The Ultimate Pet Grooming Checklist: Keep Your Pet Looking and Feeling Great

18 March 2025

We all love our pets. From snuggling up on the couch with them to stroking their soft, shiny coat, there are so many activities that we share with our fur pals, and we absolutely love them when they look up at us with those loving eyes. Now, imagine the utterly opposite scenario where your pet isn't happy, clean, or relaxed. Instead, they have matted fur, itchy skin, overgrown nails clicking on the floor, and that unmistakable "doggy" or "catty” smell filling the room. Not so pleasant now, is it?

Regular pet grooming isn't just about keeping your pet looking cute; it's about their health, comfort, and overall happiness. Whether you have a fluffy dog, a sleek cat, or another adorable companion like a bird, a solid grooming routine helps them feel their best.

So, without further ado, let's break down what all happens in grooming so you have the ultimate pet grooming checklist to keep your furry companion looking sharp and feeling fantastic.

Brushing: A Must for All Pets

Regardless of your pet's coat type, brushing should be a regular part of its grooming routine. Brushing removes loose hair, reduces shedding, prevents mats (especially for longer-haired pets), and keeps your pet's coats looking shiny.

• Brush your short-haired pets at least once a week to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils.
• For long-haired pets, brush daily to prevent tangles and mats. Mats can be quite painful, and they might even require a professional groomer to remove them in case they get too bad, so reach out to the professionals when you have to.
• For double-coated pets like Huskies and Golden Retrievers that shed a lot, professionals use a deshedding tool to manage their fur, along with unique grooming techniques.

Pro Tip: Always use a brush that's designed for your pet's coat type. If you don't have one, go to a professional groomer who has different brushes that make grooming easier for you and your fur pal.

Bathing: Don't Overdo It

How often do you bathe your pet? Whether it's dog or cat grooming , some pet owners think that bathing pets daily is a good way to keep them clean. However, this doesn't work well. In fact, while some dogs love water, over-bathing can strip their coat of essential oils and lead to dry, irritated skin.

On the other hand, cats are excellent at self-cleaning, so they rarely need baths unless they have gotten into something particularly messy.

• Dogs: Depending on the breed and lifestyle of your canine companion, a bath every 4-6 weeks should suffice. If your dog loves to roll in dirt, there's no denying that you might need to bathe it more often. But, if you want to do it well, take them to the professionals, as they use dog shampoos that are gentle on their skin.
• Cats: Cats generally groom themselves in the bathing part, but if necessary, bathe them every few months or as needed, or take them to professionals for cat grooming as they use a cat-safe shampoo.

Note: Human shampoos can be too harsh for pets' skin, so always check the label of shampoos to ensure they are pet-friendly.

Nail Trimming: A Delicate But Necessary Task

Most pet owners don't realize this unless it's too late, but nail trimming is one of the most overlooked parts of pet grooming. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, alter your pet's walking posture, and even lead to injuries, which is why it's important to keep them trimmed.

• Dogs: Trim your dogs' nails every 3-4 weeks. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor, it's probably time for a trim in your dog grooming routine.
• Cats: Cat claws grow faster. So, trim their nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent them from getting caught on things or scratching unintentionally.
• Birds: Yes, birds also need nail trimming because overgrown nails can cause injury to your bird and yourself, and you can even get caught on things in their cage, leading to discomfort and potential harm. So, based on their breed, trim their nails every 4-8 weeks or 8-12 weeks.

Ear Cleaning: Don't Forget the Ears

Your pet's ears are more prone to infections than you can imagine. Ear infections can be quite common in floppy ears, such as those of a Basset Hound or a Spaniel. So, opt for professional ear cleaning periodically for your pet to prevent infections caused by bacteria or yeast.

• Clean your dog's ears once a week or every couple of weeks, and don't skip this cleaning ever, especially when they swim frequently or have floppy ears.
• When it comes to cat grooming, you can check your feline friend's ears monthly and clean them as needed. Especially for breeds prone to ear problems like Persians and Maine Coons, keeping the cleaning cycle more frequent.

Use a pet-safe ear cleaner, and never insert anything into the ear canal. Gently wipe the outer part of the ear with a cotton ball, and if this seems too confusing for you, reach out to the professionals. Besides, if your pet's ears smell funky or they are scratching at them constantly, it might be a sign of infection, and it's time to visit the vet.

Dental Care: Yes, Your Pet Needs It Too!

Imagine never brushing your teeth. Pretty gross, right? The same goes for your pet! Dental hygiene is often neglected, but it's crucial to their overall health. Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and even organ issues.

Brush their teeth at least a few times a week, using a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also reach out to professionals who do this for a living and can pamper your pets' pearly whites. You can also give them dental chews and toys to help reduce plaque.

Haircuts: A Trim for Style and Comfort

Some pets, especially long-haired breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Persians, need regular haircuts to prevent mats and keep them comfortable. Trimming also helps maintain hygiene, especially around the eyes, paws, and rear. If you are unsure about what's best for your pet, a professional groomer can recommend the best cut for your pet's breed and lifestyle.

Looking for professionals who can offer reliable and luxurious pet grooming services for your fur buddy? Reach out to the team at Pets Corner Salon and book a session today. Regardless of the breed, size, or shape of your cat, dog, or bird, they pamper every pet with the care it deserves.