We've teamed up with the professionals at Urban Mutts Hotels to answer your questions on dog grooming. 

1. How often should I groom my dog?

On average, dogs should be groomed every 4 to 6 weeks, but this can vary depending on your dog's coat type, coat length, and how well you're able to maintain their coat at home. Long-haired or double-coated breeds may require more frequent grooming to prevent matting and tangles, while short-haired dogs might be able to go a bit longer. Regular brushing and maintenance at home can also help extend the time between professional grooming sessions.

2. Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

No, you should not use human shampoo on your dog. A dog's skin has a different pH balance than human skin, and using products formulated for people can disrupt that balance. This can lead to serious skin issues such as dryness, dandruff, irritation, or even dermatitis. It's always best to use shampoos and grooming products specifically designed for dogs, as they are formulated to be gentle and safe for canine skin and coat health.

3. How can I safely trim my dog’s nails?

We recommend going to a professional, either your Groomer or vet. If you don’t know what you are doing you can cause serious injury both physical and psychological. If you really want to do it at home, we recommend to use a scratch board.

4. How can I get my dog to like grooming if they are afraid?

Work closely with your groomers to desensitise them to the groomers. As different dogs need different training techniques, regular at home brushing can help, however there is no “cookie cutter” fix for all the dogs.  Start slowly, use positive reinforcement like treats and praise, and keep sessions short and stress-free.

5. How can I prevent matting in my dog’s fur?

Matting can be very painful for dogs and more often than not result in a full clip off at your next visit to the groomers. We recommend regular line brushing your dog with a slicker brush and a comb, and making sure you get to the skin. There are also great products to help with at home brushing, such as conditioner or de-matting sprays. We recommend asking your groomers for a demonstration on how to properly use bushes, combs and sprays. They will be more than happy to demonstrate as this means less clip offs at your next groomer’s appointments.

Urban Mutts Hotels

Learn more about Urban Mutts Hotels. Daycare, grooming, and 24/7 hotel stays in West London. Where every day is a school day at Mutt Skool—tailored to keep tails wagging and minds at ease.