Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Grooming at Home

Grooming is about more than just brushing out the tangles. Taking care of your dog’s coat, ears, nails, and teeth is a key part of your pet’s overall health and happiness. Creating a routine that works for both of you can turn grooming time into something enjoyable rather than a dreaded chore.

But grooming done incorrectly — using the wrong tools or skipping important steps — can cause discomfort, skin irritation, or even injury. That’s why you need to understand best practices and equip yourself with the best tools for the job.

Let’s break down the basics of dog grooming at home, including the most important do’s and don’ts to keep your furry loved one happy, healthy, and looking their best.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Grooming At Home

Grooming your dog at home doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with the right know-how, it can be a positive experience for both you and your dog.

Whether it’s brushing, bathing, trimming nails, or more, knowing the right techniques will keep your dog happy and well taken care of. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do for a smooth and stress-free grooming session.

Do Have the Right Tools

Before you start grooming, make sure you’re prepared with the appropriate tools:

Brushes (bristle for short hair, pin for medium, slicker for long)
Dematting comb (for thick, long coats)
Dog shampoo
Dog conditioner (optional)
Dog ear cleaner
Nail clippers or grinders
Styptic powder (for nail bleeds)
Dog toothbrush
Dog toothpaste or dental powder
Dental breath freshener and chews

Pet Honesty offers a range of grooming products, from dog ear cleaners to dental care solutions, so you can be confident you’re using safe, high-quality ingredients for your dog's grooming routine.

Do Follow a Regular Grooming Schedule

The Animal Humane Society recommends bathing dogs every two to four months and brushing dogs every few days, no matter the length of their coat. Other maintenance, like nail trimming and ear cleaning, can be done every one to two weeks. Dental care should be more frequent — about two to three times per week.

Do Check For Health Issues

The grooming process is a great opportunity to examine your dog for any signs of health issues. As you brush or wash, check their skin for any signs of redness, irritation, flakiness, or parasites like ticks. Then, check their eyes, ears, paws, and teeth to look for anything unusual, and contact your veterinarian with any concerns.

Don’t Use Soaps or Shampoos Not Made For Dogs

Human soaps can be too harsh for a dog’s skin and can strip the natural oils. Always use products specifically formulated for dogs, like those from Pet Honesty, which are designed with safe, natural ingredients to keep your dog’s coat healthy and soft.

Don’t Overwhelm Your Dog

Never use any forceful methods to restrain your dog. Grabbing, pulling, or typing them up during grooming can escalate discomfort and nervousness to full-on distress. If you notice signs of stress like panting, shaking, and whining, stop the grooming session right away and try again later.

Don’t Forget Dental Health

Tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath — all of these can become big problems if you're neglecting your dog's dental health. Left untreated for to long, it can even lead to serious health conditions like heart, liver, and kidney disease.

How to Groom Your Dog At Home

Proper grooming is crucial for your dog’s health, but dog grooming for beginners at home can be simpler than you might expect. Let’s walk through the full spectrum of grooming, from brushing to dental care, so you can confidently manage your dog’s grooming routine at home.

Brushing

Using the appropriate brush for your dog's coat texture and length, gently brush all the way down to the skin.

Bathing

Wet your dog with lukewarm water, apply a mild shampoo, and scrub thoroughly. Make sure you thoroughly dry the ear area when you're done.

Nail Trimming

Use a dog nail clipper or grinder to cut the hook-like part of the nail. Try your best to avoid the “quick,” the blood vessel inside the nail. For lighter-colored nails, the quick will be visible under good lighting, but it can be harder to see it with darker nails.

If you do nick the quick, immediately apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

Ear Cleaning

Use an ear cleaning solution to fill the ear canal and wait thirty seconds to a minute. Then, gently tilt your dog’s head to the side to let the solution drain out. Dry the exterior of the ear thoroughly with a towel.

Tooth Brushing

Clean your dog’s teeth frequently with a toothbrush and toothpaste or powder designed for dogs. You can also use dental treats, dental chew toys, or breath-freshening water to further support your dog’s oral health.

Creating a Comfortable Space For Grooming

The key is to take things slow, going at your dog’s pace. Start when both you and your dog are comfortable and relaxed. Let them sniff each tool before you use them.

Offer regular treats — at least one after every step of the process. Make sure to use high-value treats that your dog loves. Pair the treat with a soothing tone and plenty of praise.

If your dog starts to become uncomfortable or stressed, take a break immediately and try again the next day.

Signs It’s Time to Call a Grooming Expert

While at-home grooming is important, there are times when your dog’s grooming needs are better handled by an expert. Here are some signs that it might be time to schedule a professional grooming appointment:

Advanced grooming needs for long-haired dogs
Severely matted or tangled hair
Long quicks or challenging nail trims
Skin irritation (redness, bumps, sores)
Signs of tooth decay or severe bad breath
Signs of an ear infection
Fearful or aggressive behavior during grooming

If your dog is comfortable with new environments, taking them to an in-person groomer can be a great option for professional care. However, if your dog struggles with new places or experiences anxiety, an at-home dog groomer can provide a more relaxed, familiar setting for their grooming needs.

Building Healthy Habits for Grooming Success With Pet Honesty

When you're grooming your dog at home, having the right products can make all the difference. With Pet Honesty on your side, you can rest easy knowing you’re using safe, honest ingredients to give your dog the best possible care you can get without leaving the house.

From dog shampoos to dental powders, explore our range of grooming supplies to find the right fit for your pup today.