How to Groom Your Dog at Home: The Basics

By Dr. Sarah Chen, Veterinarian, DVM · Reviewed by Marcus Webb · Updated Nov 1, 2026

Learn a calm, safe routine for brushing, cleaning ears and eyes, and trimming paws without overdoing home care.

Home grooming works best as a short, gentle routine. Start when your dog is relaxed, reward cooperation, and stop if there is pain, fear, or sudden resistance.

Brush the coat regularly

Choose a brush suited to the coat. Pin and slicker brushes suit many shorter or double coats; a comb helps detect tangles. Brush in the direction of hair growth, working from the body outward. Spend a few minutes on areas that collect dirt, such as the legs, chest, and behind the ears. Never pull hard on mats; use suitable pet detangling products and a comb, or ask a groomer for help.

Tip: Make grooming predictable by brushing for a few minutes on the same days each week. Treats and praise can turn it into a positive routine.

Clean the ears carefully

Inspect the outer ear and visible earflap for redness, odor, discharge, crusts, swelling, or a strong odor. Wipe only the outer surface with a damp cloth or a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner, following its directions. Do not push cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal, and do not flush ears unless your veterinarian advises it.

Gentle eye care

Look for squinting, cloudiness, discharge, redness, or excessive tearing. Wipe away discharge from the fur around the eye with a clean damp cloth, using a separate area for each eye. Do not apply human eye drops or cleaners unless prescribed by a veterinarian.

When to see a vet: Seek veterinary care for ear pain, head shaking, a strong ear odor, discharge, a swollen ear, a cloudy or painful eye, marked redness, an injury, a bite, or a limping paw. These signs may indicate infection, injury, dental pain, or another medical problem.

Trim the paws with care

Introduce paw handling by touching one paw briefly and rewarding your dog. For nail trims, hold the paw gently and trim small amounts from the hooked part of the nail, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask a groomer or veterinarian for a demonstration. For paw hair, tidy only what is easy to reach and keep the floor and nails dry.

Prepare: Set out the right tools on a non-slip surface and gather treats.
Handle: Touch the coat, ears, eyes, and one paw at a time, rewarding calm behavior.
Clean: Brush, then wipe only visible outer ear and eye areas as needed.
Trim: Trim nails in tiny amounts and check the paw pads for debris.
Finish: Praise your dog, record any concerns, and arrange professional help for difficult tasks.

Frequency depends on coat type, activity, and health. Long-haired dogs may need more frequent brushing, while some breeds benefit from professional grooming. If your dog is elderly, anxious, has sensitive skin, or has a condition affecting the skin, ears, eyes, or mobility, discuss the routine with your veterinarian.