How to Maintain Your Dog's Coat Between Grooming Appointments: 8 Expert Tips

A professional grooming appointment does a tremendous amount for your dog's coat, skin, and comfort. But what happens in the weeks between visits matters just as much. Dogs who receive consistent at-home care between grooms arrive at their appointments in better condition, require less time on the table, and are generally more comfortable throughout the process. The tips below come from years of working with dogs of all breeds and coat types at Super Pet Grooming Salon in East Falmouth, MA.

Tip 1: Brush Regularly (and Know Which Brush to Use)

Brushing is the single most impactful thing you can do for your dog's coat between grooms. How often depends on your dog's coat type: short-coated breeds can get by with once a week, while long, curly, or double-coated dogs may need brushing three to five times a week to prevent tangles and matting.

The brush type also matters. A slicker brush works well for most coat types and removes loose fur effectively. A wide-tooth metal comb is essential for longer coats to detect tangles before they become mats. A deshedding tool like a Furminator is excellent for double-coated breeds during heavy shedding periods. Ask your groomer at your next visit which brush they recommend for your specific dog's coat, as the right tool makes a significant difference.

Tip 2: Use the Right Shampoo for Your Dog's Coat

Not all dog shampoos are created equal, and using the wrong one can dry out your dog's skin or strip the natural oils that keep the coat healthy. If your dog has a sensitive or dry skin condition, look for a gentle, hypoallergenic formula. Dogs with oily coats benefit from a clarifying shampoo. Curly or wavy coats tend to respond well to moisturizing formulas that reduce frizz and make brushing easier.

Avoid using human shampoo on dogs. Human shampoo is formulated for a different pH level and can disrupt your dog's skin barrier over time. At Super Pet, we choose products tailored to each dog's coat and skin during professional appointments. Asking your groomer for a product recommendation is a good idea if you are unsure what to use at home.

Tip 3: Pay Attention to Problem Areas

Certain areas of a dog's body are especially prone to matting and need extra attention during home brushing sessions. These include the armpits and inner legs, behind the ears, under the collar, around the base of the tail, and between the toes. Mats in these areas can tighten over time and pull uncomfortably on the skin. When you brush your dog, make a habit of checking these spots first and working through any tangles gently before they develop further.

If you find a mat that is too tight to brush out without causing pain, do not try to force it. Leave it for your groomer, who has the right tools and technique to remove it safely. You can read more about recognizing coat problems early in our article on signs your dog needs a groom.

Tip 4: Keep Nails Short Between Appointments

Long nails affect more than just the way your dog's paws look. Nails that grow too long change the angle at which your dog's feet meet the ground, putting strain on the joints over time and making it uncomfortable to walk on hard surfaces. If you can hear your dog's nails clicking on the floor, they are overdue for a trim.

Our nail trim service starts at just $20 and can be booked as a standalone appointment between full grooms. This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to keep your dog comfortable in between regular visits.

Tip 5: Check Ears Weekly

A quick weekly ear check takes less than a minute and can catch problems early. Healthy dog ears should be light pink, dry, and free of significant odor. A dark brown discharge, strong smell, or excessive scratching at the ears can indicate an infection or ear mites, both of which need veterinary attention.

For dogs with drop ears or heavy ear hair (Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Doodle breeds), moisture can build up and increase infection risk. Your groomer will clean the ears as part of a professional appointment, but a quick visual check at home each week helps you catch anything developing between visits.

Tip 6: Rinse After Beach or Lake Swims

For dogs on Cape Cod, this tip is especially important. Salt water from the ocean and bacteria-rich water from ponds and lakes can both cause skin irritation and a dull, brittle coat if left to dry without rinsing. After any swim, rinse your dog thoroughly with fresh water, paying attention to the belly, paws, and between the toes. Salt and algae residue that dries in the coat can cause itching and contribute to hot spots, particularly in summer.

A quick freshwater rinse is not a full bath and does not need shampoo every time. It is simply about removing the material that would otherwise sit against your dog's skin and cause irritation.

Tip 7: Learn to Spot Early Matting

A mat in its early stages feels like a small, dense clump of fur that does not slide apart when you try to separate it with your fingers. Early mats can usually be worked out with a detangling spray and a slicker brush or comb, provided they have not been sitting for long. The longer a mat is left alone, the tighter it becomes, eventually requiring shaving to remove without hurting the dog.

If your dog comes in with heavy matting, your groomer may need to shave the affected areas rather than attempt to brush them out, as brushing a severe mat causes pain. Consistent brushing at home is the most reliable way to prevent this outcome. Keeping your dog on a regular grooming schedule also helps, and our guide on how often to groom your dog can help you find the right cadence for your breed.

Tip 8: Stick to a Grooming Calendar

One of the most practical things you can do for your dog's coat health is simply to book appointments on a consistent schedule rather than waiting until the coat becomes visibly overgrown or matted. For most dogs with longer or curly coats, every six to eight weeks is the right interval. Short-coated breeds can go longer, typically eight to twelve weeks, but still benefit from regular professional bathing and a nail trim.

When you finish a grooming appointment at Super Pet, we are happy to help you schedule your next one before you leave. Consistent scheduling makes home coat maintenance easier because the coat never gets far enough out of condition to become a problem. To set up a schedule or book your next appointment, visit our online booking page or call (508) 524-3489.