The Dos and Don’ts of Dog Grooming at Home, According to Experts

Written by

Jessica Wang
Jessica Wang
Jessica is a writer and former weekend editor at Apartment Therapy. Her work also appears in Bustle, Nylon, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, and more. She lives in Southern California with her dog.
updated Feb 28, 2021
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Like their human counterparts, dogs require the occasional pampering, too. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continuing to rage on across the globe, some pet parents are opting out of in-store bathing pet services. As such, Mira Showers, a U.K.-based shower company, looked into these pampered pooch trends to determine how pet parents are caring for their furry companions at home. And with some help from dog grooming experts, the company compiled a trusty list of the dos and don’ts of safely grooming at home. 

Some of the major dos and don’ts? Do use a handheld shower with lukewarm water, and don’t bathe your dogs too often. And while experts agree that general bathing could be done at home, they also maintain that it’s best to leave some grooming — such as nail and hair clipping and ear plucking — to professionals. “There are certain techniques that need to be followed in order not to harm the dog or yourself,” Ness Croft-Taylor, veterinary surgery manager and qualified dog groomer, explains. “For example, if you cut your own nails too short, they are sore, and it’s exactly the same for a dog.”

One good grooming routine to establish at home? Daily brushings, according to Billy Barlos, senior groomer at Purplebone. “Brushing should be a daily routine for all dogs at home, regardless of coat type,” Barlos says. “It gives you an opportunity to check your dog’s skin and coat for any foreign bodies.” Read on below for the rest of the dos and don’ts. 

Credit: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

The dos of dog grooming at home

  • Use a handheld shower: a handheld regulates the flow of water and introduces it gradually 
  • Use lukewarm water: experts suggest dipping your elbow into the water to test the temperature, much like one would when bathing a baby 
  • Start at the head and work your way backwards to the legs and body
  • Be careful around your dog’s ears, eyes, and paws
  • Assess for lumps, bumps, skin irritation, and debris
  • Take your dog to a professional groomer if you’re unsure
  • Reward your dog with treats: “Lots of rewarding, whether it be vocal or treats, really helps,” Barlos explains. “Some dogs need help keeping focus during washing and brushing at home, and more anxious dogs can benefit from the naturally calming effects of licking.” 
Credit: Mira Showers

The don’ts of dog grooming at home

  • Use human shampoo: experts stress the use of certified dog shampoos only; human shampoos have different pH levels and could cause skin issues and harm your dog’s eyes
  • Bathe your dog too often: overwashing can lead to skin irritation 
  • Use hot water
  • Get water down your dog’s ear canal: this could lead to infection
  • Rush: your pup certainly wouldn’t appreciate shampoo residue 
  • Get shampoo in your dog’s eyes
  • Attempt hair clipping, ear plucking, anal glands, or nail clipping: experts advise dog owners to leave the clippings and pluckings to professionals.