Learn essential grooming techniques for a healthy, well-maintained pup. Caring for your dog’s hair, teeth, nails, and ears goes far beyond just appearance—it’s about ensuring their overall well-being and preventing potential health issues down the line. From dental care to nail trims to brushing, understanding the proper techniques and timing can help keep your pup healthy and looking their best.
We talked with experts to learn the ins and outs of helping your dog stay in top shape from head to tail.
Grooming Techniques – Caring for Your Dog’s Coat and Skin
Every dog’s coat is different, and their grooming needs can vary significantly depending on their coat type. While all dogs require bathing and brushing, the frequency and level of care should be tailored to your dog’s specific coat needs.
Let’s break down how to best care for your dog’s coat and skin.
Grooming Techniques – Bathing
Bathing your dog is a vital part of their hygiene, but how often should you lather them up?
“Technically, dogs should be bathed every 21 days,” says Julia Benning, grooming advisory board leader at Well Groomed Pets. “This is because that is the length of the keratinization cycle, which means that after 21 days, dead skin cells are sitting on top of the skin, limiting the skin from doing its job to the best of its ability.”
However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule. Dogs with oily skin or certain conditions may require more frequent baths, while those with dry or sensitive skin benefit from less frequent washing to help preserve their coat’s natural oils. Of course, if your dog decides to roll in a mud puddle, a bath will definitely be necessary!
Always use a dog-specific shampoo to avoid skin irritation, and follow up with a thorough rinse to remove any soap residue.
Grooming Techniques – Brushing
Brushing your dog is essential for preventing matting, reducing shedding, and keeping your pup’s coat looking and feeling its best, Benning says. It also provides a chance to inspect your dog’s skin for any new lumps, bumps, or irritations that may need to be checked out by a vet. As a bonus, it reduces the amount of fur that would otherwise end up on your clothes, carpet, and furniture!
As for how often you should brush your dog, Benning lays out some general guidelines:
- Dogs with naturally short fur, such as boxers and Great Danes, should be brushed weekly to remove excess fur and dead skin cells.
- Dogs with naturally medium-length fur, such as German shepherds or golden retrievers, should be brushed lightly daily to prevent their undercoats from building up and tangles from developing.
- Dogs with naturally long fur should be thoroughly brushed and combed daily to prevent mats and tangles from developing. For these breeds, it’s especially important to brush out the whole dog (including the armpits, ears, face, and tail)—not just the body. Follow brushing with combing to ensure all tangles have been removed. Even if your long-haired dog gets a haircut, brushing is still necessary to maintain a healthy coat.
Grooming Techniques – Excessive Shedding
Shedding is a natural process for most dogs, and seasonal shedding (usually in spring and fall) is common in double-coated breeds, such as Newfoundlands, Siberian huskies, and corgis. To reduce shedding, regularly brush your dog and ensure they’re eating a well-balanced diet.
What if your dog is excessively shedding? “Excess shedding can be caused by various conditions, including hormonal issues, skin infections, changing seasons, and a lack of proper skin and coat maintenance,” says Carol Osborne, DVM, owner of Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic. If your dog seems to be shedding excessively outside of normal shedding seasons, consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health concerns.
Grooming Techniques – Caring for Your Dog’s Nails
Regular nail trimming is an important part of your dog’s overall care. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect your dog’s gait, and even lead to painful injuries.
“Generally speaking, you shouldn’t be able to hear your pup’s nails click-clacking on the floor,” Benning says. “In a perfect world, your dog’s nails should just barely touch the floor when they are standing.”
The average dog should have their nails clipped every three to four weeks, but it should be done as often as needed to keep your dog’s nails from touching the ground when standing.
To trim your dog’s nails, use a pair of dog nail clippers. Make sure you only trim a little at a time, avoiding the quick—the pink, sensitive part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. With light-colored nails, the quick is easier to see as a pinkish area, but you’ll need to be more cautious with dark nails.
If you or your pup are anxious about nail trims, it’s best to leave nail trims to a professional who is trained in gentle handling techniques, Benning suggests.
Grooming Techniques – Caring for Your Dog’s Ears
It’s easy to overlook the inside of your dog’s ears since they’re often out of sight. But Benning suggests making a habit of checking them every night before bed. Healthy ears should be light pink, odorless, and free from excessive wax or discharge.
“If the ears have lots of gunk but don’t seem red or irritated, give them a good cleaning at home with doggy ear cleaner (my favorite is DOUXO® Micellar Solution), and check them again a few times over the next 12 to 48 hours,” Benning says.
To clean your dog’s ears:
- Hold the ear flap upwards and fill the ear canal with solution.
- Gently massage the base of the ear for 60 seconds.
- Allow your dog to shake their head.
- Gently wipe away visible debris and excess solution with a clean, dry cotton ball or cloth.
If you notice redness, swelling, an unpleasant odor, or discharge, it could be a sign of an infection, allergies, or mites. Your dog may also shake their head frequently, scratch at their ears, or slide their head along the floor or carpet when something is off, Osborne says. In these cases, a visit to the vet is in order, to diagnose and treat the issue.
Grooming Techniques – Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth
Don’t forget your dog’s chompers! Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth comes with many benefits, including preventing bad breath, reducing plaque and tartar buildup, and lowering the risk of gum disease, which can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.
Grooming Techniques – How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
Daily brushing is ideal, says Osborne, but even brushing a few times a week can make a big difference in reducing plaque and maintaining healthy gums. Dental chews or toys designed to clean teeth can also help, though they shouldn’t replace regular brushing.
To brush your dog’s teeth, you’ll need a dog-specific toothbrush or finger brush and a dog-safe toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, as it can be toxic to dogs).
Lift your dog’s lips and gently brush in circular motions, focusing on the gum line where plaque tends to accumulate.
If your dog is new to tooth brushing, start slowly and build up to longer sessions as they get used to the process. Be patient, and always reward your dog with praise or a treat afterward.
Grooming Techniques – Professional Dental Cleaning
In addition to at-home care, your dog will likely need grooming Techniques – for professional dental cleanings. These are typically done under anesthesia and allow the veterinarian to thoroughly clean above and below the gum line, removing plaque and tartar that can’t be reached with brushing alone.
Your vet will recommend how often your dog needs professional cleanings based on their age, breed, and dental health, but generally, most dogs benefit from a cleaning every one to two years. This can help catch and treat any dental issues before they become more serious.
This article first appeared on Spruce Pets and was written by Katie Koschalk
Dr. Carol Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty-plus years. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Carol completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly afterward, she launched a very successful private practice and became the founder and director of the non-profit organization, the American Pet Institute. Dr. Carol offers traditional veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Currently, she offers holistic therapies and traditional veterinary medical care for dogs and cats at the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.