Dog Grooming: A Simple Guide to Coat Care

Our furry friends come in all shapes and sizes – and so does their fur! Whether your pup sports a short, medium, long, wire or curly coat, it’s important to keep it in top-notch condition.

In this short, handy guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of grooming each coat type. So, your dog will stay looking, feeling and smelling their best.

For 5 easy ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean, tap here.

The Golden Rule: regular brushing

No matter their breed, your dog’s coat needs brushing. At least once a week. Brushing is important because it:

Prevents painful hair mats.
Removes dirt.
Reduces grease & dry skin.
Removes loose fur (less shedding!).
Distributes natural oils for a soft coat.
Improves blood circulation.

Top tip: start regular grooming while they’re still a puppy. This will make it much easier!

Which brush should I use?

A Poodle’s fur is completely different to a French Bulldog’s, which is why they need different types of brushes. When you pick the right brush for your dog’s coat type, they’ll most likely enjoy being groomed, too!

- Slicker brush – this has a flat or curved head with rows of thin, wire pins. This helps remove loose fur and detangling knots.
- Pin brush – similar to a slicker brush, but the wire pins are tipped with plastic or rubber. This is better suited for long/silky coat types.

Undercoat rake – looks just like a pin brush, but there are fewer, longer pins. It gets deep into double/thick coats.

Shedding blade – a comb with small teeth. Great for removing loose fur.

Stripping comb – a comb with a sharper surface between the teeth, used to grab dead hair.

Grooming gloves – gloves you can wear that’ll brush fur quickly and gently.

Brushing short-medium coats

Short-coated breeds, like Labradors or Daschsunds, tend to be low-maintenance. Yes, they have less chance of mats, but they still benefit from a weekly brush. Medium-coated dogs, like Border Collies or Golden Retrievers, need brushing every few days; they’re not immune to matted fur.

Top tips:

Use a soft brush or slicker brush all over to remove loose hair/dirt.
Stick to the soft brush on areas with less coat.
Brush backwards (against the lay of fur), then brush it back into place.
If your pup is shedding, a double-row rake and shedding blade can be used.
To distribute oils, finish with a grooming glove.

Looking after long-coated dogs

Luxurious long-haired breeds like Afghan Hounds or Maltese demand extra care. Daily brushing is key for these breeds to remove dead hair and tangles – especially when shedding.

To keep their coat in top-notch condition:

Brush the hair through in the direction of natural growth.
Start at the top and work down using a pin brush.
A slicker brush will be handy if your dog is shedding.
Then, use a comb to remove any loose hair/pick up any knots or mats.
Finish the pampering session using a bristle brush, laying the coat flat in the direction of growth.

Remember: don’t miss the tummy or between the legs – tangles can be tricky to remove here! And, if you spot a knot that won’t brush out, try using a dematter comb.

Is your pup unsure about brushing? Try holding the brush in front of them, letting them get used to seeing/sniffing it. Then, gently try placing it on their head. Slowly brush their face, chin and ears. Be patient, they’ll get there!

How to groom wire coats

Breeds like Schnauzers or Irish Wolfhounds have wire coats, which is sometimes called a “broken coat”. They have a thick, bristly texture, and they don’t shed.

Nevertheless, it’s still important to stick to a regular brushing routine. For wire coats, opt for a slicker brush – aiming to brush their fur every few days:

Run a stripping comb lightly along the back to prevent mats and tangles.
Using a slicker brush, brush the coat from the skin outward.
If your pup’s fur has some matting, use a little bit of detangler to work it out.

P.S. Some dog breeds have a less harsh variety of wiry hair than others, e.g. Cocker Spaniels. But the same grooming practices apply to keep their coat healthy.

Caring for curly coats

Adorable curls (seen in breeds like Poodles or Bichon Frises) need plenty of pampering. Which, of course, these pooches love!

The tight curls that are typical of these breeds often have a thick undercoat, which needs daily brushing.

Top tips:

Use a soft slicker brush against the direction of the hair growth.
The ears, tummy and between the legs can be super sensitive. These areas tangle easily – so make sure they’re brushed carefully daily.
Use a medium-tooth comb to make sure there aren’t any more tangles.

If mats form, you could try using a de-matter comb. This can be painful for your pup, though – so visit a professional groomer if necessary.

How to brush dogs with a double coat

Breeds like Siberian Huskies and Corgis have double coats. That means they have an insulating undercoat beneath a longer, protective topcoat – which needs a little extra attention to prevent shedding and matting.

Recommended routine:

Using your hand (or a comb), part the fur. Then, use a slicker brush to brush through the soft undercoat and remove loose fur.
Using an undercoat rake is a great way to remove loose undercoat hairs, too.
You might find it easier to start on your dog’s lower half and work upwards. (Don’t miss the tummy/between the legs!)
Once you’ve brushed your pup, use a comb to remove any leftover loose hair.
Then, use a bristle brush/grooming glove to lay the coat flat in the direction of growth.

To prevent large mats from forming, try to keep on top of any knots. If you find any, try combing the coat through with a de-matter comb.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Dogs don’t need baths as regularly as you might expect. Bathing your pup too much could remove the natural oils from their coat – leaving it dry and, in some cases, irritated. For most dogs, brushing will be enough to keep their coat/skin healthy.

While the frequency of baths varies among coat types, a general rule of thumb is once every three months. (Unless your pup has embraced a mud bath on a walk, of course.)

P.S. Not all dogs are huge fans of bath time. But, with lots of fuss and attention afterwards – and a few sneaky treats throughout – your dog might just start enjoying it.

Which dog shampoo should I use?

There are tonnes of dog shampoo options out there, which can make choosing one a bit overwhelming. But it’s important to pick a shampoo that’s right for your dog’s coat.

Keep an eye out for adverse reactions when trying a new doggy shampoo.

Here’s a quick guide on the different types to choose from:

All-purpose shampoo – standard, general cleaning – doesn’t strip the fur of oils.
Shampoo for puppies/sensitive skin – gentle, fragrance-free that won’t strip the coat.
Shampoo for itchy skin – often contains soothing, hydrating ingredients (like aloe vera, oatmeal and tea tree).
Medicated shampoo – can treat conditions like redness, bumps and itching (without prescription).
Colour-enhancing shampoos – enhance the natural colour of your pup’s coat, while removing stains/odours. E.g. whitening shampoos for Westies and Bichons!
Deep cleaning – cuts through grease, and removes stains/dirt/odours. Perfect for mucky pups.
Shedding shampoos – designed to reduce shedding by loosening hair and undercoat during grooming.
Detangling shampoo – a godsend for curly/long-coated breeds. This makes brushing a lot easier.

Head to our shop to grab our favourite dog grooming products!

Bathing your dog: top tips

Here’s our recommended routine for doggy bathtime:

Brush your pup first to remove any dead/loose fur.
Wet your dog and wash them with dog shampoo.
Be extra careful to avoid their eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
Clean their face/around the eyes using a washcloth.
Rinse them thoroughly.

Don’t forget to check your dog’s ears for infection during bath time!

How do I dry my dog after a bath?

It’s important to properly dry your pup after bathtime. If you leave their fur wet, it could lead to matting and skin irritation. Plus, your dog can feel chilly and uncomfortable – not so fun!

So, once they’re done in the tub, pop them on a non-slip surface (like a towel or mat). Then, use an absorbent towel to dry their coat – paying extra attention to the ears, tummy and paws.

Go easy on the towel-drying; do it too rigorously, and your pup might be left with tangles.

Once your dog is freshly towel-dried, let the air do the rest. Try to keep them in a well-ventilated spot, or a sunny patch in your garden.

To prevent tangles and mats:

Gently brush your pup’s fur before letting them air dry.
If they have knots and tangles, try using a detangler spray.

Other ways to dry your dog’s fur

Towel and air drying can be a bit time-consuming. There are other options you can try, like pet hairdryers (with adjustable heat settings) and dog drying bags. Dog drying bags are new on the scene, but they’re a great way to absorb excess moisture and keep your pup comfortable.

Grooming your dog’s coat doesn’t have to be daunting. It shouldn’t be a chore, either. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and regular attention, you’ll have a happy and healthy pup with a coat that turns heads.