No matter what breed of pup you have, regular dog grooming at home is an important part of keeping our pets healthy, comfortable and looking their best. While professional grooming can be helpful, and sometimes necessary, many basic grooming tasks can easily be done at home, even for first-time dog owners. All you need are the right tools and a little patience. My dog Bella and I have a simple home grooming routine in front of the telly whilst we catch up on our favourite shows!
What Are the Benefits of Dog Grooming at Home?
- Arguably the most valuable benefit of grooming your dog at home is the opportunity to keep on top of their physical health. Regular brushing, bathing, and nail care can reduce shedding, prevent painful matting, and allow you to spot skin issues, parasites, or lumps. Spotting these issues early means you can deal with them before they become serious.
- Grooming your dog at home also helps strengthen the emotional relationship between you. When done calmly and regularly, grooming becomes a shared routine that builds trust, comfort, and communication between you and your pet. The focussed interaction allows you to give undivided attention to your pup, strengthening the bond between you.
Basic Grooming Tasks You Can Do at Home
#1 Brushing Your Dog
Brushing your dog's coat removes loose hair, dirt, and tangles. It also spreads natural oils through the coat, helping keep fur healthy and shiny. Depending on your dog's coat type, brushing 1-3 times a week is usually enough. It may be that one area requires more regular brushing than others, such as the ears for my Bella! Either way, it's important that you have the right tool for the job. We love the Ancol Double Sided Pet Brush as it has steel pins on one side to remove tangles, and a soft bristle side to promote a smooth and shiny coat. You can't go wrong!
Introduce your pup to regular brushing from an early age, starting in a calm environment and using treats to create a positive association. In time it will become a beautiful bonding experience that both of you will look forward to! If you've recently welcomed a puppy, starting with the right training is key — read our puppy training guide to build good habits early.
#2 Bathing Your Dog
Most dogs only need a bath every four to six weeks unless they get particularly dirty. But whilst bathing helps keep your dog's coat clean and fresh, it's not always easy to do at home! As with brushing, your best bet is to introduce it at an early age and be sure to reward your pup's calm behaviour during the process.
Use a gentle dog shampoo, such as Animology Hair of the Dog Shampoo, along with lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly so that no shampoo is left behind, otherwise your pup might start feeling itchy! You will also most certainly need a good absorbent towel to wrap around your dog immediately after the bath, as many tend to get the zoomies afterwards! We recommend Ancol's Microfibre Quick Dry Pet Towel for a budget friendly convenient option.
#3 Trimming Your Dog's Nails
Keeping your dog's nails trimmed prevents discomfort and helps them to walk properly. But it can be inconvenient and costly to keep going to the groomer or vet as regularly as you'd like. It can be scary undertaking nail clipping at home, particularly if you're new to it, or you're unsure how your dog will respond. As with many jobs, the right equipment can make all the difference. Use safety clippers specifically designed for nail trimming, such as the Ancol Ergo Safety Nail Clippers, which come in two sizes. Trim small amounts at a time and be careful not to cut the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail). If you're unsure, a nail grinder might be a safer option until you feel more confident. After some practice, I am now able to trim my Bella's nail in under 3 minutes, and there's no reason that you can't do it too!
#4 Cleaning Your Dog's Ears
Dogs, especially those with floppy ears like Bella, can benefit from a regular ear cleaning. Floppy ears trap moisture and can become smelly as a result (ewww!). Get yourself a pet-safe ear solution like Vetzyme's Antibacterial Ear Drops & Cleanser, apply and gently massage at the base of the ear, then gently wipe away any debris with cotton or gauze. It goes without saying, don't ever put cotton swabs and the like deep into your pup's ear, the risk of injury is not worth it.
When to Visit a Professional Groomer
While home grooming works well for routine maintenance, some situations may require a professional groomer. These may include:
- Severe matting
- Aggression during grooming
- Special skin conditions that require professional care
Final Thoughts
A mix of regular home grooming and an occasional professional groom often works best, dependent on breed. To make grooming at home easier, keep sessions short, calm and positive, being sure to reward your dog with treats and praise. With a simple routine and the right tools, grooming your dog at home can be an easy way to keep them clean and healthy, whilst strengthening the bond between you. Check out Poochella's Dog Grooming Collection to start building your home dog grooming kit.