Posted: August 19, 2025
I’m going to be honest with you: I used to think dog grooming was just about making pets look pretty. Like a luxury thing that fancy people did. Then my golden doodle Muffin developed a skin infection that cost me $200 in vet bills, and I realized I’d been totally wrong.
Here’s what happened: Muffin has that fluffy, curly coat that everyone loves to pet. But I was lazy about brushing. Maybe once a week, if that. I figured since she wasn’t matted, we were good.
Wrong. Under all that fluff, moisture was getting trapped against her skin. Add some summer humidity, and boom – bacterial skin infection. The vet explained that regular brushing isn’t just cosmetic, it’s actually essential for skin health.
What I wish I’d known about dog grooming:
It’s not about looks, it’s about health:
- Brushing removes dead skin and distributes natural oils
- Prevents matting that can pull on skin and cause sores
- Lets you check for lumps, bumps, or skin issues early
- Reduces shedding around the house (bonus!)
Different coats need different care:
- Short coats (like my neighbor’s beagle): Weekly brushing is usually enough
- Long coats (like golden retrievers): Need daily brushing to prevent tangles
- Curly coats (like Muffin): Need brushing every other day minimum
- Double coats (like huskies): Extra attention during shedding seasons
My new grooming routine (that takes maybe 10 minutes):
- Quick brush every other day – Just a few minutes while watching TV
- Thorough brush weekly – Check ears, paws, under legs
- Bath monthly – Or when she’s actually dirty/smelly
- Nail trim every 3 weeks – This was the hardest to learn
Tools that actually work (and don’t break the bank):
- Slicker brush ($15) – Gets through Muffin’s curly coat
- Metal comb ($8) – For checking if I missed any tangles
- Nail clippers ($12) – Took practice but saves groomer fees
- Dog shampoo ($10) – Human shampoo messes up their skin pH
Red flags I learned to watch for:
- Hot spots (red, irritated patches)
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Bad smell (not just “dog smell”)
- Matted fur that feels tight against skin
- Changes in skin color
What I learned about professional grooming:
- Every 6-8 weeks for Muffin’s coat type
- More frequent in summer (helps with cooling)
- Good groomers will tell you about skin issues they find
- Worth the money, but daily brushing makes their job easier
The budget breakdown:
- Before: $200 vet bill + $60 groomer every month because of matting
- Now: $10 in brushes + $40 groomer every 6 weeks + healthy dog
Mistakes I made:
- Waiting until I could see mats – By then it’s too late
- Only brushing the top layer – The undercoat was a disaster
- Thinking short brushing sessions weren’t worth it – 5 minutes daily beats 2 hours weekly
- Avoiding the “sensitive” areas – Belly, legs, behind ears need attention too
What motivates me now: Muffin actually enjoys being brushed (took a few weeks of treats and patience). She comes running when she sees the brush because she knows she’ll get attention and treats. Plus, I catch little issues before they become big problems.
For fellow lazy groomers: Start small. Just brush while you’re watching Netflix. Make it part of your routine, like feeding them. Your dog will feel better, look better, and you’ll save money on vet bills and grooming fees.
And honestly? There’s something relaxing about brushing your dog. It’s become our bonding time. Muffin gets pampered, I get to mindlessly brush while listening to podcasts, and we’re both happy.
The lesson: Sometimes the most boring pet care tasks are the most important ones. That $10 brush has probably saved me hundreds of dollars and definitely saved Muffin from discomfort.
Now excuse me while I go brush my dog. It’s been two days and I can see her giving me judgmental looks.