Regular grooming isn't just about a shiny coat and a nice smell — it's one of the best things you can do for your dog's health, and it's a lovely way to bond. Brushing spreads natural oils, catches lumps, ticks and skin problems early, and keeps shedding under control. You don't need a professional groomer every few weeks either; a good at-home routine handles most of the job. Here's how to groom your dog at home, calmly and safely.
How Often Should You Groom?
It depends heavily on coat type, but a rough guide for Australian dogs:
- Short, smooth coats (Staffies, Kelpies, Beagles): a weekly brush and the occasional bath is plenty.
- Double coats (Border Collies, Huskies, Golden Retrievers): brush two or three times a week, and daily during the big moult in spring and autumn.
- Long or curly coats (Poodles, Cavoodles, Maltese): brush every day or two to prevent matting, plus regular trims.
- Nails, ears and teeth: check nails every couple of weeks and teeth and ears weekly, regardless of coat.
Brushing: The Foundation of Grooming
Brushing is the single most valuable grooming habit. Done regularly it removes loose fur before it ends up on your lounge, prevents painful mats forming close to the skin, and gives you a weekly once-over to spot lumps, ticks, grass seeds or irritated skin. Brush in the direction the coat grows, be gentle around the belly and legs, and never drag hard through a knot — tease mats apart with your fingers or a comb first. Keep sessions short and upbeat, especially at first, so your dog learns that grooming is a good thing.
2-in-1 Deshedding & Massage Glove — $29.99
Best for: dogs that dislike a traditional brush. It feels like a gentle massage while lifting loose hair, making it a great way to introduce nervous or fidgety dogs to grooming.
Bathing Without the Battle
Most dogs only need a bath every four to six weeks — over-washing strips the natural oils and dries out the skin. When it is bath time:
- Brush the coat thoroughly first, as water turns loose knots into tight mats.
- Use lukewarm water and a dog-specific shampoo — human and dishwashing products are the wrong pH for dogs' skin.
- Lather from the neck back, taking care to keep water and suds out of the eyes and ears.
- Rinse until the water runs completely clear; leftover shampoo is a common cause of itchiness.
- Dry thoroughly, especially double coats and skin folds, so damp fur doesn't lead to irritation.
Complete 5-in-1 Pet Grooming Care Kit — $39.99
Best for: owners who want the essentials in one kit. With deshedding brushes, combs and nail clippers together, it covers most at-home grooming jobs for the price of a single professional visit.
Nails, Ears and Teeth
The bits that are easy to forget are often the ones that cause problems:
- Nails: if you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Trim a little at a time and avoid the pink quick inside the nail — if you're unsure, your vet or groomer can show you where it is.
- Ears: check weekly for redness, odour or discharge. Wipe only the visible part with a vet-approved cleaner, and never poke anything down the ear canal. Floppy-eared breeds need extra attention.
- Teeth: dental disease is very common in dogs. Brush with a dog toothpaste (never human paste) a few times a week, and ask your vet about dental checks.
Pet Nail Clipper — $17.99
Best for: quick, controlled nail trims at home. The rounded design helps you take off small amounts safely — ideal for keeping on top of nails between fuller grooming sessions.
Making Grooming a Positive Experience
A dog that enjoys grooming is far easier to look after. Start young if you can, but any dog can learn. Keep first sessions short, pair every step with treats and praise, and stop before your dog gets fed up rather than pushing through a meltdown. Handle paws, ears and mouth gently and often outside of grooming time, so none of it feels strange. If your dog is genuinely fearful or aggressive about being handled, or has heavily matted fur, a professional groomer or your vet can help without turning it into a fight.
When to See a Professional
At-home grooming covers the routine, but some jobs are worth outsourcing: severe matting that's close to the skin, full clips for breeds like Poodles and Oodles, nervous dogs that won't tolerate handling, and anything involving skin lumps, sores or suspected infection — those go to your vet. There's no shame in a helping hand; the goal is a comfortable, healthy dog, however you get there.
At-Home Grooming FAQs
How often should I bathe my dog?
For most dogs, every four to six weeks is plenty. Bathing too often strips natural oils and can dry the skin. Dogs with skin conditions may need a different schedule — follow your vet's advice.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
No. Human shampoo is the wrong pH for a dog's skin and can cause dryness and irritation. Always use a shampoo formulated for dogs.
My dog hates having its nails clipped — what can I do?
Go slowly. Touch the paws often outside of grooming, reward calm behaviour, and trim just one or two nails at a time rather than all at once. If you're worried about cutting the quick, ask your vet or groomer to demonstrate.
How do I get grass seeds out of my dog's coat?
Check thoroughly after walks in long grass — especially between the toes, in the ears and under the legs. Remove any you can see, and if a seed has broken the skin or lodged deep, see your vet, as grass seeds can burrow and cause infection.
Shop Dog Grooming at OzPetCo
Keep your dog looking and feeling great with our dog grooming range — brushes, deshedding tools, nail clippers, bath sets and grooming kits, with fast Australian delivery and free shipping over $99. A few minutes of grooming each week keeps problems away and your dog happy.
