Pet Grooming Tips: How to Care for Your Dog's Coat and Control Shedding

Grooming isn’t just about making your dog look stylish; it is an important part of your pet’s health care. Grooming maintains the health of the skin and cleanses mattes and tangles from the hair, leaving it shiny and under control. Grooming also means you will pick up any lumps, scrapes or abnormalities on the skin early, which could otherwise become serious issues.

Dogs all require different levels of grooming that are based upon breed, coat, shedding, and skin and coat sensitivity. Knowing these grooming needs for your dog will help make grooming less time-consuming and more productive.

Why regular grooming matters

Health benefits:

• Removes dead hair and skin cells that clog pores

• Distributes natural oils for healthier skin and coat

• Prevents matting that pulls on skin and causes pain

• Early detection of fleas, ticks, lumps, or injuries

• Reduces shedding around your home

Relationship benefits:

• Touch helps you notice when your dog feels unwell

• Creates positive associations with handling

• Makes vet visits and grooming appointments less stressful

Grooming by coat type

Short smooth coats (Labrador, Staffies, Boxers)

Frequency: Weekly brushing, bathe every 4-6 weeks

Best tools:

- Rubber curry brush (weekly dead hair removal)

- Short-bristle brush (polish coat shine)

- Hound glove (daily maintenance)

Technique: Brush in the direction of hair growth using short, firm strokes. Focus on the back, sides, and tail base where dead hair collects.

Double coats (Australian Shepherds, Huskies, Kelpies)

Frequency: Brush 2-3 times weekly year-round, daily during shedding season

Best tools:

- Undercoat rake (removes dense undercoat)

- Slicker brush (surface hair)

- Wide-tooth comb (check for mats)

Important: Never shave double-coated breeds. The undercoat insulates against both heat AND cold.

Wire/wavy coats (Jack Russell, Border Terriers)

Frequency: Brush 2-3 times weekly, hand-stripping every 2-3 months

Best tools:

- Wire pin brush

- Stripping knife (professional use)

- High-velocity dryer (loose hair removal)

Long/silky coats ( Cavalier King Charles, Shih Tzu)

Frequency: Daily brushing, professional grooming every 6 weeks

Best tools:

- Slicker brush + wide-tooth comb combo

- Detangling spray

- Coat conditioner

Pro technique: Divide coat into sections, brush from skin outward, then comb through.

Shedding control strategies

Heavy shedders (German Shepherds, Labs, Huskies):

1. Daily brushing with undercoat rake (5-10 mins)

2. Bath with de-shedding shampoo every 4 weeks

3. Add omega-3 supplements (vet recommended)

4. Use lint rollers on furniture daily

5. Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water

Seasonal shedding:

• Double-coated breeds "blow coat" twice yearly

• Brush twice daily during shedding season

• Use a high-velocity dryer to blast out loose undercoat

Step-by-step grooming routine

1. Preparation (5 minutes)

- Gather tools and treats

- Choose a quiet time when the dog is calm

- Have a positive attitude (dogs sense stress)

2. Brushing (10-15 minutes)

- Start with the least sensitive areas (back, sides)

- Work toward belly, legs, tail

- Check skin as you brush (redness, lumps, fleas)

- Reward calm behaviour frequently

3. Bathing (15-20 minutes, every 4-6 weeks)

DO: Lukewarm water, vet-recommended shampoo, thorough rinse

DON'T: Human shampoo, hot water, eyes/ears

4. Drying (10 minutes)

- Towel dry first (pat, don't rub)

- Low-heat blow dryer at a safe distance

- Let air dry completely before outdoor time

5. Nail trimming (weekly check)

- Only trim clear tip (avoid pink quick)

- Use purpose-made pet nail clippers

- Reward heavily — most dogs hate this

Breed-specific grooming guide

Troubleshooting common coat problems

Dry/flaky skin:

• Add omega-3 fish oil (vet dose)

• Switch to sensitive skin shampoo

• Increase brushing to distribute oils

• Check for food allergies

Excessive shedding:

• Rule out health issues (thyroid, allergies)

• Add dietary fibre (pumpkin, sweet potato)

• Use de-shedding shampoo weekly

• Professional de-shedding treatment

Hot spots (moist dermatitis):

• Stop licking immediately (cone/collar)

• Veterinary treatment essential

• Keep dry and clean during healing

Safe at-home vs professional grooming

DIY when:

• Short-coated breeds

• Regular maintenance brushing

• Nail trimming (with confidence)

• Ear cleaning (if trained)

Professional when:

• ❌ First-time grooming

• ❌ Severe matting

• ❌ Complex coat types

• ❌ Skin/medical conditions

• ❌ Show clip grooming

Products every pet owner needs

Essential kit (~$100 total):

• Slicker brush ($25)

• Undercoat rake ($20) 

• Nail clippers ($15)

• Sensitive skin shampoo ($15)

• Detangling spray ($10)

• Treats for positive reinforcement ($15)

Seasonal grooming considerations

Summer: More frequent baths, shorter walks before/after grooming, paw protection from hot pavement

Winter: Less bathing (dry skin risk), moisturising coat conditioners, paw balm for salt/chemicals

Making grooming stress-free

1. Start young (gentle handling from puppyhood)

2. Keep sessions short (5-10 mins max)

3. Always pair with high-value treats

4. End on a positive note (even if incomplete)

5. Never punish fear or discomfort

6. Progress gradually (touch → brush → bath)

There’s no need to make pet grooming stressful. The Pawshare Club brings together members of your local community who are fellow dog lovers with experience of dealing with dog hair, shedding, and grooming. As owners of Australian terrier breed dogs, our members have valuable advice and experience to share with you.

Part of a network that can share tips, pet sit in your honour during appointment times, and offer support. Check out the Pawshare Club and sign up!