Home Care for Your Dog – 🐾Between Grooming Appointments

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Home Care for Your Dog – Where to Start

Whether your pup is a polished poodle, a scruffy schnauzer, or a beloved mutt with a whole lot of character, regular grooming is essential—not just for keeping them looking sharp, but for their health, comfort, overall well-being, and care for your dog at home.

But what about the time between appointments?

As a Certified Master Groomer with over 36 years of experience, I often get asked: “What should I be doing at home to keep my dog clean and comfortable between grooms?”

Here’s your go-to guide to help your pup stay happy, healthy, and handsome between salon visits.

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🧼 1. Brush Often—More Than You Think

Brushing isn’t just about looks—it’s about preventing matting, especially in breeds with longer or curly coats like doodles, cockapoos, or shih tzus. Mats can pull painfully on the skin and hide issues like hot spots or parasites.

How often?

• Long or curly coats: Daily to every other day
• Short coats: Once or twice a week
• Double-coated breeds (like huskies): More during shedding seasons

Pro Tip: Use the right tools! A slicker brush and metal comb are your best friends. Start with the slicker, then follow up with the comb to catch any sneaky tangles near the skin—especially behind the ears, under the arms, and around the tail.

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🐾 2. Keep an Eye (and Nose) on Their Ears

Floppy-eared breeds or pups with thick ear hair are prone to infections. Gently check your dog’s ears weekly. A healthy ear should be clean and odor-free.

✅ Healthy ears are:

• Light pink
• Odor-free
• Free of redness, wax build-up, or discharge

❌ Watch out for:

• Sour or yeasty smells
• Excessive scratching
• Head shaking

📌 Not sure? Bring it up at your next appointment or call your vet.

Redness? A sour smell? Excess scratching?
These could be signs of infection, and it’s best to call your vet—or mention it at your next appointment so I can take a peek!

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✂️ 3. Easy Home Care for Your Dog – Trim the Nails

Nail maintenance is one of the most overlooked parts of pet care. Long nails can cause discomfort or even joint issues over time. If you hear clicking on your floors, it’s time for a trim.

Not confident clipping at home?
No worries! I offer nail trims between full grooming sessions—just reach out to schedule a quick visit.

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🧴 4. Bathe Sparingly (and Smartly)

Bathing your dog at home can help them smell fresh and stay clean—but too much washing can strip the natural oils and cause dry, itchy skin.

🛁 General guidelines:

• Bathe every 4–6 weeks, or as needed based on activity level
• Use pet-safe shampoo only (never human shampoo)
• Avoid perfumes or dry shampoos, on a matted coat—those can irritate the skin

💨 Always dry your dog thoroughly, especially in cooler months.

And please don’t use perfume sprays or dry shampoos on a matted coat—those products can cling to mats and irritate the skin underneath.

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🦷 5. Home care for your dog – Don’t Forget the Teeth

Dental hygiene plays a huge role in your dog’s overall health and home care for your dog. A little effort goes a long way in preventing bad breath,

gum disease, and more serious issues.

🦷 Easy ways to support dental health:

• Brush your dog’s teeth 2–3 times per week with dog-safe toothpaste
• Offer dental chews or toys
• Ask your vet about water additives for extra freshness

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💗 6. Watch for Changes

You’re the closest observer of your dog’s daily habits and health and while doing this home care for your dog keep track of unusual thing you see.

🔍 Things to note:

• New lumps or bumps
• Areas of hair loss or dryness
• Sensitivity during brushing
• Unusual odor or behavior changes

📣 If you notice anything off, feel free to bring it up at your next groom—or reach out for a quick consult.

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🐶 Final Thought: Grooming is a Team Effort

Your dog’s comfort and confidence don’t come from just one day at the salon—it’s the result of regular care, both on my grooming table and in your loving hands at home. The more we work together, the more enjoyable and stress-free grooming becomes for your dog.

🐶 Need Help Between Appointments?

🧼 Not sure what brush to use?
✂️ Found a tricky tangle?
📞 Want to pop in for a nail trim?

I’m here for you and your dog—between appointments and beyond.
Feel free to contact me anytime with questions, concerns, or just to say hi.

📍Book Your Next Grooming Appointment in Abbotsford

Treat your dog to a calm, professional experience—tailored to their needs and personality.
💛 Personalized, gentle, one-on-one grooming by a Certified Master Groomer.
📞 Call/Text to Book
📍 Serving Abbotsford, Mission and the Fraser Valley

Let’s keep your dog healthy, happy, and looking fabulous—together.

Until next time, give your dog a cuddle from me—and keep the tangles at bay!
– Krista 💛