Dog Grooming 101 What Every Pet Parent Should Know

RAFFI OHANIAN • February 11, 2022

They say that dogs are man’s best friend. Many people would even say that our dogs are the only creatures that love us more than they love themselves. With this selfless devotion, it is only right that we pamper them.


You may want to pamper your dogs and give them a little TLC, but the question is how to do it and how often. Whether you are a new owner or not, you would want to know how to do the chore correctly. In this case, you should continue reading this article.


There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to dog grooming. You have to consider their breed, the type of coat that your furbaby has, how much they shed, and how much brushing and washing you are willing to do at home. 


Dogs with Short Hair


Short-haired dogs only need occasional baths. If they shed excessively, you should ask your groomer if they offer low-shed dog grooming services, which they might call as carding or furminating. This process involves a thorough brushing of your furbaby to reduce its shedding. As much as you want the shedding to completely stop, it will not, even if you will shave your furbaby.


You might have taken your fu-baby to a professional dog grooming salon. Professional groomers still recommend brushing them regularly at home with stiff-bristled brush because it stimulates the natural oil production. Thus, it gives them a shiny, healthy coat. 


If you are wondering how often you should give them a bath, you should not do it more than once a month or whenever they start to stink. Please take note that overbathing can dry out your dog’s skin and lead to brittle hair and shedding. Frequent brushing is much more important for healthy skin.


Dogs with Short Hair and Double Coats


Double-coated breeds have a soft undercoat and a longer top layer of course guard hairs. The long outer coat protects your dogs from the sun and helps repel dirt, parasites, and moisture. The soft inner coat provides warmth in the winter and is drastically shed seasonally to keep your furbaby cool in the summer.


If you have this breed of dog, you must plan your dog grooming at least four times a year. Doing so will help pull the dead undercoat. Please also take invest in a wire brush or pin brush for your dog’s outer coat and a grooming rake for the dense undercoat.


You might have been tempted to shave your dog to prevent shedding. As mentioned earlier, doing this will not keep them from shedding more fur. If you do such thing, you are putting your furbaby at a higher risk for heatstroke.


Your furbaby will have major shedding episodes known as “coat blow” and happens once or twice a year. You should know that what remains of the undercoat after a seasonal coat blow helps your furbaby cool. It also protects your dog against sunburn. 


Conclusion


Our dogs deserve our love and care, probably even more. You might want to invest in tools to pamper them. They will return this attention ten folds.


If you do not have the time to give your furbaby a proper bath, there is no need to fret because The HHG is here to help. We offer door-to-door dog grooming for any breed, so book your appointment now!

A person kneeling beside a white bathtub lifting a cream doodle into it for a bath
By Delia Foster August 28, 2026
Dog dry skin after bath day is often the shampoo. What human shampoo does to a dog's coat, how to fix it, and what a proper dog bath uses instead.
A person kneeling on a driveway checking the coat of a tan dog lying on a navy towel
By Wesley Tran August 21, 2026
Flea dirt on dogs looks like plain soil until you wet it. Here is the paper towel test, where to check, and what to do if the specks smear red.
A person sitting on a porch deck resting a hand on a black and white border collie lying beside them
By Nadia Blum August 10, 2026
Hypoallergenic dog shampoo helps a specific kind of itchy dog. Here is how to tell if yours is one, what to rule out first, and how often to bathe.
A person kneeling on a kitchen floor with a hand on a golden retriever sitting on a grey mat
By Owen Pryce August 7, 2026
Hot spots after grooming usually come from a coat that stayed damp. How to treat one, how to dry a dog properly, and when it needs a vet.
By Lauren Hannold July 21, 2026
Explore our full groom package in Mechanicsburg, PA. Learn what’s included, how long sessions take, ideal booking cadences, and pricing info.
By Lauren Hannold July 16, 2026
Comparing mobile dog grooming vs. salon shops in Mechanicsburg, PA? Discover differences in cost, convenience, care, and overall pet stress levels.
By Lauren Hannold July 9, 2026
Need reactive dog grooming near Carlisle, PA? See how our one-on-one mobile van setup removes triggers like other dogs and cages for low-stress care.
By Lauren Hannold July 1, 2026
Preparing your puppy’s first mobile groom near Harrisburg, PA? Find out when to book, how to prepare your pet, and what happens inside the van.
By Lauren Hannold June 24, 2026
Preparing for dog grooming in Harrisburg, PA? Learn what to expect during your pet's first mobile grooming visit with Happy Hounds Mobile Pet Spa.
By Lauren Hannold June 22, 2026
Looking for a dog de-shedding treatment near Harrisburg, PA? Learn how our mobile grooming process removes loose undercoat for different dog breeds.