# 5 Essential Grooming Tips for Your Dog
Regular grooming is essential for your dog's health and happiness. Not only does it keep them looking their best, but it also helps prevent skin issues, detect early health problems, and strengthen your bond. At Groomingdale's Pet Salon in Lakewood, WA, we work with dogs of every breed and size, and we've distilled decades of professional experience into these five essential grooming tips that every dog owner should know. Whether you live in Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, or anywhere in Pierce County, these practices will help keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable year-round.
## 1. Brush Regularly Based on Coat Type
Brushing is the foundation of good grooming, and it is one of the most important things you can do at home between professional grooming appointments. Different coat types require different brushing schedules and tools:
- **Short-haired breeds** (Beagles, Boxers, Dalmatians): Brush once a week with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. These breeds shed more than people expect, and regular brushing keeps it manageable.
- **Medium to long-haired breeds** (Golden Retrievers, Collies, Australian Shepherds): Brush 2-3 times weekly with a slicker brush and undercoat rake to prevent mats and tangles. Pay special attention to areas behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar where mats form most easily.
- **Curly or wool-coated breeds** (Poodles, Bichons, Doodles): Brush every other day with a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent painful matting. At Groomingdale's, we see more Doodle breeds than almost any other type, and matting is by far the most common issue we encounter with these dogs.
- **Double-coated breeds** (Huskies, German Shepherds, Samoyeds): Brush 2-3 times weekly with an undercoat rake and slicker brush. During seasonal shedding (spring and fall), daily brushing is ideal. Never shave a double-coated breed, as this can permanently damage their coat.
- **Wire-coated breeds** (Terriers, Schnauzers): Brush weekly with a slicker brush and comb. These breeds benefit from professional hand-stripping or clipping every 6-8 weeks to maintain their characteristic texture.
Regular brushing reduces shedding, prevents painful mats, and gives you a chance to check for skin issues, lumps, or parasites. Our groomers recommend making brushing a positive bonding experience by offering treats and praise during sessions.
**Expert Tip from Groomingdale's:** *"Start brushing from the ends of the hair and work your way toward the skin, rather than brushing from the skin outward. This approach is much gentler and reduces pulling, especially on tangled coats."*
### The Right Tools Matter
Investing in quality grooming tools makes a significant difference. Here is what we recommend for home use:
- **Slicker brush:** Essential for most coat types, removes tangles and loose hair
- **Undercoat rake:** A must-have for double-coated breeds
- **Metal comb:** Use after brushing to ensure all tangles are removed
- **Rubber curry brush:** Perfect for short-coated breeds
- **Detangling spray:** Helps ease out minor tangles without pulling
## 2. Bathe Appropriately (Not Too Often!)
Many owners make the mistake of bathing their dogs too frequently, which can strip natural oils and cause dry, itchy skin. Most dogs only need a bath every 4-6 weeks, though this varies by breed, lifestyle, and skin conditions. Here in the Pacific Northwest, our wet climate means dogs often get muddy on walks through Lakewood's parks or along the trails near Fort Steilacoom. While it is tempting to bathe after every muddy adventure, consider using a damp towel for quick cleanups and reserving full baths for when they are truly needed.
Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo, and be sure to:
- Brush thoroughly before bathing to remove tangles (wet mats tighten and become worse)
- Use lukewarm water, not hot or cold
- Avoid getting water directly in ears and eyes
- Rinse thoroughly, then rinse again (shampoo residue is one of the most common causes of post-bath itching)
- Dry completely, especially in skin folds, ears, and between toes
**Choosing the Right Shampoo:** At Groomingdale's, we use professional-grade shampoos formulated for specific coat and skin types. For at-home bathing, we recommend avoiding human shampoos (even baby shampoo), as the pH level is wrong for dogs. Look for products that are free of artificial fragrances and harsh sulfates. If your dog has sensitive skin, oatmeal-based or hypoallergenic formulas are excellent choices.
**Pacific Northwest Bathing Tips:** The damp weather in the Tacoma and Lakewood area means dogs are more prone to developing that characteristic "wet dog smell." Our groomers recommend using a deodorizing shampoo during the rainy season and ensuring your dog is completely dry after baths to prevent fungal skin issues that can be common in our humid climate.
## 3. Don't Neglect Nail Care
Overgrown nails can cause pain, affect gait, and even lead to joint issues over time. If you hear your dog's nails clicking on hard floors, they are too long. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks, being careful to avoid the quick (the pink area containing blood vessels and nerves).
At Groomingdale's, nail trimming is one of our most frequently requested services. Many pet owners find nail trimming stressful for both themselves and their dogs, and we completely understand. Our groomers are experienced in making the process as quick and comfortable as possible.
If your dog resists nail trimming, try these approaches at home:
- **Use a grinder instead of clippers:** Many dogs tolerate the grinding sensation better than the pressure of clippers. Introduce the grinder gradually, letting your dog hear and feel the vibration before actually trimming.
- **Desensitize gradually with treats and praise:** Touch your dog's paws regularly when they are relaxed, pairing the experience with high-value treats. Over days and weeks, progress to holding the paw, touching individual toes, and eventually introducing the clippers or grinder.
- **Trim just one or two nails per session:** There is no rule that says you must do all nails at once. Doing a few at a time keeps stress levels low for both of you.
- **Use professional grooming services:** If nail trimming at home is simply too stressful, bring your dog to Groomingdale's. We offer walk-in nail trims at affordable prices, and our experienced groomers can handle even the most reluctant dogs safely.
**Why Nail Length Matters:** When nails are too long, they push back into the nail bed with every step, causing discomfort and potentially altering your dog's gait. Over time, this can lead to joint problems in the toes, legs, and even the spine. Dogs who walk primarily on soft surfaces like grass may need more frequent trimming since their nails are not being worn down naturally on pavement.
## 4. Clean Ears Regularly
Dogs with floppy ears are especially prone to ear infections, but all dogs need regular ear maintenance. The warm, moist environment inside a dog's ear canal is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, and our Pacific Northwest humidity only makes this worse.
Check ears weekly for:
- Redness or inflammation
- Unusual odor (a yeasty or foul smell indicates infection)
- Excessive wax buildup (dark brown or black debris)
- Scratching or head shaking
- Discharge or swelling
Clean with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and cotton ball (never cotton swabs, which can push debris deeper or damage the ear canal). If you notice any signs of infection, consult your vet promptly.
**Breeds That Need Extra Ear Attention:** Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles are among the breeds most prone to ear infections. At Groomingdale's, we include ear cleaning with every full grooming appointment and can demonstrate proper at-home ear cleaning techniques during your visit.
**Swimming and Ear Health:** If your dog loves swimming in one of Pierce County's many lakes or Puget Sound beaches, be sure to dry their ears thoroughly afterward. Trapped moisture is one of the leading causes of ear infections in active, water-loving dogs.
## 5. Don't Forget Dental Care
Dental disease affects most dogs by age three and can lead to serious health issues including heart, liver, and kidney problems. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs. Establish a dental care routine that includes:
- Daily tooth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste (never use human toothpaste, which contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs)
- Dental chews and toys that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup
- Regular professional dental cleanings from your veterinarian
- Checking for bad breath, inflamed gums, discolored teeth, or excessive tartar buildup
**Signs of Dental Problems:** Watch for bad breath that persists despite regular cleaning, reluctance to eat or chew on one side of the mouth, drooling, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or pawing at the mouth. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a veterinary dental exam right away.
**Our Groomers Can Help:** While professional dental cleaning requires veterinary care, our groomers at Groomingdale's are trained to notice signs of dental issues during grooming appointments. We have alerted many clients to potential dental problems, allowing them to seek veterinary care before the issue became severe.
## Bonus Tips for Pacific Northwest Dog Owners
Living in the Lakewood and Tacoma area means our dogs face some unique grooming challenges:
- **Mud management:** Keep a towel by the door for wiping paws after rainy walks. Consider trimming the fur between toes to reduce mud collection.
- **Seasonal shedding:** Pacific Northwest dogs often shed heavily in spring as temperatures rise. Schedule a professional de-shedding treatment at Groomingdale's during this time to keep your home fur-free.
- **Paw pad care:** Check paw pads regularly for cracks, cuts, or foreign objects. The wet conditions in our area can soften paw pads, making them more susceptible to injury.
- **Coat protection:** If your dog spends time outdoors in the rain, consider using a doggy raincoat to keep their coat dry and reduce the frequency of baths needed.
## When to Schedule Professional Grooming
While at-home maintenance is essential, professional grooming provides benefits that home care simply cannot match. Our groomers recommend scheduling professional grooming every 4-8 weeks depending on your dog's breed and coat type. Between professional visits, maintain your at-home brushing, ear cleaning, and dental care routine for the best results.
Remember, grooming is not just about aesthetics. It is a crucial part of preventative healthcare for your dog. If you are unsure about any aspect of grooming, our team at Groomingdale's Pet Salon is always happy to demonstrate proper grooming techniques and recommend the right tools for your specific dog's needs.
Call us at (253) 301-2823 or book online to schedule your dog's next grooming appointment. We serve pet owners throughout Lakewood, Tacoma, University Place, Steilacoom, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and all of Pierce County.
*Written by the grooming experts at Sarah's Groomingdale's Pet Salon in Lakewood, WA. With over 15 years of professional pet grooming experience, our team specializes in breed-specific grooming for dogs and cats of all sizes. Call us at (253) 301-2823 to book your appointment.*
