Learn how to groom your dog at home with this friendly 2025 guide! Tips, tools, brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and product picks from Our Pooch Store.

The Ultimate At-Home Dog Grooming Guide (So Your Pup Looks Paw-fect!)

Does your dog look like a majestic fluff cloud one day… and a tangled tumbleweed the next? Don’t worry — at-home grooming doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with the right tools and a little patience, it can become a bonding experience your pup will love (or at least tolerate with snacks).

Welcome to your friendly, step-by-step guide to keeping your dog clean, comfy, and looking fabulous — no fancy grooming certificate required. 🛁🐾

🧼 Why Grooming at Home Matters

Regular grooming helps:

• Reduce shedding

• Prevent matting

• Keep skin & coat healthy

• Spot issues early (ticks, cuts, irritation)

• Strengthen your bond

• Keep your pup smelling like a cloud, not a corn chip

Plus, it saves money. Your dog won’t understand this benefit, but your wallet will.

🐕 Essential Grooming Tools You’ll Need

(All available at Our Pooch Store — just plug in your own links!)

1. Brush or Comb (Based on Coat Type)

• Long hair? → Slicker brush

• Short hair? → Bristle brush

• Double coat? → Deshedding tool

• Curly coat? → Comb + detangler

Your dog might think brushing is a “spa day.” Or a betrayal. There is no in-between.

👉 GroomBrush-The All-in-One Pet Gromming Mist Brush

2. Dog Nail Clippers or Grinder

Overgrown nails = discomfort, awkward walking, and the dreaded “click-click-click” on your floors.

A grinder is great for smoothing; clippers are quick and effective.

👉LED Pet Nail Clipper – Professional Nail Trimmer for Cats & Dogs

3. Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Never use human shampoo — our pH isn’t pup-friendly. Choose gentle, moisturizing dog formulas.

👉Gentle Touch Dog Shampoo & Soap

4. Grooming Scissors (For Trims Around Eyes, Paws, Bum)

Rounded safety tips are best for wiggly pups.

👉Norfie Pro Series 4-Piece VG10 Grooming Shear Set

5. Ear Cleaning Solution

Because floppy ears = dirt collectors.

👉UBAVET Ubasan Ear Cleansing Solution for Dogs & Cats – (4 fl oz / 120ml)

6. Pet Dryer or Absorbent Towel

A good dryer reduces damp-dog smell and keeps tangles away.

👉2-in-1 Pet Hair Dryer & Grooming Brush – Professional Dog Grooming Kit

✂️ Step-by-Step Grooming Routine

STEP 1: Brushing — Start With the Basics

Brushing removes loose fur, prevents mats, and gets your pup comfy before a bath.

How to do it:

• Start at the neck, work your way down

• Be gentle around legs, belly, and tail

• For tangles: hold hair near the skin to avoid pulling

Pro Tip: Give treats. Many treats. Endless treats.

STEP 2: Bath Time (Splishy, Splashy, Squeaky Clean)

Bathing every 3–6 weeks is perfect for most dogs.

How to bathe like a pro:

1. Use lukewarm water

2. Wet thoroughly (avoid eyes/ears)

3. Apply dog shampoo & massage

4. Rinse really well — leftover shampoo can irritate

5. Use conditioner for long-haired breeds

6. Dry with a towel or pet dryer on low heat

Puppy banter:
Prepare for the “zoomies of cleanliness” after bath time. They’re coming.

STEP 3: Nail Trimming — The Part Everyone Dreads

You can do this. Believe in yourself.

Clipper Method:

• Hold paw gently

• Trim a tiny bit at a time

• Stop if you see a white ring (you’re close to the quick)

Grinder Method:

• Slowly round edges

• Go in short bursts

• Keep treats handy to distract your dog

If you accidentally hit the quick?
Stay calm. Apply styptic powder. Give extra treats. Apologize profusely.

STEP 4: Ear Cleaning — Floppy Ears Need Love Too

Apply ear cleaning solution to a cotton pad, wipe outer ear, avoid going deep.

Routine cleaning prevents infections and smelly “ear gunk.”

STEP 5: Trimming Hair (If Needed)

Common trim areas:

• Eyes

• Paws

• Sanitary area

• Tail tips

Keep scissors parallel to the body — slow and steady wins the grooming race.

🐩 Grooming Tips for Different Coat Types

✔️ Short Hair Dogs

Easy maintenance — brush once a week, bathe occasionally.

✔️ Long Hair Dogs

Brush 3–4 times a week, condition after baths, detangle before washing.

✔️ Curly/Coily Coats

Brush daily to prevent mats. Use moisturizing shampoos.

✔️ Double Coats

Deshed during spring and fall (aka “the furpocalypse”).

😅 Common Grooming Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Using human shampoo (too harsh!)

• Skipping brushing before a bath

• Cutting nails too short

• Ignoring ear hygiene

• Drying inconsistently (wet spots can cause odor + skin issues)

Your dog relies on you. Even if they act dramatic during grooming.

🐕 Signs Your Pup Needs a Groom

• Excess shedding

• Matted fur

• Smelly coat

• Redness or irritation

• Dirty ears

• Clicking nails

If your dog starts looking like a mop with eyeballs… it’s time.

✨ Make Grooming Fun: Turn It Into a Routine!

Dogs love structure, so grooming becomes easier when it's predictable and full of positive energy.

• Use treats

• Play soft music

• Keep sessions short

• Reward the calm moments

• End with praise, cuddles, and a walk

Your pup will go from “why are you doing this to me??” to “spa day yay!”

🛒 Grooming Like a Pro Starts With the Right Tools

You don’t need fancy equipment — just effective, pet-friendly tools.
Check out the full Grooming Collection at Our Pooch Store to keep your dog shiny, soft, and healthy.

A clean pup = a happy pup (and a proud pet parent). 🐾💛