Professional dog grooming in Australia can cost $60–$150 per session — but with the right tools and technique, you can groom your dog at home and keep them looking and feeling their best between professional appointments. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know.
What You Need Before You Start
Having the right tools makes home grooming much easier and safer. Here’s your essential kit:
- Slicker brush — removes tangles and loose fur from most coat types
- Deshedding brush or undercoat rake — essential for double-coated breeds (Labrador, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever)
- Dog shampoo — never use human shampoo; it disrupts your dog’s skin pH
- Nail clippers — scissor-style or guillotine, depending on your dog’s nail thickness
- Ear cleaner and cotton balls — for keeping ears free of wax and debris
- Dog toothbrush and toothpaste — dental hygiene is critical for overall health
Browse our dog grooming supplies to get everything you need in one place, delivered free across Australia.
Step 1: Brush Before Bathing
Always brush your dog before getting them wet. Water causes tangles and mats to tighten, making them much harder to remove. Work through the entire coat with your slicker brush, section by section, going in the direction of hair growth.
For heavy shedders, use a deshedding brush to remove loose undercoat. This alone can reduce shedding in your home by up to 90%. Check our grooming tool range for top-rated deshedding options.
Step 2: Bath Time
How you bathe your dog depends on their size:
- Small dogs — a laundry tub or kitchen sink works perfectly
- Medium to large dogs — a bath or outdoor hose (in warm weather)
Tips for a stress-free bath:
- Use lukewarm water — not hot, not cold
- Wet the coat thoroughly before applying shampoo
- Avoid getting water and shampoo in eyes and ears
- Massage shampoo in gently, working from neck to tail
- Rinse thoroughly — shampoo residue causes skin irritation
- Use a conditioner for long-coated breeds
Step 3: Drying
Towel dry first, then use a blow dryer on a low heat setting while brushing. Never put a wet dog in a closed space — the risk of hot spots and skin infections rises significantly. Most dogs will air dry within an hour in warm Australian weather.
Step 4: Nail Trimming
Overgrown nails are painful and can cause joint problems over time. Trim a little bit at a time — you’re aiming to clip the curved tip without cutting the “quick” (the pink blood vessel inside the nail). On dark nails where you can’t see the quick, trim very small amounts at a time.
Signs nails need trimming: you can hear them clicking on hard floors.
A good quality nail clipper from our dog grooming range makes the job much easier and safer.
Step 5: Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly, clean monthly or as needed. Floppy-eared breeds (Spaniels, Beagles) are prone to ear infections — regular cleaning helps prevent them. Apply ear cleaner to a cotton ball and wipe gently inside the ear flap — never insert anything into the ear canal.
Step 6: Teeth Brushing
Dental disease affects 80% of dogs over 3 years old. Daily brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the gold standard — but even 3 times a week makes a significant difference. Use a finger toothbrush or a dog toothbrush.
Grooming Frequency by Coat Type
- Short coats (Beagles, Boxers, Dalmatians) — brush weekly, bath every 4–6 weeks
- Medium coats (Labradors, German Shepherds) — brush 2–3 times a week, bath every 4 weeks
- Long coats (Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus, Maltese) — brush daily, bath every 3–4 weeks
- Double coats (Huskies, Malamutes) — brush 3x per week, bath every 6–8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I groom my dog at home in Australia?
At minimum, brush your dog’s coat once a week and bathe them once a month. High-shedding or long-coated breeds need more frequent grooming — sometimes daily brushing during shedding season.
What dog shampoo should I use in Australia?
Choose a pH-balanced dog shampoo formulated for your dog’s coat type. Avoid human shampoos — they’re too acidic for dog skin. For dogs with itchy or sensitive skin, look for oatmeal or aloe vera-based shampoos.
How do I calm a dog that hates being groomed?
Start slowly — introduce brushing for just a minute at a time with lots of treats and praise. Gradually increase the duration. For nail trimming, desensitise your dog to having their paws handled before introducing the clippers.
Shop Dog Grooming Supplies in Australia
Get everything you need for home grooming in one place. Browse our full range of dog grooming supplies online — including deshedding brushes, nail clippers, shampoos, and toothbrushes — all delivered free Australia-wide from Pets Hub Online.