7 Essential Dog Grooming Tips for Home - Complete Guide
Grooming your dog at home isn’t just about making them look good — it’s a key part of keeping them healthy and happy. With the right tools and techniques, regular grooming can strengthen your bond and help you catch potential health issues early. Below are 7 essential tips to help you build an effective at-home grooming routine for your dog.
Before we begin, check out our grooming tools and care products here:
👉 Pet Grooming & Comfort Collection – Atlas Pets
1. Brush Your Dog’s Coat Regularly
Brushing is one of the most important parts of dog grooming. It removes loose fur, prevents matting, and distributes natural skin oils throughout the coat. For long-haired breeds, daily brushing helps prevent painful tangles and keeps their fur smooth and shiny.
Try products like:
🔗 Brushes and grooming combs from our Pet Grooming & Comfort collection
2. Choose a Pet-Safe Shampoo
Bathing your dog is essential for cleanliness, but be sure to use a shampoo formulated specifically for pets. Human shampoos can disrupt a dog’s skin pH and cause dryness or irritation. Choose a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat clean and hydrated.
3. Trim Nails Carefully
Overgrown nails can be uncomfortable and may affect your dog’s posture or movement. Regular nail trimming helps prevent nail cracking, splitting, and painful overgrowth. If you’re new to nail trimming, begin slowly and use positive reinforcement like treats to make the experience pleasant.
🔗 LED nail trimmer for safe, stress-free clipping — shop it in our Pet Grooming & Comfort collection
4. Clean Ears and Eyes Gently
Routine grooming is a great time to check your dog’s ears and eyes. Look for excessive dirt, wax buildup, redness, or discharge. Clean ears gently with a vet-approved cleaner and avoid pushing anything deep into the ear canal. Consult your vet if you notice any signs of irritation or infection.
🔗 Gentle pet cleaning wet Glove wipes (disposable, 96 count) — find them in our Pet Grooming & Comfort collection
5. Pay Attention to Paw Care
Your dog’s paws take the brunt of every walk — and the fur between paw pads can trap dirt or debris. Trim excess hair around the pads to prevent matting and check for foreign objects after outdoor adventures. Moisturizing paw balms can help keep pads soft, especially in dry or cold weather.
Moisturizing paw balm for dogs and cats — protect paws & noses — explore in our Pet Grooming & Comfort collection
6. Make Grooming a Positive Experience
Not all dogs love grooming right away, but you can make the process fun and stress-free with patience and positive reinforcement. Start with short sessions, offer treats and praise, and gradually increase the time as your dog gets more comfortable.
🔗 Keep mealtime fun — Cat & Dog Snack Feeder available in our Pet Feeding Essentials collection
7. Check for Skin and Coat Issues
As you groom, take time to inspect your dog’s skin for bumps, flakiness, discoloration, or parasites like ticks or fleas. Regular checks help you catch issues early and address them before they become serious. Grooming is not only cosmetic — it’s a wellness check too.
When to Seek Professional Grooming
While these at-home grooming tips cover the basics, some tasks like advanced clipping, heavy de-shedding, or complex trimming may require a professional’s touch. Think of your home routine as a way to keep your dog fresh and comfortable between grooming appointments.
Conclusion
Grooming should be a regular part of your dog’s health care — not just an occasional chore. With the right tools from the Pet Grooming & Comfort collection and these 7 essential tips, you can keep your dog clean, happy, and healthy right at home.
Happy grooming! 🐶💛