Grooming isn’t just about making your dog look good — it’s about keeping them healthy, comfortable, and mat-free. Whether your dog has a low-maintenance coat or one that tangles just from looking at the wind, a little bit of at-home care goes a long way.
Matting
Mats aren’t just knots in the fur — they’re tight tangles that pull on the skin, trap moisture, and can cause serious discomfort or even infections. The best way to prevent them is consistency. A quick brush every couple of days is much easier than trying to tackle a full-blown tangle. Focus on high-friction areas like behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, tail base, and between the back legs.
For long or curly coats, a slicker brush and a metal comb are your best friends. The brush loosens the hair, and the comb tells you if you’ve actually gotten down to the skin — if it snags, there’s still a tangle hiding in there. Reach out if you need grooming recommendations.
Grooming Dog’s Nails
If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Overgrown nails can throw off your dog’s posture, cause pain when walking, and even lead to joint issues over time. Every 3–4 weeks is ideal for most dogs. Active dogs (who walk or run a lot on hard surfaces) may naturally wear their nails down and need trims less often — maybe every 6–8 weeks. Less active or indoor dogs often need trimming every 2–3 weeks, since their nails don’t wear down naturally.
If the quick (the pink part inside the nail) makes you nervous, just take a tiny bit off at a time, or use a grinder for more control. Reward your dog after every paw so it becomes a positive routine.
Teeth Brushing
Dental disease is incredibly common — and completely preventable. Use a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste (never human toothpaste), and focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth where plaque builds up. Even brushing a few times a week makes a difference. If your dog hates the toothbrush, start with just rubbing the paste on your finger and gradually work your way up. If you give your dogs raw bones regularly, this also helps keep the teeth plaque down. Always supervise when you give a raw (frozen) beef bone. Do not give your dog chicken bones as they are too brittle, or flavoured or smoked bones with added chemicals in them.
Grooming for Dog’s Ears
Especially for dogs with floppy ears or those who swim, regular cleaning helps prevent infection. Use a cotton pad or ball with a vet approved cleaning solution, and gently wipe inside the ear area and try not go too deep. Do not pour the solution in the ear and massage the ear as the internal ear canal can get damaged or infected.
Grooming at the Dog Ranch
If you’d rather leave the mess and maintenance to the pros, our professional groomer is available for appointments. Whether your dog needs a full groom, a quick tidy-up, or just a nail and ear clean, we’ve got you covered.
Reach out to the Dog Ranch to schedule your appointment today. Contact us: [email protected], or text/talk (778) 227-9470.
