Dog Grooming at Home: How-To Guide
Home dog grooming is about more than washing their coat; it improves health, strengthens the dog-owner bond, and can spot issues before they
become problems. While a professional groomer has a role in tackling mats or complex trims, many day-to-day tasks are easy with simple dog grooming tools. Sometimes it may be difficult to know when or even how to groom your four-legged friend, but getting the right equipment (and treats!) for the job will make it an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
We are going to explore the benefits of grooming your dog, what can happen when grooming becomes a less frequent activity, and the products we sell that are perfect for an enjoyable grooming session.
Keep reading to see how you can get a Pawsome deal on your grooming purchases during September!
Why Regularly Grooming Your Dog Pays Off
- Shiny, Healthy Dog Coat
Brushing your dog’s coat spreads natural oils, cuts down on shed fur, and helps to highlight to you ticks, lumps, or irritated skin for attention. Lack of brushing can also lead to matted fur, especially if your pup is out in the wet weather or has just had a wash, and could lead to discomfort and the need to seek a professional groomer to get the matted fur gone. - Nails & Paws Sorted
Overgrown nails can pinch paws or scratch floors. A quick trim can make a walk more comfortable for both. On a more serious note, the longer your dogs’ nails, the more prone to injury and long-term health issues. Dogs may alter their posture and gait if their nails are causing discomfort, which can lead to strains on muscles and could cause arthritis, especially in older dogs. - Ear & Eye Maintenance
Keeping these clean fights off infections and keeps vision clear from build-up. Always monitor your dogs eyes for any problems like redness, cloudiness, or discharge, doing so will help catch any issues early on. For their ears, it’s important to keep a close eye on the inside of their ears as dogs with long canals are prone to trapping moisture, dirt and wax which overtime can lead to infections. - Spotting Sneaky Symptoms
Lumps, minor cuts, or odd smells can be found during grooming sessions—easy to miss otherwise. We know our dogs get up to mischief when we aren’t around (and even when we are!), and sometimes its difficult to see if they’ve accidentally hurt themselves. Perhaps they’re a short, long-haired dog and have found their way into a patch of cleavers or burrs, we likely wouldn’t see them without giving them a groom, and these can cause skin irritation and matted fur fairly quickly.
Build the Right Grooming Kit in a Few Minutes
| Item | Best For |
| Groomi Grooming Tool | Suitable for Dogs, Horses, Cats and other pets! Designed to remove dead hair, dirt, and other debris. |
| Nilaqua Towel Off Flea, Tick & Fly Shampoo | A blend of natural oils that are known to repel pests, apply a small amount and massage in to lift off dirt and grease. This shampoo is kind on skin and can be used on Dogs, Guinea Pigs and even Horses! |
| Bathrobe | Keeps your dog from getting colds post-bath. This item has a wide collar and adjustable elastic drawstrings |
| Dog Doctors Clean Ear Solutions | Made with natural, vet-recommended ingredients, this ear cleaning solutions is one of the best for your furry friend! Removing wax, dirt, and debris, and is gentle on their skin. |
| Toothpaste | A tasty treat to get your dogs teeth clean, free from additives and ensures a safe and natural clean |
| Towel | A microfibre pet towel to get your dog dry after a bath, this towel dries your furry (and now frizzy) friend fast and is machine washable up to 60 degrees. |
All of these products can be found in the Gladwell’s Pet grooming range – grab them before the special offer ends.
Step-by-Step DIY Dog Grooming Routine — Simple and Effective
- Start with Brushing
Begin at the head and move back. Short strokes first, then longer ones. If a tangle appears, loosen with fingers before brushing through. This is sometimes best to do outside if there is a lot of fur, any loose fur can be taken by birds to help build nests. - Next: Bath Time
Using lukewarm water, wet the coat thoroughly. Apply shampoo, work into a frothy lather, and then rinse until no soap remains. Dry gently with a towel, and if your pup is happy with a hair dryer, use a cool setting to finish the job. - Trim Those Nails
Be careful when trimming you dog’s nails as they contain blood vessels and nerves. Focus on the clear tip of the nail. When the nail quick is unseen, trim only paper-thin slices. Stop when a darker circle shows If the quick is cut then it will likely bleed. - Check Ears & Eyes
Dampen a pad with cleaner and wipe the outer ear. A soft cloth dampened with water handles eye area cleaning—always move outward. - Keep Calm for Nervous Pets
Short sessions work best. Treats, soothing tones, and slow movements help avoid drama. In time, these sessions can become something to look forward to.
Tailor Grooming to Coat Type
Short-Haired Breeds: Weekly brushing and as-needed washing—that’s often enough.
Long-Haired / Double-Coated Dogs: Daily brushing and de-shedding sessions drop loose fur and control tangles.
Curly / Wire Hair: Regular slicker brushing does the job between professional trims. Detailed cuts still call for pro hands.
Time to Call in the Pros When…
- Fur Mats are too dense for gentle breakdown and may cause distress.
- Breed-specific styling is needed, such as clean poodle contours.
- Skin or behaviour issues make home grooming tricky.
Sometimes it’s best to seek out a professional groomer if our dog’s fur is badly matted or require specialised grooming. Even if you have a fantastic relationship with your dog, DIY fur de–matting could lead to an unhappy dog who could be in pain.
Professional groomers know exactly what your dog needs and will be able to get them into perfect condition.
Grooming is About More Than Just Keeping Our Pets Fluffy
Home grooming is a kind way to keep pups comfortable, looking neat, and in good shape. With the right tools and following our home grooming tips for dogs, most maintenance is straight forward.
The Gladwell’s Pet range delivers everything needed— and during September, you can grab 10% off grooming products using code COPDOG at checkout – Shop online today!
Discover our full range of dog products, including dog hygiene products, supplements for dogs, accessories, dog food, dog toys and much more!