The Bare Bones of Dog Grooming Basics: What Every Owner Should Know

The Bare Bones of Dog Grooming Basics: What Every Owner Should Know

Grooming isn’t just about looks—it’s a core part of your dog’s health, comfort, and overall wellbeing. You don’t need a full spa routine to care for your dog properly, but you do need to cover the basics consistently. These foundational grooming habits help prevent health issues, catch problems early, and keep your dog feeling their best.

Here’s a simple, no-frills breakdown of essential dog grooming basics.

1. Brushing: The Foundation of Grooming

Brushing removes loose fur, dirt, and debris while preventing mats and skin irritation.

Why it matters:

  • Reduces shedding

  • Prevents painful matting

  • Stimulates healthy skin and coat

How often:

  • Short coats: 1–2 times per week

  • Medium/long coats: several times per week or daily

Use the right brush for your dog’s coat type to avoid discomfort.

2. Bathing: Less Is More

Dogs don’t need frequent baths unless they’re truly dirty.

Best practices:

  • Use dog-specific shampoo only

  • Avoid over-bathing (it dries out the skin)

  • Rinse thoroughly to prevent irritation

Most dogs only need a bath every 4–8 weeks, depending on lifestyle.

3. Nail Trimming: Don’t Skip This

Overgrown nails can cause pain, posture issues, and joint stress.

Signs nails are too long:

  • Clicking on hard floors

  • Altered walking posture

  • Splitting or snagging

Trim nails every 2–4 weeks or as needed. Short, frequent trims are better than long gaps.

4. Ear Care: Simple but Important

Ears trap moisture and debris, especially in floppy-eared breeds.

Basics:

  • Check ears weekly

  • Clean only when dirty or smelly

  • Never go deep into the ear canal

Redness, strong odor, or excessive head shaking may signal infection—see a vet.

5. Dental Care: Often Overlooked

Oral health affects the entire body.

Minimum care:

  • Brush teeth several times per week

  • Use dog-safe toothpaste

  • Provide dental chews as support (not a replacement)

Neglecting dental care can lead to infection, pain, and organ issues.

6. Coat, Skin & Body Checks

Use grooming time to scan your dog from nose to tail.

Look for:

  • Lumps or bumps

  • Skin irritation

  • Ticks or fleas

  • Cuts or hot spots

Early detection makes a big difference.

7. Start Early & Keep It Calm

Grooming should be routine—not stressful.

Tips:

  • Introduce grooming tools slowly

  • Keep sessions short and positive

  • Reward calm behavior

  • Stop before your dog becomes overwhelmed

Consistency builds tolerance and trust.

Back to blog