How to Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy Between Grooming Appointments

Regular at-home brushing, proper nutrition, and addressing skin issues early are the three pillars of between-appointment coat maintenance.

Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks handles the heavy lifting, but daily or weekly home care dramatically extends the results and prevents matting that leads to costly or painful dematting sessions at your next visit.

Weekly Home Care Routine

Brush 2-3 times per week for most coat types. Dogs with curly or long coats should be brushed daily to prevent mats from forming.

Use the right brush for your dog's coat type. Slicker brushes work best for curly and wavy coats like Poodles and Doodles. Undercoat rakes are ideal for double-coated breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds. Bristle brushes are gentle enough for short-haired breeds like Beagles and Boxers.

Check ears weekly by looking for redness, unusual odor, or discharge. Floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds are especially prone to ear issues.

Wipe face and eyes regularly, especially for breeds prone to tear staining. A damp soft cloth works well for daily maintenance between blueberry facial treatments.

Inspect paws after walks by checking for cracked pads, debris stuck between toes, and any signs of irritation. This is especially important during NJ winters when road salt can dry out and irritate paw pads.

Nutrition for a Healthy Coat

High-quality protein is the foundation of healthy coat growth. Look for dog foods where real meat is the first ingredient.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids reduce shedding and improve coat shine. Fish oil supplements are an easy way to add these to your dog's diet.

Adequate hydration is essential. Always provide fresh, clean water and consider adding water to dry food for dogs that don't drink enough.

If your dog's coat is consistently dull, brittle, or excessively shedding despite good grooming, consult your veterinarian about possible nutritional deficiencies or underlying health issues.

Seasonal Coat Care Tips for Central New Jersey

Spring (March-May): This is peak shedding season for double-coated breeds. Increase brushing frequency and schedule a professional deshedding treatment to manage the coat transition.

Summer (June-August): NJ humidity accelerates mat formation in curly coats. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming in pools or the ocean. Check thoroughly for ticks after outdoor activities in parks and wooded areas.

Fall (September-November): The second major shedding season arrives as dogs grow their winter undercoat. Another professional deshedding treatment is recommended during this time.

Winter (December-February): Dry indoor heat from furnaces causes dry skin and static in your dog's coat. Use a humidifier in your home. Wipe paws after walks to remove road salt and ice-melt chemicals. Consider a moisturizing conditioner treatment at your grooming appointment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bathing your dog too frequently at home strips natural oils from the coat. Once a month at most between professional grooming visits.

Using human shampoo on your dog. Human products have the wrong pH balance and can cause skin irritation.

Ignoring small mats. A tiny tangle today becomes a painful mat next week. Address them immediately with a detangling spray and slicker brush.

Shaving double-coated breeds in summer. Despite the common belief, shaving a Husky or Golden Retriever actually makes them hotter because the double coat provides natural insulation and sun protection.

Pawsticcerie Boutique carries professional-grade brushes, conditioners, and coat care products that our groomers personally recommend. Visit our boutique at 1780 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ or shop online at pawsticcerie.com. For professional grooming, call (732) 354-3175.