Practical dog grooming, explained for owners
Clear, step-by-step guides to grooming your dog at home: brushing, bathing, nails, ears, teeth and trims. They also help you know when a groomer or your vet should take over.
We’re a guide, not a grooming salon, and we don’t give veterinary advice. More about us
New to grooming at home?
Start here
Three guides, in the order that saves you time.
- Step 1: Find your dog’s coat typeYour dog’s coat shapes almost every grooming decision. Start by working out which type it is.
- Step 2: A grooming schedule for your dog’s coatHow often to brush, bathe, trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.
- Step 3: The full grooming routineEverything a home groom involves, in the order to do it.
Grooming for your dog's situation
Grooming a puppyGet a young dog used to being handled and groomed.Grooming an older dogAdapt grooming for stiff joints, thin skin and shorter patience.A dog who hates groomingHelp a fearful or resistant dog cope, step by step.Something wrong after grooming?Itching, redness, head shaking or a smell: what to check, and when to see your vet.
How this guide works
Sourced. Health and safety statements in our guides are checked against named sources, such as veterinary and animal-welfare organizations, and the sources are listed on each guide.
Your vet comes first. We help you recognize when something may be wrong and send you to your vet. We don’t diagnose or recommend treatments.
Corrections welcome. Spotted a mistake? Send a correction.