How to groom your dog and why it’s important

Grooming isn’t just about keeping your dog looking neat and tidy. It’s an important part of their overall health and wellbeing. As a dog owner, you might wonder why regular grooming matters, how often you should do it, and when things like nail trimming are needed. Whether your dog has a long or short coat, this guide will walk you through the benefits of consistent grooming, how to build a simple routine, and practical tips to keep your dog healthy, comfortable, and happy. 

Table of contents 

1. Why grooming your dog regularly matters

2. How to groom your dog

3. Common dog grooming tasks

4. Developing a grooming routine

5. Supporting your dog’s wellbeing with pet insurance

Why grooming your dog regularly matters  

Regularly grooming your dog is essential because it helps remove dead hair, dirt, grass, seeds, and loose fur, preventing mats and discomfort, while also distributing the natural oils that keep your dog’s coat healthy. It also gives you the chance to routinely check for early signs of problems such as skin irritation, parasites, and injuries, helping to keep your dog comfortable and healthy. 

The benefits of regularly grooming your dog 

Regular grooming has plenty of benefits, from keeping your dog’s coat tidy to supporting their overall comfort and health. 

It can help to: 

• Remove dead hair and skin cells to keep the coat and skin healthy 

• Prevent matting and knots that can cause discomfort 

• Distribute natural oils throughout the coat, helping it stays shiny and healthy 

• Spot health issues early, such as skin irritation, injuries, or parasites 

• Remove foreign objects like grass seeds that may cause discomfort or problems 

• Reduce excess hair, which can make the coat feel heavy and hot 

• Improve blood circulation 

What does dog grooming typically include? 

Grooming your dog isn’t just about keeping their coat in order. It also includes a range of essential care activities that help keep them healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. These may include: 

• Brushing 

• Bathing 

• Nail trimming 

• Trimming excess hair around the eyes, ears, and paw pads 

• Ear and eye care 

• Checking for health issues 

How to groom your dog 

Make grooming a positive experience 

Grooming should always feel like a positive experience for your dog, so start slowly and make it enjoyable from the beginning. If you can, introduce grooming early in their life, keep sessions short at first, and use plenty of praise and treats to reward calm behaviour. 

Most dogs have favourite spots where they enjoy being brushed, like the head, neck, or upper body, while areas such as the belly, feet, and tail can be more sensitive. Begin with the places your dog likes, offer a few gentle brush strokes, and then stop before they show signs of discomfort or agitation. You can gradually increase the time spent grooming and the areas groomed. 

Choose the right tools 

Having the right brushes and combs can make grooming much easier for both you, and your dog.  

Different coat types need different tools. For example: 

• Long-haired dogs usually benefit from brushes with longer bristles and wide-toothed combs 

• Short-haired dogs are usually best groomed using soft or short-bristle brushes and a fine-toothed comb 

A soft grooming mitten or massage brush can be a great place to start, as many dogs find them relaxing, but you still may need additional tools to remove any knots, mats, and loose hair. 

Brush gently and carefully 

Use a suitable brush or comb and work gently in the direction the hair naturally grows. It often helps to start with a soft brush or wide-toothed comb to loosen any light tangles or debris, then move to a finer tool if you need to work through tougher knots. If your dog shows any signs of stress or discomfort, stop and try again later.  

Be extremely cautious if you have to use clippers or blunt-nosed scissors to remove knots. If a mat is close to the skin or you’re unsure about removing it safely, it’s best to ask a professional groomer or your vet for help. 

Check the hard-to-reach areas 

While grooming, take a moment to check the more hard-to-reach areas like toes, under the armpits, around the ears, and between the hindlegs. This helps you pick up any problems like dirt build-up, signs of infection, parasites such as fleas or ticks, mats, grass seeds in the coat, and any scratches, rashes, inflamed areas, lumps, and bumps that might need to be checked by your vet. 

Check nails and dew claws 

Grooming is also a good time to check your dog’s nails. Overgrown nails can become uncomfortable and may even affect how your dog walks. Your vet can show you how to tell when nails need trimming and how to do it safely. 

Don’t forget to check their dew claws too. These are the small nails higher up on the inside of your dog’s leg. Because they don’t touch the ground when your dog walks, they don’t wear down naturally and may need trimming more often. 

Check teeth and gums if your dog allows it 

Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, reduces the risk of gum disease, keeps their breath fresh, and supports their overall wellbeing.  

If your dog is comfortable with it, gently check their teeth and gums as part of their regular grooming routine. Your vet can show you how to do this safely and explain what signs of dental or gum disease to look out for. Catching problems early can help prevent discomfort and more serious health issues later on. 

Your vet may also recommend brushing your pet’s teeth using specially-formulated, pet-safe toothpaste and a pet-friendly toothbrush. Ask your vet for advice on how to do this safely. 

What if my dog doesn’t like to be groomed? 

If your dog is anxious about grooming or you don’t feel comfortable with tasks like bathing, clipping, or nail trimming, a professional groomer can be a great option. Choose a trusted, reputable groomer who uses gentle handling and positive reinforcement to help your dog feel comfortable. You can also ask your vet or other pet owners for recommendations. 

Other options include checking whether your pup can be groomed at your vet clinic or arranging for a mobile groomer to come to your home. If you’d prefer to groom your pup yourself, you could also look into local classes on safe, stress-free grooming techniques. 

Common dog grooming tasks 

Bathing 

• Consider how often your dog needs a bath 

How often your dog needs bathing depends on their coat type, skin condition, and lifestyle. Dogs who swim or roll in mud may need baths more often than others. If you’re unsure, your vet can offer advice. 

• Choose a safe bathing location 

You can bathe your dog in a bath or shower using warm water. You might also be able to get access to a temperature-controlled hydrobath at a groomer, local pet store, vet clinic, or through a mobile grooming service. In warmer weather, a gentle rinse outdoors with a garden hose can work well too. 

• Keep the experience positive 

Offer treats and praise throughout the process, especially if your dog is still unsure about bath time. 

• Use the right shampoo 

Always choose a dog-specific shampoo suited to your dog’s skin and coat type. If your dog has sensitive skin or any skin conditions, ask your vet for a recommendation. 

Coat trimming and clipping 

• Check whether your dog needs regular trimming 

Long-haired or heavy coated dogs often need routine clipping to keep their coat manageable and comfortable. 

• Keep hair away from the eyes 
  Trim any hair that falls over or onto your dog’s eyes to prevent irritation and ensure they can see properly. 

• Remove mats when needed 
  Clipping is useful for removing mats that can’t be brushed out safely. 

• Maintain coats that don’t shed 
  Breeds like Poodles, Maltese Terriers, and Schnauzers often need clipping because they don’t naturally shed their coat. 

• Help prevent heat stress 
  Regular clipping can help keep long-coated dogs feeling cooler in hot weather. 

• Use a professional groomer for safety 
  Because safe clipping requires skill and care to avoid injury and keep your pup comfortable, it’s best left to a trusted, reputable professional groomer. 

• Ask your vet for recommendations 
  Your vet can recommend a suitable groomer, and some vet clinics may even offer grooming services. This can be especially helpful for dogs who feel stressed and may need a little extra care to be groomed safely. 

Other dog owners in the area may also be able to recommend a groomer they and their dog have had a positive experience with. 

Dogs with double coats  

How to tell if your dog has a double coat 

Some dogs have what’s called a double coat, a soft, dense layer underneath and a tougher outer coat on top. Breeds like Samoyeds, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies are well-known for it. That fluffy undercoat helps keep them warm in winter and cool in summer, but it also means their coat needs a little extra care.  

Groom very regularly 

Because the undercoat is so thick, double-coated dogs can easily develop mats and tangles if they’re not brushed often. Daily grooming (especially during heavy shedding seasons) helps remove loose hair, prevent knots, and keep their skin comfortable. 

Bathe regularly to help loosen shed hair 

A bath can do more than just freshen up your dog’s double coat. It also helps loosen dead hair trapped in the undercoat and keeps their skin healthy. Make sure to give your dog a gentle brush once their coat is completely dry after a bath, to remove any loose hair. 

Use the right grooming tools 

Thick coats need tools that can reach right down into the undercoat. Helpful options include: 

• Undercoat rakes 

• Slicker brushes 

• Wide-toothed combs 

• De-shedding tools 

These tools help lift out loose undercoat hair without damaging the outer coat. 

Brush gently and with care 

Always brush slowly and gently, using short strokes. Tugging or scraping can irritate your dog’s skin. Take extra care around sensitive spots like the face, ears, toes and joints, where skin can be delicate. 

Brush the coat in the right order 

• Start by working through the undercoat, removing any tangles as you go 

• For short-haired double coats (like Labradors, Miniature Schnauzers, and Corgis) start with a slicker brush 

• For long-haired double coats (like Pomeranians, Pekingese, and Rough Collies) divide the coat into sections, start with an undercoat rake, then follow with a wide-toothed comb 

Most brushing should follow the direction of hair growth, but gently brushing the undercoat backwards can help loosen stubborn shed hair. 

Finish the coat properly 

After the undercoat is brushed out, use a bristle brush or grooming mitten to smooth the topcoat and remove any remaining loose hairs. 

Don’t forget the hard-to reach areas 

It’s easy to miss spots, but these are often where mats are hiding. Make sure you brush the whole body, including between the legs, under the armpits and other tucked-away areas where hair can easily tangle. 

Nail care for dogs 

• Check nails regularly 
  When a dog’s nails grow too long, they can become uncomfortable and even painful. Overgrown nails may cause wounds, infections, or affect how your dog stands and walks. Keeping nails trimmed helps prevent them from curling into the paw pads or breaking. 

• Don’t forget the dew claws 
  Dew claws sit slightly higher on the leg and don’t wear down naturally when your dog walks. Because of this, they can grow too long quite quickly, so it’s important to check and trim them regularly. 

• Start nail trim training early 
  Many dogs dislike nail trimming, so it helps to introduce it when they’re young. Keep sessions short, calm, and reward calm behaviour to build positive associations. 

• Ask your vet for guidance 
  Your vet can show you how to trim nails safely and with minimal stress, especially if your dog is anxious about the process. 

• Seek professional help for anxious dogs 
  If your dog becomes stressed or fearful about nail trims, it may be easier to visit your local vet clinic or a trusted professional groomer. 

• Use exercise to help manage nail length 
  Regular walks on hard surfaces like footpaths can help wear nails down naturally. However, this won’t affect dew claws, so those still need to be checked and trimmed separately. As a general guide, nails should be trimmed before they start touching the ground when your dog stands or walks. If you can hear them tapping on the floor, they’re already too long. 

Developing a grooming routine 

Creating a regular grooming routine can make the whole process easier for both you and your dog. Here are a few simple steps to help you get started: 

Set a regular schedule 

Grooming should be consistent. Daily brushing is ideal for long-haired or double-coated dogs, while short-haired dogs may need it several times a week. Pick specific days and times so it becomes part of your routine. 

Start small and build gradually 

If your dog is new to grooming, start with short sessions and focus on areas they’re comfortable with. Gradually increase the duration and include more challenging areas like the hindlegs, feet, or tail. 

Use positive reinforcement 

Reward calm behaviour with treats, praise and gentle encouragement. This helps your dog see grooming as a positive experience and can strengthen the bond you share. 

Include all grooming tasks 

A complete routine includes more than brushing. Try to include: 

• Brushing 

• Bathing 

• Nail checks and trims 

• Ear checks 

• Dental care 

• Coat trimming if (or when) needed 

Don’t hesitate to split these tasks across different sessions if that helps keep grooming calm and manageable for you and your dog. 

Adjust based on your dog’s needs 

Every dog’s coat is different. Long-haired and double-coated breeds usually need more frequent grooming than short-haired dogs, and some may also need to be bathed and have their nails trimmed more often than others. 

Seek professional guidance if needed 

If grooming at home becomes stressful for your dog (or starts affecting your relationship in a negative way) it’s a good idea to speak with your vet or visit a trusted professional groomer. 

Remember that every dog is different 

While some dogs are very tolerant and enjoy being groomed, others may take longer to feel comfortable with the process. It’s important to stay patient, move at your dog’s pace, and adapt your grooming routine to suit their specific needs. 

Supporting your dog’s wellbeing with pet insurance 

Regular grooming isn’t just about keeping your dog looking their best. It also gives you a chance to spot potential problems early, like skin irritation, lumps, parasites, or small injuries that might otherwise stay hidden beneath their coat. 

Sometimes these little discoveries mean a quick trip to the vet to make sure everything is alright. And depending on what’s found, those visits can come with some unexpected vet bills. 

For many pet parents, that’s when having pet insurance can offer a little extra peace of mind. 

And if you insure with RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can customise your cover to suit your needs and budget, while also supporting the RSPCA’s mission of caring for animals in need across Australia. It’s protection with purpose, for your pet and thousands of others. 

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online. 

Disclaimer 

As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

 

References 
 

[1] RSPCA Australia. Why and how should I groom my dog? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/why-and-how-should-i-groom-my-dog