Complete grooming guides covering brushing, bathing, nail trimming and professional grooming schedules for every coat type.
Double-coated breeds need de-shedding rather than clipping, curly coats need daily brushing to the skin to prevent matting, and wiry coats need hand-stripping or regular trims. Matching the routine to the coat is what keeps a dog comfortable between professional appointments.
Nails, ears, teeth and paw pads cause more vet visits than coat problems. A short weekly check of all four, plus daily tooth brushing, prevents most of the issues that turn into treatment costs.
Brushing, bathing, nail trims and ear checks are realistic at home with the right tools. Clipping, hand-stripping and de-matting are worth paying for — a bad clip changes how a double coat regrows.
What tools, techniques and frequency actually suit double, curly, silky, short and corded coats, and what to leave to a professional groomer.
From brushing schedules to bath frequency, learn the fundamentals of keeping your dog's coat healthy.