The brushing ritual: grooming your dog at home, gently
· PAW & PLAY
Brushing is one of those small rituals that does a lot. It keeps your dog's coat clean and soft, helps their skin stay healthy, cuts down on the fur on your sofa, and gives you a few quiet minutes together. Done gently and regularly, many dogs come to love it.
Why regular brushing matters
- Less shedding at home. Brushing lifts out loose and dead hair before it ends up on your floors.
- A healthier coat and skin. It removes dust and tangles, spreads natural oils and lets air reach the skin.
- A regular health check. You'll spot lumps, dry patches, ticks or fleas, and small wounds early.
- A calmer, closer bond. Gentle handling builds trust, which makes vet visits and nail trims easier too.
How often to brush, by coat type
- Short, smooth coats such as Labradors, Beagles and French Bulldogs: about once a week, more during shedding season.
- Double coats such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds: several times a week, and daily while they shed their undercoat.
- Long or silky coats such as Shih Tzus: daily, or close to it, to stop knots forming.
- Curly coats such as Toy Poodles: frequent brushing right down to the skin, plus regular professional trims.
- Fluffy, dense coats such as Pomeranians: a few times a week, working in sections so you reach the undercoat.
The right tools
- Rubber brush or grooming mitt for short coats, to lift loose hair and massage the skin.
- Slicker brush with fine pins for longer and curly coats, to remove tangles and loose fur.
- Undercoat rake or deshedding tool for double coats during shedding season. Use it lightly and never press into the skin.
- Metal comb to check for small knots once you've brushed.
- Soft bristle brush to finish, for a smooth, glossy coat.
Our Grooming brush is a simple place to start your at-home routine.
How to brush, step by step
- Pick a calm moment, ideally after a walk, on a stable, non-slip surface.
- Detangle first. Work on small sections. When you meet a knot, hold the fur at the base, close to the skin, so you don't pull, and tease it apart gently.
- Brush in the direction of the coat, working from the head towards the tail and down the legs.
- Lift the undercoat on double-coated dogs, section by section, during shedding season.
- Finish with a soft brush and lots of praise.
If the coat is badly matted, don't try to cut the mats out with scissors. A professional groomer can remove them safely.
Helping your dog enjoy it
- Start young, with puppies, using very short, positive sessions. Older dogs can learn too; it just takes a little more patience.
- Introduce tools slowly. Let your dog sniff the brush first. For noisy tools like hairdryers or clippers, show them switched off, then switched on at a distance, rewarding calm.
- Reward calm moments with treats and praise, and stop before your dog gets restless.
- Never force it. If your dog is uncomfortable, go back to a step they're happy with and build up over several days. A lick mat can be a lovely distraction.
Bath time, ears and eyes
- Always brush before a bath. Water tightens tangles into mats that are much harder to remove.
- Use lukewarm water and a dog shampoo, start at the paws and work up gently, and keep water away from the eyes and ears.
- Dry with a towel, or a hairdryer on a cool, low setting held at a distance, never aimed at the face.
- Check ears regularly, especially in floppy-eared breeds. Use a cleaner made for dogs and only wipe the parts you can see.
- Wipe around the eyes with a soft, damp pad, from the inner corner outwards.
If you notice redness, a bad smell, discharge or your dog scratching at their ears, check in with your vet.
When to see a professional groomer
At-home brushing keeps your dog comfortable between appointments. For full trims, clipping, scissoring and heavily matted coats, a qualified groomer is the safest choice.
A few minutes, well spent
A short, gentle brush a few times a week keeps your dog looking and feeling their best, and it's time together you'll both look forward to.
This guide is general information and not a substitute for advice from your vet or a professional groomer. Inspired in part by two grooming guides from Snob Dog Academy (why brushing matters and getting your dog used to grooming).