Ears, especially floppy ones, are prone to trapping moisture and debris, which can lead to infections. Between grooms, a gentle check for redness, odor, or excess wax is worth doing weekly — and it’s the kind of thing that’s much easier to catch early than treat late.
5. Watch for Skin Changes
While brushing or petting, take a moment to notice your dog’s skin — dryness, flaking, redness, or new lumps and bumps are all worth a mention at your next grooming appointment (or a call to your vet if something seems off). Groomers see your dog’s skin and coat up close and often, which makes us a good second set of eyes, but you’re the one who sees them daily.
6. Use the Right Brush for the Coat
Not all brushes work for all coats. Slicker brushes are great for detangling, undercoat rakes pull loose fur from double coats, and bristle brushes work well for short, smooth coats. Using the wrong tool can miss loose hair entirely — or worse, irritate the skin. Not sure what’s right for your dog? Ask us at your next appointment; we’re happy to make a recommendation.
7. Keep a Consistent Grooming Schedule
Coats are easiest to manage when grooming happens on a predictable rhythm rather than only when things get bad. Most dogs do well with a Bath & Brush every 3–4 weeks and a Full Groom every 6–8 weeks — though it varies by coat type, activity level, and season. (Not sure which schedule fits your dog? Our [Bath & Brush vs. Full Groom] post breaks down the difference.)
When to Call a Professional
At-home care goes a long way, but some things — de-shedding a heavy double coat, safely handling a mat close to the skin, or expressing anal glands — are best left to a professional groomer with the right tools and training. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always safer to ask than to guess.
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