Dogs vary widely in their grooming needs. There are some dogs that could go their whole lives without a bath and be just fine, and others that would suffer greatly without a monthly bath and trim. Here is a list of things that you may not realize are not good for your pup.

Over bathing: It might seem like more baths equal a cleaner dog, but over-bathing strips your dog’s coat of essential oils, leading to dry, itchy skin. Your dog’s natural oils keep their fur healthy and shiny, so washing them too often can do more harm than good. Stick to a reasonable schedule to keep their coat balanced and irritation-free. Rinsing your dog to remove dirt does not affect the oils in their coat, so if your dog gets dirty regularly consider rinsing instead of using shampoo. Short haired dogs can go weeks and even months between baths, where dogs with hair instead of fur benefit from a monthly bath. Weekly baths are not recommended unless medically prescribed or they have something on their fur/hair that is dangerous or irritating.

Shaving Double coated breed: Shaving your double-coated dog might seem like a way to keep them cool, but it damages their coat and messes with their natural temperature regulation. These coats are designed to protect against both heat and cold, so shaving them can leave your dog more vulnerable to the elements especially UV exposure. If these dogs are so matted brushing and dematting is not a humane option shaving may be the last resort but shouldn’t be the norm.

Neglecting Ear Cleaning: Skipping ear cleaning might seem harmless, but it can lead to wax buildup, infections, and discomfort for your dog. Some dogs are more prone to ear issues, especially those with floppy ears. Regular, gentle cleaning is crucial to avoid painful and costly infections down the road. Often a gentle wipe with ear cleaner is enough, but if your dog is prone to smelly yeasty ear infections, there are ear products designed to fill the ear canal and then be removed with shaking and cotton balls. Make sure you use the right product for the job, and if you think there may be something in the ear consult a vet before using pour in products.

Using Human Shampoo: Human shampoo isn’t made for dogs, no matter how mild it seems. Most human products are designed to remove styling products and use heavy detergents. Dogs have a different pH balance, and using human products can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and even allergic reactions. Always stick to shampoos formulated specifically for dogs to keep their skin and coat healthy.

Clipping nails too short or leaving them too long: Cutting your dog’s nails too short is more than just a little ouch moment it can cause pain, bleeding, and even long-term sensitivity. It’s easy to accidentally hit the quick (the nerve inside the nail), especially with dark nails, so take your time and trim carefully. Nails that grow too long can lead to pain and eventually orthopedic problems. If you’re unsure about the proper length, leave it to a professional groomer. If you trim at home always have styptic powder ready at hand to stop any bleeding if you clip nails too short.

Ignoring dental care: Overlooking your dog’s dental hygiene might be easy, but it can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, and even serious health problems. Regular brushing and dental check-ups are essential to prevent bad breath and costly vet visits. Human toothpaste is not a good option for dogs, as ingesting the amount of fluoride common to human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs. Dog toothpaste is enzymatic and can greatly reduce plaque and bad breath when used regularly. Daily use is best, but even a weekly brushing can help maintain healthier gums and improve oral health. Contrary to popular belief, kibble does not clean you dogs teeth. Chewing bones and dental products can help remove minor plaque buildup but are no replacement for actually brushing your dogs teeth.

Skipping regular brushing: Even if your dog doesn’t shed much, skipping regular brushing can lead to tangles, mats, and skin issues. Mats can be painful and difficult to remove, sometimes requiring a professional groomer’s help. Regular brushing not only keeps their coat in top shape but also helps you bond with your dog. Dogs with short coats benefit from daily/weekly brushing because you help distribute the natural oils in the skin throughout the coat. Dogs with long hair need to be brushed daily/weekly to keep from matting. Along with a host of problems for the skin matting can be very painful by pulling on the skin and creating hot spots where bacteria can thrive and make your dog super itchy.

Using the wrong tools for their coat type: There are a wide variety of tools to groom your dog with but picking the right one is essential. Dogs with short shedding coats do well with shedding blades, short pin slickers or rubber based brushes. Medium coats (think shepherd, huskies, goldens) do best with slickers, rakes and combs. Dense coats do best with rakes, and long pin slickers. Long hair dogs do best with slickers and combs, no shedding blades or furminators.

Brushing your dog wet: This technique can be helpful when attempting to demat a dog, but if done with the wrong tool can greatly irritate the skin. If you want to do some deshedding in the bath we recommend rubber (curry) style brushes or a slicker that has ball guards at the end of each pin. Also using a lot of conditioners is necessary to ensure the skin doesn’t get irritated. Since there are many ways for brushing wet to go wrong, we recommend doing all your brushing when you dog is dry or post bath when all the fur has been loosened by the bathing process.

Remember that taking care of your dog is not only good nutrition and exercise. Taking the time to brush and care for your dog’s coat, ears and mouth is often a great way to bond and improve your relationship. The more time you spend with your dog the more enriched their lives become, so take good care of your furry friends.