Regular grooming keeps your pet comfortable, helps you spot changes in their skin or coat early, and is a great way to bond. How often you need to groom depends mostly on coat type.
Brushing: a general guide
- Short, smooth coats — about once a week to remove loose hair.
- Medium and double coats — two to three times a week, more often during seasonal shedding.
- Long or curly coats — ideally every day or every other day to prevent tangles and mats.
Cats generally groom themselves well, but long-haired cats benefit from regular brushing, and older cats may need more help.
Choosing the right tools
- A slicker brush works well for removing loose undercoat and light tangles in medium and long coats.
- A fine-toothed comb is useful for finishing and checking for knots.
- A rubber brush or grooming mitt suits short coats.
Bathing
Most dogs only need a bath every few weeks or when they are dirty — bathing too often can dry out the skin. Use a shampoo made for pets, rinse thoroughly and dry well. Most cats rarely need bathing unless advised by your vet.
Nails, ears and teeth
Check nails every few weeks; if you hear clicking on hard floors, they may need a trim. Trim just the tip and avoid the quick (the pink area inside lighter nails). Check ears and teeth regularly too — redness, odour or discomfort are signs to see your vet.
Make it positive: keep sessions short, use gentle pressure, and reward your pet with praise or a treat. If your pet is anxious about grooming, a professional groomer or your vet can help.