Dog Care and Grooming Top Tips
At WOOFGLAM, we believe grooming is more than just keeping your dog looking good — it’s about their overall health and wellbeing. Between visits to our salon, there’s plenty you can do at home to keep your pup happy, healthy, and shining. Here are our top grooming and care tips from our expert team.
Guide to brushing your dog
Short-Haired Breeds (e.g., Beagle, Pug, French Bulldog)
- Brush 2 to 3 times per week to effectively remove loose coat, minimize shedding, and promote healthy skin circulation.
- Regular brushing helps distribute natural sebum evenly across the coat, enhancing its shine and maintaining the skin’s protective barrier.
- Use a short-coat grooming tool such as a rubber curry brush, bristle brush, or fine-toothed comb specifically designed for smooth coats.
- Incorporate a pumice stone or grooming block once per week to lift dead hair, exfoliate the skin, and refine the coat’s finish.
Long or Curly-Coated Breeds (e.g., Shih Tzu, Cockapoo, Poodle Mixes)
- Perform daily brushing to prevent tangles, mat formation, and skin irritation.
- Consistent grooming ensures proper airflow to the skin, maintains coat elasticity, and prevents painful matting that may lead to dermatological issues.
- Use specialised grooming tools such as a buttercomb, dematting comb, or a slicker brush designed for curly or textured coats to penetrate the layers effectively without causing damage.For high-maintenance coats, brushing should be done in sections, working from the roots to the ends to ensure thorough detangling.
Double-Coated Breeds (e.g., Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, German Shepherd)
- Brush several times per week, with increased frequency during seasonal shedding (“coat blowing”) periods to remove excess undercoat and minimize matting.
- Regular grooming promotes proper airflow within the coat, prevents undercoat compaction, and maintains skin and coat health.
- Use an undercoat rake, slicker brush, or wide-toothed buttercomb to reach the dense underlayer without damaging the protective guard hairs.
- During heavy shedding, utilise a high-velocity dryer before brushing to separate the coat, loosen impacted undercoat, and facilitate more efficient grooming.
Breeds with Long and Straight Coats (e.g., Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Lhasa Apso)
- Perform brushing at least 4 to 5 times per week to prevent matting and coat compaction.
- Regular grooming helps maintain proper cuticle alignment, reducing coat breakage and preserving the natural silky texture.
- Use a buttercomb (high-quality stainless steel comb with finely polished teeth) to glide smoothly through the coat, minimizing friction and mechanical damage.
- Complement with a pin brush without ball tips to maintain coat flow, volume, and natural drop.
Guide to keeping your dog healthy
Keep Nails Trimmed
-
Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, posture issues, and even injury. Check your dog’s nails every 2–3 weeks. If you hear clicking on the floor, they’re too long.
💡 Tip: Many dogs dislike nail trims — keep the process calm, use lots of praise, and let a professional groomer handle tricky nails.
Basic Bathing Guidelines
-
Low-maintenance breeds (e.g., Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Beagle, short-coated breeds): Bathe every 4 to 6 weeks, or as needed depending on activity level and environment.
-
High-maintenance breeds (e.g., Toy breeds, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Poodle mixes, Cockapoo, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Doodles): Bathe every 3 to 4 weeks to maintain coat hygiene, prevent matting, and support skin health.
Key recommendations:
- Always use dog-specific shampoos. Human shampoos can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance and lead to irritation.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeatedly to ensure no shampoo residue remains, as buildup may cause dryness, itching, or dermatitis.
- Proper drying is essential: towel-dry first, then use a low-heat dryer or professional grooming dryer if necessary to prevent moisture retention, which can lead to odor, fungal growth, or hot spots.
💡 Professional Tip: Between full baths, maintain freshness using pet-safe wipes, waterless (spray) shampoos, or dry grooming powders. This helps control odor and buildup without stripping the skin’s protective oils through overbathing.
Care for Ears and Eyes
- Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or wax buildup. Breeds with floppy ears (e.g., Spaniels) need extra care.
- Wipe tear stains gently with a damp cloth, especially for breeds like Maltese or Shih Tzu.
💡 Tip: Never insert cotton buds into the ear canal — leave deep cleaning to professional groomers or vets.
Manage Shedding
- Use a deshedding tool for double-coated breeds.
- Schedule professional de-shedding treatments during spring and autumn when shedding peaks.
💡 Tip: A balanced diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids supports healthy skin and coat, reducing excessive shedding.
Watch for Skin & Coat Changes
Your dog’s coat and skin are windows into their overall health. Look out for:
- Bald patches or thinning hair
- Persistent scratching or licking
- Redness, lumps, or flakes
💡 Tip: If you notice sudden changes, consult your vet. Groomers can often spot early signs of health issues during routine appointments.
Keep Grooming Stress-Free
Grooming should be enjoyable for your dog. Keep sessions short, calm, and full of praise. Always reward good behaviour with treats or playtime.
💡 Tip: Regular professional grooming at WOOFGLAM ensures your dog’s coat, nails, and skin stay in peak condition, while reducing stress for both pet and owner.