A professional groom is a great foundation, but what happens between appointments matters just as much. A little regular care at home keeps your dog comfortable, prevents painful matting, and means your groomer can spend more time on the finishing touches rather than working through a coat that's become unmanageable.
The good news is that home coat care doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming. Once it becomes part of your routine, most dogs settle into it and even begin to enjoy it.
How often to brush — and why it varies
There's no single answer to how often you should brush your dog, because it depends entirely on their coat type. A short-coated Labrador might only need a quick brush once a week, whereas a Cockerpoo or a Bichon with a curly, continuously-growing coat should ideally be brushed every day — or at least every other day.
As a general guide:
- Short coats (Labradors, Boxers, Beagles) — once a week with a rubber mitt or bristle brush.
- Medium or double coats (Border Collies, Retrievers, Spaniels) — two to three times a week, focusing on the feathering and the undercoat.
- Long or silky coats (Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Afghan Hounds) — daily brushing to prevent tangles forming.
- Curly or non-shedding coats (Cockerpoos, Bichon Frises, Lagotto Romagnolos) — daily brushing to prevent the coat matting close to the skin.
Brushing technique matters
It's not just about how often you brush, but how you do it. Always brush in the direction the coat grows — working against the grain is uncomfortable for the dog and less effective at removing debris and loose hair. Work in sections, particularly for longer coats, and make sure you're getting down to the skin rather than just skimming over the surface.
Avoid pressing too firmly with a slicker brush, especially near the skin. Too much pressure can cause what's known as brush burn — a kind of abrasion that can make a dog reluctant to be brushed in future. Gentle, consistent strokes are far better than anything forceful.
Dealing with tangles and matting
Tangles are best caught early, before they tighten into mats. If you find a small tangle, hold the base of the hair close to the skin with one hand (to avoid pulling the skin) and work through it gently with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Never just drag a brush through it — that's painful and can make your dog associate brushing with discomfort.
One of the most important things I want every owner to know is this: please never try to cut out a mat with scissors. The skin beneath a mat tends to be drawn upward into the tangle, which means it's much closer to the surface of the mat than it appears. Cuts to the skin from scissors happen surprisingly easily, and they can be serious. If a mat has become too tight to work through gently, bring your dog in and I'll sort it out safely.
"The dogs that are easiest to groom are the ones whose owners brush them regularly at home. Not because the coat is perfect, but because the dog is completely relaxed about being touched, handled, and worked on — and that makes everything calmer for everyone."
Inge
Bathing at home
How often you bathe your dog depends on their lifestyle and coat type. For most dogs, once every four to six weeks is plenty — more frequent bathing can strip the natural oils from the coat, leaving it dry and dull. Muddy working dogs might need a rinse more often, but try to use just water unless they're genuinely dirty or smelly.
Always use a shampoo formulated for dogs. Human shampoos have a different pH balance and can irritate a dog's skin over time, even gentle ones. Make sure you rinse thoroughly — product left in the coat can cause itching and dandruff. And ensure your dog is properly dry before they go outside, particularly in cold weather. A damp coat in a cool environment can make them uncomfortable and prone to skin issues.
Diet and coat health
A shiny, healthy coat starts from the inside. Dogs fed a good-quality diet with the right balance of proteins and omega fatty acids tend to have noticeably better coats. If your dog's coat seems dull, dry, or is shedding excessively outside of the normal seasonal pattern, it's worth reviewing their food and speaking to your vet.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in fish oils and some quality dry foods, are particularly good for skin and coat condition. A small amount of salmon oil added to food each day can make a visible difference over a few weeks.
Signs to watch for
Regular home brushing gives you a valuable opportunity to spot things that might otherwise go unnoticed. Run your hands through your dog's coat and check for lumps or bumps beneath the skin, sore or flaky patches, redness, hair loss, or any signs of parasites. The sooner any of these things are spotted, the easier they are to address.
If you notice anything that concerns you, a visit to your vet is always the right call. I'm also happy to flag anything I notice during a groom — think of it as an extra pair of eyes looking out for your dog.