Grooming at home keeps your pet's coat healthy between professional grooms — and for many breeds it replaces them entirely. It's also the best time to spot lumps, ticks, or skin issues before they become serious.
Pick the right brush
Short-coated pets do well with a rubber curry brush or grooming glove. Double-coated breeds need an undercoat rake during shedding season — a 2-in-1 rake removes loose undercoat without damaging the top coat. Long-haired cats and dogs benefit from a slicker brush plus a metal comb for finishing.
Little and often beats marathon sessions
Five minutes a few times a week keeps most coats mat-free and keeps the experience relaxed. Brush in the direction of hair growth, be gentle around the belly and ears, and end each session with a treat so grooming stays a positive ritual.
Don't forget nails and ears
Check nails every couple of weeks — if you hear clicking on hard floors, it's time for a trim. Check ears weekly for redness or odor, especially in floppy-eared breeds, and clean only the visible part of the ear with a pet-safe cleaner.