Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

DIY Dog Grooming: 12 Vet-Approved Tips

Airedale Terrier enjoying in professional grooming or shaving and doing hair care

Even if your dog is a pampered pooch with its reserved seat in the doggy spa, you can benefit from regular grooming between spa sessions. Cleaning problem areas and trimming hair growth will keep your dog looking and smelling fresh and tidy. You can also cut or file your dog’s claws down as needed to keep on top of that job, and you should clean your dog’s teeth at least three times a week to help prevent dental disease and decay.

To help make the process smoother and ensure a positive experience for you and your dog, we have included 12 tips to help with the DIY dog grooming process.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

The 12 Expert Tips for DIY Dog Grooming

1. Stay Calm

female hands cleaning dog's paw with wipes
Image By: 220 Selfmade studio, Shutterstock

If you are feeling anxious, your dog will feel it too. And if they do pick up on your anxiety, they will wonder what is wrong and start to feel anxious about the whole experience. Grooming does not have to be difficult and you can start by desensitizing your pup to the tools and accessories you will be using during the process.

Get the scissors or trimmers out but don’t cut your dog’s claws. Get them used to being rubbed with a towel. Getting your dog used to even these small elements of the grooming process means there will be fewer steps when you need to do it for real.


2. Utilize Treats

Use treats as rewards for calm behavior and cooperation. If your dog gets in the bath or shower, give them a treat. When they sit to be washed, give them a treat. When they stand so you can wash their belly, give them a treat. It also helps if you and your dog have mastered basic training commands like sit, stand, and lie down.

Continue with the positive reinforcement training techniques throughout the grooming session.


3. Get Everything Ready Before You Start

Dog care accessories on white background
Image By: VeronikaYa, Shutterstock

Have all the supplies you’re going to need ready before you turn the water on. Get the shampoo and conditioner you will be using and place it next to the bath. Get the towel ready on the rail, and have nail clippers, toothbrush, and toothpaste to hand.

You don’t want to have to disappear to find the conditioner, leaving your dog standing in the bath and hoping they don’t jump out and run away.


4. Brush First

Before you start washing your dog, brush them to get rid of mats and knots. When matted hair gets wet, it can make the problem much worse.

Plus, if your dog enjoys being brushed, which some dogs do, it will help relax them and get them in the right frame of mind for a grooming session. Brushing also enables you to identify any problem areas and spots that are going to prove more difficult.


5. Use Wipes to Hit Problem Areas

Wipes are a great way to hit problem areas. Areas that tend to be more difficult include around the eyes where tear stains form, around the feet where your dog may have stood in mud or muck, and on the belly.

Using wipes before you bathe your dog means you can get rid of some of the stubborn stains without having to try and wash and wipe too hard in the shower. Wipes tend to be more sympathetic than the shower.

Hepper Wash Wipes - Soft Pet Cleaning Wipes...
  • Gentle Care For All Pets - Infused with moisturizing hypoallergenic ingredients & enriched with...
  • Deep Cleans From Head to Tail - Tackle the toughest dirt & messes with our extra strong pet wipes...
  • Freshness On The Go - Each dog grooming wipes pack contains 30 counts of premium dog wipes that...

Whether your dog needs a quick refresh or cleanup of a sensitive area, pet-safe wet wipes are a convenient and on-the-go option, since keeping your dog clean doesn't have to mean giving them a full bath. We like Hepper's Wash Wipes because they're specially formulated to be safe for dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. The hypoallergenic formula contains natural, moisturizing ingredients that effectively remove dirt without irritating your dog's skin.

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!


6. Teeth Brushing

Brushing your dog’s teeth should be a common ritual. You need to brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week, and if you do this then you don’t really need to brush teeth when you’re grooming. You can use your grooming session as a timely reminder to keep up with good dental hygiene though.


7. Nail Trimming

You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to Dogster.com for credit

Similarly, claws should also be trimmed regularly, although they won’t need daily or even weekly trimming. You should regularly inspect your dog’s nails and cut them as needed. You may need to do this more or less often depending on whether your dog runs on abrasive surfaces often, and even just how quickly the claws grow.

If your dog goes to a professional groomer, you can have them trim the claws, too, but it is a good idea to keep on top of this at home.

If you’re uncertain about trimming your dog’s nails or are uncomfortable doing so, consult a veterinarian for guidance. You can also check out this step-by-step vet-approved guide.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1



8. Apply Shampoo Gently

It is important to only use a dog-specific shampoo that won’t cause irritation and skin dryness. Once you have applied lukewarm water to your dog’s coat and ensured that they are wet, it is time to apply the shampoo distributing it evenly with your hands.

Pay special attention to any problem areas you identified during the brushing session. Some of these might still need extra work, even if you use wipes to help ease the problem. Do ensure the shampoo gets into the coat but don’t lather it up too aggressively.

If you are looking for the perfect, pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner combo, we highly recommend the products by Hepper. With a soothing oatmeal shampoo, free of soaps and other harsh chemicals, and a cucumber and aloe scented conditioner, your pet's skin and coat will be smooth, hydrated, and irritation-free. 

Image Product Details
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Safe for Dogs & Cats
  • Lightly Scented
  • Soothing Oatmeal
  • Hepper Pet Conditioner Hepper Pet Conditioner
  • Detangles and reduces friction
  • Nourishing, coconut-based formula
  • pH balanced
  • At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!


    9. Avoid the Eyes

    Asian woman dog owner are bathing furry dogs
    Image By: MT.PHOTOSTOCK, Shutterstock

    When applying shampoo, and even when running a shower over your dog, avoid the eyes. You can use a damp cloth to clean around the eyes, but even gentle shampoo will irritate if it gets in your dog’s eyes. If this happens, it will not only make the bath more difficult, but your dog will remember and may start to get anxious the next time it’s bathtime.


    10. Rinse Thoroughly

    Once you have shampooed the dog’s body and given a little extra attention to the difficult areas, it is time to rinse the shampoo out. Use warm water and aim it away from your dog’s face. Work down the body and use your hands to remove any suds and shampoo from the coat.

    Don’t be too rough but do make sure you have got all of the shampoo out. If you’re using a conditioner, this is usually applied once the shampoo has been removed, but you need to follow the instructions on the bottle because different conditioners have different requirements.


    11. Dry Thoroughly

    bichon frise dog wrapped in a towel
    Image By: Studio Peace, Shutterstock

    More likely than not, once you stop the water your dog will shake it off and remove the excess. Get the towel ready and have your dog step out into the towel. You want to make sure your dog is thoroughly dried once they get out. Leaving the coat wet can irritate and it can make them more susceptible to yeast infections. Damp fur will also make your dog feel cold. If necessary, use a hairdryer in the cold air setting or consider allowing them out in the sun, just not the yard because they might go out straight to roll in the dirt!


    12. Don’t Overdo It

    If grooming is an alien experience to your dog, you should start with short sessions. You don’t have to get absolutely everything done in one grooming session.

    If your dog dislikes everything from nail clipping to tooth brushing and washing, doing it all at once will cause more stress, and it’ll make it more difficult to groom your dog in the future. It will also make the experience more stressful and difficult for you.

    Keep in mind that overbathing a dog is not recommended but the frequency of baths depends on each individual’s coat, environment, and activities.

    divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

    Conclusion

    Grooming is an important part of canine maintenance. It not only keeps your dog looking and smelling fresh, but it leaves them feeling more comfortable and can help avoid some health issues.

    Get the right tools and equipment, ensure you have it ready before you begin, and start by brushing your dog to identify any problem areas that will need extra attention. Always wash shampoo residue out thoroughly and ensure that you dry your dog completely after the bath or they could suffer skin irritation and other potential problems.


    Featured Image Credit: DuxX, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    15 Best Dog Breeds for Frisbee That Will Love Playing Disc Sports

    Frisbee and disc sports are a fun way to bond with your dog, enhance their agility, and strengthen your recall. It can be...

    Victor Dog Food vs Diamond: Pros, Cons & What to Choose in 2025

    As a dog owner, you should ensure that you’re providing your furry friend with the best possible food. But the options seem endless!...

    10 Best Dog-Proof Trash Cans in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    A common challenge that many dog owners face is keeping dogs out of the trash, especially when it comes to kitchen trash cans...

    Cane Corso Price: How Much Do They Cost in 2025?

    Dating back to ancient Rome, the Cane Corso is still a popular guard dog today. These massive dogs weigh over 100 pounds but...

    More related

    9 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in or Near Broomfield, CO You Can Visit Today

    Broomfield is a great area just north of Denver, near Boulder. It’s the home of Water World, a popular tourist destination, but if...

    How Many Dogs are There in the UK? 2025 Statistics & Facts

    Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. In the United Kingdom, there are...

    How Much Do Huskies Shed? Breed Coats Characteristics

    We love our dogs, but that doesn’t mean that cleaning up after them isn’t a hassle. If you are looking for a low-shedding...

    How to Train a Hunting Dog: 10 Tips & Tricks

    Hunting prowess has long been a crucial advantage of having dogs since the early days of domestication, and many breeds have evolved specifically...

    Keep reading

    Bone Meal in Dog Food: Is It Healthy for Your Dog?

    If you’ve ever spent any time reading the ingredients list on dog food labels, then you might have noticed one particular ingredient cropping up occasionally: bone meal. So what is bone meal, and is it good for dogs? The short...

    belgian malinois food bowl eating patient

    Can Dogs Eat Ham? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

    Dogs are omnivores, and they can eat plant—and animal-based ingredients. In the wild, they hunt small animals individually, and in packs, they work together to take down larger animals. However, they also eat plants, including fruit and vegetables. Ham, made...

    Can Dogs Eat Ham

    Can Dogs Eat Jasmine Rice? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Tips

    Every dog enjoys the occasional treat added to dog food. Dog owners love to spoil their canine kiddos with extra treats, as they worry about them getting bored eating the same thing day in and day out. However, you should...

    Can Dogs Eat Jasmine Rice

    Can Dogs Eat Flour? Vet-Verified Health & Nutrition Info

    Flour is one of the most common ingredients in kitchens and pantries, especially for those who love baking. If you love to bake and tend to make a mess when you do, you might wonder if it’s safe for your...

    Can Dogs Eat_flour

    How to Make Dog Treats to Sell at Home & Start a Business: 11 Tips

    If there’s one thing we know about dogs, it’s that they absolutely love having as much food to eat as possible. It seems most dogs are willing to stuff just about anything in their gullet. So, you could make some...

    Bone and paw-shaped dog treats on cookie sheet

    How Do I Get Dog Food Recall Alerts? Free & Easy Ways

    Finding out that your dog’s food has been recalled is any dog owner’s nightmare. Even worse, the food could be recalled without you hearing about it, meaning you will unknowingly continue to feed your dog food that is possibly contaminated....

    woman buying dog food

    10 Best Dry Puppy Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    Finding the right puppy food is key to your newest family addition growing big and strong. With so many options available, it’s hard to choose the right one. In an attempt to help you provide your pup with the best...

    a Maltipoo puppy eats from a metal bowl

    Petaluma Dog Food Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

    Petaluma is changing the pet food industry by producing 100% vegan dog food that also contains high-quality ingredients. This Oakland-based company is mission-driven and works diligently towards building a more environmentally friendly and sustainable model for pet food production. Petaluma...

    Dogster_Petaluma Dog Food Review