Top tips for grooming dogs and cats

Regular grooming helps your pet look and feel their best—but it is about much more than a tidy coat. A gentle grooming routine can reduce painful matting, support healthy skin, and give you an opportunity to notice lumps, cuts, parasites or other changes early. It is also valuable one-on-one time that can strengthen the bond you share with your pet.

Tip one: Start calm, keep it positive

• Choose a time when your pet is relaxed—after a walk, play session or nap can work well.
• Begin with short sessions and use praise, treats or cuddles to create a positive association.
• If your pet becomes distressed or uncomfortable, stop and try again later with a smaller goal.
• Introducing grooming early in life can help kittens and puppies become comfortable with being handled, but adult pets can learn to enjoy it too.

Tip two: Brush for your pet's coat type

Brushing removes loose fur, dirt and debris, helps distribute natural oils, and gives you a chance to check the skin. Brush gently in the direction the coat grows and pay attention to areas that tangle easily, such as behind the ears, around the neck and under the legs.

• Short-haired cats: Aim for a gentle brush around once a week.
• Long-haired cats: Daily grooming can help prevent knots and matting.
• Dogs: Grooming frequency and tools depend on coat type. Smooth coats may need a quick brush several times a week, while long, curly or double coats usually need more frequent attention and professional grooming.

A soft bristle brush or grooming mitt can be a good introduction. Slicker brushes, combs and de-shedding tools suit different coat needs, so ask your Animates or Animates Vetcare clinic team for advice if you are unsure which option is right for your pet.

It is a good idea to get professional grooms, especially for long haired dog breeds like poodles and doodles, as they can overheat in the summer. Professional deshedding at the groomers for double-coated breeds like golden retrievers and huskies reduces shedding at home and helps them keep cool. For long-haired or double coated breeds, regular professional grooms are an essential part of your pet’s maintenance care.

Tip three: Treat knots and mats with care

• Gently work on small tangles with your fingers, a comb or a pet-safe detangling product.
• Never pull hard, and do not use scissors close to the skin—folded skin can easily be mistaken for part of a mat.
• While it might be tempting to get out the scissors or shave your pet when there are matts, you should never shave or cut double-coated breeds – this removes the dog's natural insulating and protective layers, can cause them to overheat in summer, and the coat may grow back unevenly or with a different texture.
• If a knot is tight, extensive or uncomfortable, ask a professional groomer or veterinary team to remove it safely.

Tip four: Bathe only when needed

• Brush out tangles before getting the coat wet, as water can make mats tighter.
• Dogs may benefit from an occasional bath to remove dirt and odour. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo formulated for pets, avoid the eyes and ears, rinse thoroughly, and dry them well.
• Make sure to pay extra attention to their feet and muzzle to help remove dirt and food.
• Tilting their head up when washing the muzzle ensures shampoo doesn’t go into their eyes.
• Using a DIY dog wash station, such as those at some Animates stores, is a great way to get bigger dogs washed, save your back from bending down, and not have the mess and clean-up at home!
• Most cats rarely need bathing unless they are very dirty, cannot groom themselves effectively, or your veterinary team recommends it.

Tip five: Remember nails, ears and teeth

• Nails: Check them regularly. Dogs may need routine trims, especially if walks do not naturally wear their nails down. Cats usually maintain their own nails, but older, less mobile or indoor-only cats may need extra help. If you are confident, use pet nail clippers to trim only the tip, avoiding the sensitive quick. Ask your groomer or veterinary team for help if your pet has dark nails, wriggles during trimming, or you are unsure.
• Ears: Look for redness, swelling, discharge, odour or excessive wax. Clean only with a veterinary-recommended ear cleaner and never insert cotton buds into the ear canal.
• Teeth: Regular toothbrushing with pet toothpaste supports oral health. Start slowly, keep sessions brief and never use human toothpaste as it can contain ingredients that are toxic to pets.

If your pet is wriggly or unsure about brushing or bathing, help them stay calm with a lickable treat, such as wet food spread on a textured snack mat. A suction mat can be attached to the bath or a window to keep your pet safely occupied while you groom them. For nail trims, offer a suitable pet-safe treat or ask someone to reward and reassure your pet while you work. Always check that treats are safe for pets—if using peanut butter, choose one that is xylitol-free.

Tip six: Turn grooming into a health check

As you groom, run your hands over your pet and look closely at their skin and coat. Check for fleas or ticks, redness, dandruff, wounds, unusual smells, hair loss, lumps or tender areas. Contact your Animates Vetcare veterinary clinic if you notice anything new or concerning, or if your pet is suddenly less tolerant of being touched.

Tip seven: Know when to call the professionals

Professional support is the safest choice for heavy matting, difficult nail trims, skin, ear or health concerns, or pets that find grooming stressful. An Animates groomer can advise on coat care and maintenance, while your Animates Vetcare team can assess discomfort, skin changes or other health concerns and recommend an individual plan.

Final tip

Little and often is usually more successful than one long session. End the grooming session while your pet is still comfortable so they are more likely to cooperate next time.

This article is based on grooming guidance from Animates and Animates Vetcare and is intended for general pet-owner education. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your pet’s health, contact your veterinary clinic.