Dog Grooming at Home: Brushing, Bathing and Nails
A coat-by-coat brushing routine, how often to bathe, and a low-stress way to finally get nail trims done.
Match the brush to the coat
Short smooth coats need a rubber curry once a week. Double coats need an undercoat rake during moult. Curly and wool coats need line brushing to the skin every two to three days or mats form invisibly beneath the surface.
Bathe less than you think
Most dogs need a bath every four to eight weeks. Over-bathing strips coat oils and causes itching. Always use a dog shampoo — human products are the wrong pH.
- Brush out mats before water touches them
- Lukewarm water, and rinse twice as long as you lather
- Dry thoroughly in the ears and armpits
Nails without the wrestling
Trim one nail per day rather than all sixteen at once. Pair every clip with a treat, and take tiny slivers so you stop well short of the quick. Nails that touch the floor when standing are already too long.
Home grooming kit that actually gets used
The right brush for your dog's coat turns grooming from a chore into a five-minute habit, and short weekly sessions prevent mats entirely.
Browse brushes, shampoos and clippers at Happy Pets Academy, shipped nationwide.
Happy Pets Academy ships pet supplies nationwide.
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