Quick answer: Keep at-home grooming simple: brush regularly, remove loose undercoat gently, trim only what you are comfortable handling, and leave severe mats or skin problems to a professional.
Routine grooming between professional appointments can help keep your dog's coat more manageable and reduce loose fur around the house. You do not need to replace your groomer—you just need a simple maintenance routine.
1. Start with regular brushing
Brush in the direction the coat naturally grows and work in short sessions. Pay extra attention to areas that rub against collars, harnesses, and legs, where tangles can form more easily.
For everyday brushing, the Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs & Cats helps collect loose fur and releases collected hair with a push-button cleaning mechanism.
2. Use a deshedding tool when needed
Dogs that shed heavily may benefit from a tool designed to lift loose undercoat. Use slow, gentle strokes and avoid repeatedly working the same spot.
The 2-in-1 Pet Grooming Brush & Deshedding Comb combines two grooming surfaces in one tool and is best suited to routine coat maintenance.
3. Trim only what you can safely see and control
For light maintenance, work slowly, keep the skin visible, and use an appropriate guide comb. Avoid sensitive areas unless you are experienced and your dog is calm.
The Rechargeable Pet Grooming Clippers for Dogs & Cats include multiple guide comb lengths and a cordless rechargeable design for routine trimming.
4. Keep grooming sessions short
If your dog becomes restless, stop and continue later. Short, calm sessions are usually more productive than trying to complete the entire grooming routine at once.
5. Know when to call a professional
Severe matting, irritated skin, wounds, painful areas, or unusual lumps should not be treated as routine home grooming. Contact a professional groomer or veterinarian when something looks or feels abnormal.
A simple weekly at-home grooming routine
- Brush the coat several times per week as needed.
- Use a deshedding tool during heavier shedding periods.
- Check paws, ears, and skin while grooming.
- Use clippers only for light trimming you can perform safely.
- Clean and dry grooming tools after use.
Build a basic grooming kit
Rechargeable Clippers · Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush · 2-in-1 Deshedding Comb
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush my dog?
It depends on coat type and shedding level. Dogs with longer or denser coats generally need more frequent brushing than short-coated dogs.
Can I use clippers between professional grooming visits?
Yes, for light maintenance if you are comfortable using them safely. Avoid severe mats, irritated skin, and sensitive areas.
What should I do with a badly matted coat?
Do not pull or force tools through tight mats. A professional groomer can determine the safest way to remove them.
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