Check paws, legs, belly, and coat for moisture, burrs, foxtails, dirt, or anything unusual.
Groom Lab care guide
Everyday care.
Healthier coats.
Simple steps to keep your pet comfortable between appointments—including essential drying care for double-coated dogs.
Simple daily routine
A few minutes can prevent bigger problems.
Towel the coat, then dry it completely down to the skin—especially on thick or double coats.
Brush and comb the coat, look at the ears and skin, and check whether the nails are getting long.
01
Double-coated dogs
Never leave the undercoat wet.
Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Chow Chows, Pomeranians, German Shepherds, and many other breeds have a soft undercoat beneath the visible outer coat. The surface may feel dry while moisture is still trapped close to the skin.
A damp undercoat can cause problems.
Trapped moisture may lead to odor, tangles, matting, and skin irritation. After rain, swimming, or a bath, check the coat all the way down to the skin.
How to dry a double coat at home
- 1
Press with towels. Gently squeeze out water. Avoid hard rubbing, which can tangle the coat.
- 2
Use cool or warm air. Never use very hot air close to the skin. Keep the dryer moving.
- 3
Part the coat with your fingers. Dry section by section until the hair and skin feel completely dry.
- 4
Check hidden areas. Pay attention behind the ears, under the collar, chest, armpits, belly, legs, and base of the tail.
Important: Do not wet a heavily matted coat. Water can tighten mats against the skin. Contact a professional groomer first.
02
Brushing at home
Brush all the way to the skin.
For longer coats, brushing only the surface can leave tangles underneath. Work in small sections, gently parting the coat so you can see the skin. Follow with a metal comb—if the comb glides through, the area is properly brushed.
Good routine: Brush friction areas such as behind the ears, under the collar, armpits, legs, and tail several times each week.
03
Tangles & mats
Don't pull, soak, or cut tight mats.
Water can make tight matting shrink closer to the skin. Scissors can also catch folded skin hidden inside a mat. If a tangle does not loosen gently, stop and let a groomer assess the safest option.
Important: Severe matting can be painful and may hide irritation. A shorter haircut can sometimes be the kindest, safest choice.
04
Between baths
Keep the coat dry and products pet-safe.
Use shampoo made specifically for pets and rinse thoroughly. Avoid bathing a matted coat. Dry every coat completely and never use very hot air close to the skin.
05
Nail care
Short, regular visits are easier.
Overgrown nails can affect comfort and movement. Regular trims help the quick recede gradually. If your pet is nervous, short positive sessions are better than forcing the process.
06
Skin & coat
Notice changes early.
Tell your groomer about new lumps, redness, odor, dandruff, fleas, repeated scratching, or sensitive areas. Groomers can point out changes, but diagnosis and treatment belong with your veterinarian.
Call your veterinarian: For open wounds, swelling, bleeding, sudden hair loss, significant pain, or any rapid change in your pet's health or behavior.
07
A smoother appointment
Set your pet up for success.
- Give your pet a bathroom break before we arrive.
- Share any health, behavior, bite, or medication history in advance.
- Keep cats safely indoors and dogs secured before the van arrives.
- Avoid a large meal immediately before grooming.
- Choose a schedule that prevents the coat from becoming heavily tangled.
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