Dog Grooming Basics: A Beginner-Friendly Checklist (Simple Weekly Routine)

A simple grooming routine keeps your dog comfortable and helps you spot small issues early (skin irritation, ear problems, overgrown nails, dental buildup).

Important: If your dog seems painful, has bleeding, strong odor, discharge, sudden limping, or you see open wounds, skip DIY and contact your veterinarian.

Key takeaways

Start with the 10-minute weekly routine below.
Use dog-specific products (especially shampoo and toothpaste).
Keep it gentle and consistent. Reward your dog often.
If you notice pain, strong odor, discharge, bleeding, or open wounds, contact your veterinarian.

Your beginner grooming kit

Keep it simple. You only need a few basics:

A brush/comb that matches your dog’s coat
Nail trimmers or a grinder
Dog-specific shampoo
Towels and a non-slip mat for bath time
Dog ear-cleaning solution + cotton balls/pads (no cotton swabs)
Pet toothbrush (or finger brush) + pet toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
High-value treats (for calm handling and training)

Optional comfort add-ons (especially in dry weather):

Paw balm
Nose balm
Elbow balm

The 10-minute weekly grooming checklist

If you only do one thing each week, do this quick routine.

1) Brush and do a fast skin check (2–5 minutes)

Brush through the coat.
Scan for redness, bumps, tender spots, fleas or ticks, burrs, and mats.
Long, curly, or silky coats may need more frequent brushing (sometimes daily) to prevent mats.

2) Paws check (1 minute)

Look for cracks, stuck debris, or irritation.
Check between toes for foxtails or “stickers.”
After walks, wipe paws if there’s salt, de-icer, or mud.

3) Ears look-and-smell check (1 minute)

Healthy ears should not be strongly smelly, very red, or painful.
If you see debris, clean gently (see “Ear cleaning basics” below).

4) Teeth quick-care (1–2 minutes)

Brush if your dog allows it (daily is ideal, but a few times a week still helps).
Use pet toothpaste only.

5) Nails check (1 minute)

If you hear clicking on hard floors, or nails touch the ground when standing, it’s usually time for a trim.

As-needed grooming tasks

Bathing basics

Most dogs only need baths occasionally, usually when they’re dirty or have noticeable odor. Over-bathing can dry the skin.

Quick bath tips:

Brush out tangles before the bath (water can tighten mats).
Use warm water and dog-specific shampoo (not human shampoo, not baby shampoo).
Rinse thoroughly.
Towel-dry well, especially around ears and paws.

If your dog gets itchy or dry after baths, reduce frequency and ask your veterinarian what’s best for your dog.

Nail trimming basics

Many dogs need trims about once a month. Some need them more often (for example every three weeks), and some can go longer if nails wear down on pavement.

Beginner-friendly approach:

Start with short practice sessions (touch paws, reward, stop).
Trim a small amount at a time.
If you’re unsure about the quick, ask your vet or groomer for a demo.

Ear cleaning basics

Only clean when needed. Over-cleaning can irritate ears.

How to clean:

Use a dog ear-cleaning solution.
Apply solution as directed, gently massage the base of the ear, then let your dog shake.
Wipe only what you can easily see using cotton balls/pads.
Avoid cotton swabs (they can push debris deeper).

Stop and contact your veterinarian if your dog seems painful, has strong odor, discharge, swelling, or frequent head shaking.

Teeth basics

Dental disease is very common in dogs, and brushing is one of the most effective home habits.

Beginner routine:

Start with 10–20 seconds, reward, stop.
Build toward more frequent brushing (daily is best).
Never use human toothpaste.
Consider dental chews/products with the VOHC Seal of Acceptance for evidence-based support.

Paw protection basics

Hot pavement can burn paws quickly.

Walk early or late when surfaces are cooler.
Stay on grass and shade when it’s hot.
If a surface feels too hot on the back of your hand, it’s too hot for paws.

Cold and dry weather can also dry pads.

Wipe paws after walks.
Use a pet-safe paw balm if pads look dry or irritated.

Product links

If you want an easy way to cover the basics without overthinking it:

Optional add-ons:

Note: For broken skin, deep cracks, bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection, contact your veterinarian.

Our impact

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When to call the vet

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

Ear redness, strong odor, discharge, head shaking, or pain
Hot spots, oozing skin, or intense itching
Limping, paw pad blisters, or sudden tenderness
Severe matting close to the skin (mats can hide sores and cause pain)
Broken nails, bleeding, or swelling
Very bad breath, bleeding gums, or trouble eating

Sources

Last reviewed: December 2025