The Ultimate Guide to Pet Grooming: Tips for a Shiny Coat and Healthy Skin

Does your dog love to explore the outdoors, frolicking through the leaves and digging in the dirt? If you are nodding your head vigorously, know that you are not alone. And these behaviors are simply a part of a dog’s natural curiosity. But here’s the thing—all that digging and frolicking might mean a lot of fun for Fido, but not so much fun for pet owners when it comes time to get all that dirt and grime out of your pet’s fur.

In this article, our team at Crown & Paw will share some helpful tips on dog grooming, cat grooming, and what you probably want to know most—how to cut matted dog hair. Let’s get started.

Snip, Snip: How to Cut Dog Hair and Cat Hair at Home

The idea of approaching your furry friend with scissors might have you imagining the worst. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With some patience and the right approach, learning how to cut dog hair, and even how to cut cat hair, can be easier than you think. Here’s what you need to know. 

Must-Have Tools for a Safe and Stress-Free Trim

Before you start, make sure you have the right equipment:

• Clippers with Adjustable Blades: Perfect for even trims without pulling hair.

• Rounded-Tip Scissors: Ideal for precision trimming around the face, paws, and tail.

• Detangling Comb and Brush: Helps remove knots before cutting to prevent uneven results.

• Pet-Safe Grooming Table or Mat: Keeps your pet secure and comfortable during grooming.

Safety First: Keeping the Grooming Process Stress-Free

• Work in a Quiet, Well-Lit Area: Reduces distractions and helps you see what you're doing.

• Start Slow: If your pet is nervous, introduce the tools gradually before making the first cut.

• Hold the Skin Taut: This prevents accidental snipping too close to the skin.

• Watch for Signs of Stress: If your pet is anxious or wiggly, take a break before continuing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pet Haircuts

• Do: Trim in the direction of hair growth for a natural look.

• Do: Use treats and praise to keep your pet relaxed.

• Do: Keep scissors parallel to the body to avoid cutting too close.

• Do: Take a photo of your pet’s mess before you cut. Who knows, that image might become perfect for some custom pet portraits to hang in your bathroom or mud room. 

• Don’t: Rush the process—grooming takes time.

• Don’t: Use human clippers—they can overheat and pull on fur.

• Don’t: Forget to check for mats before cutting—clipping through them can be painful.

How to Bathe Your Pet Without the Chaos

We’ve all seen those funny pet videos on YouTube. You know the ones we mean. The pets doing everything in their power to avoid coming into contact with the water? Those who run around like mad-dog escape artists after their bath, spraying water all over the house? It happens. And while some pets will never be bath-lovers, there are a few tricks of the trade to keep those bath-time experiences less messy and more cleanly. 

• Start with a Brush: Before getting your pet wet, give them a thorough brushing to remove loose fur and prevent mats from becoming a tangled mess. This is an essential step in dog grooming, especially for long-haired breeds.

• Use Lukewarm Water: Too hot or too cold, and your pet will protest. Aim for comfortably warm water to keep them calm and make the experience more pleasant.

• Have Everything Ready: Once your pet is in the tub, you don’t want to step away to grab something. Keep shampoo, a cup or sprayer, towels, and treats within arm’s reach.

• Choose the Right Shampoo: For cat grooming, always use a feline-friendly shampoo—cats are extra sensitive to chemicals, and regular dog shampoo can be irritating. Likewise, hypoallergenic shampoos are great for pets with sensitive skin.

• Keep Their Head Dry: Many pets hate having their faces soaked. Use a damp washcloth to gently clean around their eyes, ears, and snout instead of pouring water directly over their head.

• Work Quickly but Gently: The faster the bath, the better—for both of you. Lather, rinse, and get them wrapped in a towel before they decide they’re done on their own terms.
  The After-Bath Zoomies are Coming: Be ready. The second you set them loose, your pet might go tearing around the house at full speed, shaking water everywhere. Keep them contained in one area to minimize the mess.

And, of course, no bath is complete without a few hilarious wet-pet photos. Those wide-eyed, soapy snapshots? Priceless. If you want to design your own portraits of your pet in their finest moments, what better time than after a bath—when they look equal parts adorable and outraged?

How Often Should You Groom Your Pet?

If your pet is starting to look like they just walked out of a wind tunnel—or worse, a tumbleweed is forming on their back—it might be time for a grooming session. But how often should you actually groom your furry friend? The answer depends on their coat type, lifestyle, and how much you enjoy finding loose fur on your clothes, furniture, and, let’s be honest, in your morning coffee.

For dogs, a solid grooming routine includes regular brushing, bathing, and trimming when necessary. Short-haired dogs might only need a trim every six to eight weeks, while long-haired breeds typically need a cut every eight to 12 weeks to prevent matting and keep their coats manageable. Learning how to cut dog hair at home can help maintain their look between professional trims—but if you’re aiming for a stylish cut and not an accidental mohawk, a groomer might be your best bet.

Now, let’s talk about cats—the self-proclaimed royalty of the pet world. Unlike dogs, most felines do an impressive job keeping themselves clean, but brushing is key, especially for long-haired breeds. You generally don’t need to cut cat hair unless there’s severe matting or a medical issue. But if your cat starts looking like they belong in a 70s rock band, a gentle trim (done carefully) might be in order.

At the end of the day, a well-groomed pet is a happy pet—one that smells better, feels better, and maybe even forgives you faster for bath time. Maybe.

A Well-Groomed Pet is a Happy Pet!

Whether you're brushing, trimming, or attempting to master how to cut cat hair (which, thankfully, is rarely necessary—so relax!), keeping your pet well-groomed is all about making them look and feel their best. A clean, fresh-smelling pet means fewer fur tumbleweeds and happier snuggles. And once your pet is looking fabulous, why not celebrate their glow-up? Crown & Paw has the perfect pet portraits for every pet lover—because every well-groomed pet deserves their own masterpiece!