The Dog Hygiene Guide: Easy At-Home Care Tips for a Healthy, Happy Pup

Keeping your dog clean isn’t just about good looks – it’s about health, comfort, and trust.
A regular hygiene routine helps your dog feel relaxed in their body and confident in your care — and it’s easier to do at home than you might think.

Whether your pup dislikes groomers or you just want to strengthen that bond through hands-on care, this guide walks you through four calm, practical routines you can do right at home:

• Brushing their coat
• Brushing their teeth
• Trimming their nails
• Cleaning their ears

These small rituals add up to a calmer, healthier life — for both of you.

 

Brushing Your Dog’s Coat

Brushing keeps your dog’s coat fresh, clean, and comfortable. It removes loose hair, spreads natural oils through the coat, and helps you notice any changes in their skin early on.

Different coats need different brushes:

• Long coats (like Border Collies or Afghan Hounds): try a slicker brush.

• Short coats (like Boxers or Staffies): a soft bristle brush often does the trick.

How to brush your dog:

1. Gently work out tangles with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
2. Brush in the direction of hair growth using calm, even strokes.
3. Go slowly around sensitive spots like behind the ears and belly.
4. End with a light brush over the full coat for that smooth finish.

🫧 Pro tip: A natural, gentle shampoo and conditioner helps maintain a soft, clean coat between brushes.

 

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Dental care isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. Regular brushing helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath — and it can add years to your dog’s life.

How to brush:

1. Let your dog sniff the toothbrush and toothpaste first.
2. Use a dog-safe toothpaste — never human toothpaste.
3. Gently brush a few teeth at a time, focusing on the outer surfaces.
4. Go slow, praise often, and make it part of your weekly rhythm.

If brushing feels overwhelming, natural dental supplements such as seaweed-based powders can support oral health and help keep plaque under control.

 

Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Long nails can affect your dog’s posture, grip, and comfort.
Regular trims prevent pain and help your dog move freely — especially on smooth floors.

How to trim safely:

1. Hold the paw gently but firmly.
2. Push back any fur around the nail.
3. Clip just the tip, avoiding the quick (the sensitive pink area inside).
4. Take breaks and reward often.

If your dog has dark nails, trim gradually and stop at the curve of the nail.
If you’re unsure, ask your vet or groomer to show you the right angle once — then you’ll feel confident doing it at home.

 

Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

Ears are easy to overlook but vital for your dog’s comfort. A quick weekly check keeps things clean and helps prevent infection.

How to clean:

1. Gently hold your dog’s ear flap open.
2. Use a dog-specific ear cleaner on a cotton pad — never insert anything deep.
3. Wipe away visible debris and let your dog shake naturally.
4. Reward afterwards for calm cooperation.

If you notice redness, swelling, or a strong odour, contact your vet before cleaning further.

 

Everyday Hygiene = Everyday Wellbeing

Caring for your dog’s hygiene at home doesn’t need to be complicated - it’s about small, regular moments that build comfort and trust.

Start with one area at a time.
Make it positive with praise and treats.
Soon your dog will learn these moments mean care, not stress.

Because calm starts with instinct – and good care starts with you.

 

Further Reading

If you found this guide helpful, you might also enjoy:

• How to Build a Dog First Aid Kit – Be ready for life’s little scrapes with calm, practical care.
• Dog Behaviours Explained – Understand what your dog’s signals really mean.
• 5 Unique Dog Enrichment Ideas – Keep your pup’s body and mind happily occupied.
• LickiMat Boredom Busters – How licking helps dogs unwind and feel calm.