Essential dog grooming steps matter more than most dog owners realize, and if you’ve ever looked at your pup and thought, “Yep… you rolled in something questionable,” then you know exactly why. I’ve been grooming my dogs for years, and trust me, when you follow the right steps, everything becomes easier, cleaner, and way more fun for both of you. If you love improving your dog’s health routines, you’ll also enjoy my guide on DIY dog food meal prep for healthier daily nutrition.

I’ve groomed my dogs for years—some days they look like fluffy angels, and other days… let’s just say they remind me of a mop you’d find behind a gas station. But good grooming keeps them healthy, comfy, and clean. And honestly? It also makes them smell way less like “outside.” If you want your dog’s indoor space clean and cozy too, check out these indoor dog house ideas.

So here are 12 essential grooming steps every dog owner should know, broken down in a way that feels natural, easy, and kinda fun.

Let’s go.

1. Brushing Your Dog Regularly

Brushing is the backbone of grooming. If you skip it, everything else becomes harder.

Do you know how much hair your dog hides until you pull out the brush? Enough to make a second dog, I swear.

Why Brushing Matters

Brushing keeps your dog’s coat:

• Clean
• Soft
• Free from mats and tangles
• Healthy by distributing natural oils

I love brushing because it acts like bonding time. My dog leans into it as if she’s in her own luxury dog room setup.

How Often Should You Brush?

• Long-haired dogs: Daily
• Short-haired dogs: 2–3 times per week

Trust me—do it often and mats will never stand a chance.

2. Bathing the Right Way

Bathing isn’t a free-for-all water party. (Even though your dog thinks it is.)

Ever wondered why some dogs smell “doggy” even after a bath? It’s usually because you bathe too often or use the wrong shampoo.

A gentle shampoo like Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo helps avoid irritation and dryness.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Most dogs only need a bath every 4–6 weeks.

What You Need

Use:

• Dog-specific shampoo
• Lukewarm water
• A towel or blow dryer on low heat

Avoid human shampoo—it throws off their skin balance.

If you want to support coat health from the inside too, try my beef bone broth recipe for dogs.

Bathing Tips

• Start from the neck and work your way down.
• Rinse thoroughly; leftover shampoo causes itchiness.
• Keep water away from the ears.

Simple, right?

3. Cleaning the Ears

If your dog’s ears smell funky, it’s time.

I once checked my dog’s ear because she kept shaking her head—and wow, the gunk I found would scare anyone. Ever wondered how much debris those floppy ears hide?

Using a reliable ear solution like Zymox Ear Cleaner keeps things simple and safe.

What You Need

• Dog ear cleaner
• Cotton pads
• A gentle touch

Never use cotton swabs—you don’t want to poke anything important.

Ear Cleaning Steps

1. Apply cleaner into the ear canal.
2. Gently massage the base of the ear.
3. Let your dog shake (the mess will be real).
4. Wipe away excess product and debris.

Do this every 2–4 weeks unless your vet suggests more frequent care.

4. Nail Trimming Before They Click on the Floor

When you hear the click-click-click on the tiles, it’s time.

Ever seen your dog try to walk with long nails? It’s like watching someone tiptoe in uncomfortable shoes.

Why Nail Trimming Matters

Long nails can cause:

• Pain
• Posture issues
• Broken or ingrown nails

The Right Tools

Grab:

• Dog nail clippers
• Styptic powder (just in case)

Many owners swear by the Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for clean, quick cuts.

How to Trim

• Trim small bits at a time.
• Stop before the quick (that pink part inside the nail).
• Reward with a treat—your dog deserves it.

5. Essential Dog Grooming Steps for Brushing the Teeth

Yes, your dog needs dental care too. And no, breath that smells like fish is not normal.

Ever wondered why dogs develop tartar so fast? It’s because most owners skip oral care.

A simple upgrade like the Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste can make brushing way easier.

What You Need

• Dog toothbrush
• Dog toothpaste (never human)

How Often?

Brush 2–3 times per week, daily if possible.

Your dog may resist at first, but like all good habits, it gets easier.

6. Cleaning Eye Gunk (Tear Stains)

Some dogs look cute with tear stains. Others look like they cried after watching a sad movie.

Why It Happens

Tear stains come from:

• Excessive tearing
• Fur around the eyes
• Eye irritation

How to Clean Them

• Use a dog-safe eye wipe once or twice per week.
• Gently wipe under the eye.
• Avoid touching the eyeball.

It takes two seconds and makes a huge difference.

7. Checking Skin and Coat for Issues

I do this every week while cuddling. Why not combine affection with a quick health scan?

What to Look For

• Redness
• Dry patches
• Fleas or ticks
• Bumps or lumps

Ever found a tick and panicked for a second? Same. Check often—it helps.

Having a Furminator Deshedding Tool nearby helps catch loose hairs while you check their skin.

8. Trimming the Fur

If your dog looks like a walking pillow, some trimming helps.

Where to Trim

Focus on:

• Paws
• Sanitary areas
• Face
• Around the ears

I avoid trimming the body unless I absolutely know what I’m doing. One bad snip, and suddenly your dog has a questionable haircut.

Tools

Use:

• Grooming scissors
• Dog clippers
• A comb

Keep it tidy and safe.

Beginners usually love the control of the Conair Dog Grooming Scissors with rounded tips.

9. Managing Shedding

Dog hair on furniture is basically decoration at this point. But you can still reduce shedding.

How to Reduce Shedding

• Brush often
• Use a deshedding tool
• Feed high-quality food
• Add omega-3s

A healthier coat sheds less—simple.

If you love keeping your home clean and stylish for your pup, check out these luxury dog room ideas.

10. Cleaning the Paws

Paws touch everything. Trust me—you don’t want your dog bringing the outside into your bed.

What to Do

• Wipe after walks
• Trim long fur between pads
• Check for debris or cuts

Ever found a tiny rock stuck between the pads? It’s more common than you think.

11. Anal Glands (The Not-So-Fun Part)

Okay, here’s the one thing no one enjoys. Not you. Not your dog. Not even the groomer.

Why It Matters

Full glands can cause:

• Scooting
• Bad smell
• Infection

If your dog scoots across the floor like they’re breakdancing, this is probably why.

What to Do

If you’re unsure, let a groomer or vet handle it. This step gets messy fast—trust me on this one.

12. Creating a Grooming Schedule

Consistency beats everything. Ever tried doing all grooming steps in one day? That’s how you lose your mind and your dog’s patience.

Build a Weekly Routine

Divide tasks like this:

• Weekly: Brushing, ear checks, paws, coat inspection
• Monthly: Baths, nail trims
• Daily: Quick face wipe for breeds that need it

A schedule keeps things organized and way less stressful.

Bonus: Choose the Right Grooming Tools

Let’s be real—good tools make everything easier. Bad tools? They make you want to quit grooming altogether.

What I Personally Recommend

• A slicker brush for everyday brushing
• A deshedding tool for heavy shedders
• Scissors with rounded tips
• Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner
• Nail clippers with a safety guard

These tools make grooming smoother and safer.

(My one slang moment: Using cheap tools? Total fail.)

Conclusion

Grooming your dog doesn’t need to feel like a chore. When you follow these 12 essential steps, everything becomes easier, cleaner, and honestly kind of enjoyable. Your dog feels better, you avoid health issues, and your home stays cleaner—what’s not to love?

Think about it: would you want to go weeks without brushing your hair or cleaning your ears? Of course not. Your dog feels the same.

Start simple. Build a routine. And enjoy the bonding moments grooming creates.
Your dog will look amazing, feel amazing, and probably give you that proud “I’m fabulous” look afterward.

If you’re building a healthy lifestyle for your pup, don’t miss my article on homemade beef dog food rolls — your dog will love it.