1. Brush Their Coats: A quick brush can go a long way. Brushing your dog’s hair will help remove dirt and dead hair from your dog’s coat and skin. It will also help dispense the natural oils which makes your dog’s coat shiny and gives it that healthy look. Regular brushing will also reduce matting and tangling, meaning your dog’s next grooming appointment is likely to go much smoother.

Remember that different breeds will require different brushes that are suitable for their coat type. The USPCA Pet Store provides a range of brushes for all types of coats at affordable prices.

2. Don’t forget about their Teeth: How often do you brush your dog’s teeth? Your dog should have their teeth brushed on a daily basis, but even 2 -3 times per week will make a huge difference to their dental health. Remember to use toothpaste that is designed for dogs as human toothpaste contains ingredients which can make your pet sick if they were to swallow it. See our teeth brush product

3. Clean their Ears: Cleaning your pet's ears will help reduce infection and should be completed at least once a month. Some warm water and a cotton pad will do the trick, and they might even enjoy it! For your pet's safety, we recommend not using a cotton swab.

4. Nail Trimming: We recommend having your dog’s nails trimmed at least once a month, however, some dogs' nails tend to grow quicker than others and may need theirs cut more frequently. Cutting your pet's nails can be a little tricky and can often lead to a little doggie drama, so if your dog does require a nail trim, please contact the USPCA grooming room and our groomers will be happy to book your dog in. See our grooming product

5. Regular Baths: A bath doesn’t have to be just at the groomers once every 6 – 8 weeks. It’s important to have regular baths at home for good hygiene and to keep your dog’s coat healthy. Dogs that predominantly spend more time indoors may require less bathing than dogs who spend more time outside. We recommend washing your dog no more than once a week; it is essential that dogs aren’t bathed too frequently because it can cause skin irritations, especially if the skin isn’t dried well or harsh soaps are used. Remember to always use dog shampoo. See our bath product