Grooming 101: Healthy Coat, Skin, Nails and Ears for Dogs and Cats

Grooming is far more than keeping your pet looking good. A regular routine is one of the easiest ways to catch skin problems, lumps, ticks and ear infections early, often before your pet shows any sign of discomfort. In a warm, humid city like Bengaluru, especially through the monsoon, a damp or matted coat can quickly turn into a skin infection. A few simple habits go a long way.

Your grooming routine at a glance

Brushing and bathing the right way

• Choose a brush that suits the coat: a slicker brush for long or curly hair, a bristle brush or grooming glove for short coats
• Most dogs do well with a bath every three to four weeks, though skin conditions or very active dogs may differ. Most cats rarely need one
• Never use human shampoo. Pet skin has a different pH, and human products can cause dryness and irritation
• Dry the coat fully after every bath and after rain. Trapped moisture is a common cause of hot spots and fungal infections
• Over-bathing strips natural oils, so more is not always better

Nails, ears and eyes

Nail care

Overgrown nails can curl into the paw pad, change the way your pet walks and strain the joints. Trim a little at a time, and stop before the pink area inside the nail (the quick), which bleeds and hurts if cut. Pets with dark nails need extra care, so ask us for a demonstration if you're unsure.

Ear care

Check ears weekly. Healthy ears are pale pink and nearly odour-free. Clean only with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton wool on the visible part of the ear. Never push cotton buds into the canal, as they can pack debris deeper or injure the eardrum. Floppy-eared breeds are especially prone to infections.

Eye care

Gently wipe away normal tear stains and sleep with a clean, damp cotton pad, using a fresh one for each eye. Persistent redness, heavy discharge or squinting needs a vet check.

Cats and grooming

Most cats groom themselves well, but regular brushing still helps by reducing hairballs and shedding, and it's a good chance to check their skin. Long-haired, senior and overweight cats often struggle to reach every spot and benefit most from a helping hand. A cat that suddenly stops grooming, or whose coat becomes greasy and unkempt, may be unwell and should be examined.

What grooming can reveal

• New lumps, bumps or swellings under the skin
• Fleas, flea dirt (tiny black specks) or ticks, especially around the ears, neck and between the toes
• Red, flaky, smelly or hairless patches of skin
• Constant scratching, licking or chewing at one area
• Head shaking, ear odour or dark discharge from the ears
• Sore, cracked or bleeding paw pads, or nails that are split or broken

When to use a professional groomer

A professional groomer is worth it for breeds with high-maintenance coats, for severely matted fur, and for pets that are anxious or aggressive at home. Look for a groomer who is patient, keeps the space clean and never forces a frightened pet. If your pet has a skin condition, ear infection or open wound, get it treated first, as grooming can irritate it further.