Why grooming matters for dogs and cats

Tangles, tartar and too-long nails? A few minutes of grooming sorts all three. It’s not about fancy cuts and bows. Regular brushing, the odd bath, nail trims and tooth brushing keep your pet comfortable and help you catch problems while they’re still small.

Here’s why it matters, how often to do what and how to make it something your pet looks forward to.

Quick tip: Use your brushing sessions to run your hands over your pet. It’s the easiest way to notice new lumps, ticks or sore spots early.

Five reasons to grab the brush

1. Healthier skin and coat

Brushing removes old hair and dead skin cells, stops mats from forming and spreads your pet’s natural oils through their coat. A cat’s skin and coat are also a good indicator of their overall health, so a dull or patchy coat is worth paying attention to.

2. Spotting problems early

Regular hands-on time means you’ll spot fleas, ticks, lumps and bumps sooner, while they’re easier to treat. If anything in their skin or coat looks different, chat to your vet. For more on keeping parasites away, read our guide to protecting your pets from ticks, fleas and worms.

3. Fewer hairballs for cats

Cats swallow loose hair when they groom themselves. Brushing every day reduces how much they swallow, which helps cut down on hairballs.

4. Healthier teeth

Gum disease is the most common dental problem in dogs and cats, and most pets show early signs of it by the time they’re three. Pets are good at hiding pain, so you may not notice anything’s wrong. Brushing their teeth, ideally every day, is the most effective thing you can do at home, along with a vet check at least once a year.

5. More time together

Grooming is a lovely way to bond, and those few quiet minutes each day add up.

Grooming your dog, head to tail

Got a puppy? Start with our guide to grooming your growing dog.

Brushing

How often depends on their coat:

Pets tend to shed more in spring and autumn, so expect a little extra brushing then. A brush like the Marltons 2-in-1 Pin & Bristle Dog Brush works for most coats, and the Marltons Self-Cleaning Deshedding Brush helps with heavy shedders. Don’t let mats build up, as tight knots pull on the skin and can hide painful sores. Leave any mats to your groomer or vet rather than cutting them out at home.

Bathing

Most dogs don’t need a bath very often, as shampoo can strip their coat’s natural oils. When they do, use a dog shampoo like the Marltons Gentle Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo. Human shampoo can irritate their skin.

Nails

Active dogs often wear their nails down naturally, but older dogs usually need a trim. If their nails touch the ground when they stand, they’re too long. Check the dewclaws too, as walking doesn’t wear them down, and left too long, nails can grow into the paw pads. Try the Marltons Precision Safety Pet Nail Clipper, or ask your groomer or vet to show you how.

Ears

Check your dog’s ears regularly for build-up or signs of infection. If they look waxy or hairy, smell or seem itchy, chat to your vet before trying to clean them yourself.

Teeth

A few times a week still makes a difference if daily brushing isn’t realistic. Use a pet toothpaste like Pet Dent Dog Toothpaste, never your own, as some human toothpastes contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. A finger toothbrush is an easy way to start. For a step-by-step routine, read our simple guide to dog dental care.