When I brought my Husky home, I had done a reasonable amount of research on feeding schedules and exercise. What I hadn't fully prepared for was the grooming. No one told me that Siberian Huskies shed enough hair in a single season to stuff a medium-sized pillow. I now own four different types of brushes and vacuum the flat twice a week. You're welcome.
This guide covers the core elements of dog care that every owner needs to understand — from grooming to vet visits to the dental hygiene that almost everybody ignores until it becomes expensive.
Grooming
Grooming needs vary enormously between breeds, but every dog needs some level of attention. The basics apply to all of them.
Brushing frequency by coat type
- Short, smooth coats (Labrador, Beagle, Boxer): Once a week with a rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush. Occasional de-shedding tool during heavy shedding periods.
- Medium coats (Golden Retriever, Border Collie): Two to three times per week. More frequently during seasonal shedding in spring and autumn.
- Long coats (Afghan Hound, Shih Tzu): Daily brushing to prevent painful matting. Many owners opt for professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
- Double coats (Husky, German Shepherd): Daily during coat blows (spring and autumn). Two to three times weekly the rest of the year. Never shave a double coat — it disrupts thermoregulation.
- Curly/wavy coats (Poodle, Labradoodle): Every other day to prevent matting. Professional grooming every 6–10 weeks for trimming.
Bathing
Dogs don't need nearly as many baths as some owners think. Over-bathing strips the natural oils from their skin and coat, leading to dryness and irritation. General guidelines:
- Most dogs: every 4–6 weeks
- Very active dogs who swim or roll in things (mine): as needed, but no more than fortnightly
- Dogs with skin conditions: as directed by your vet, using medicated shampoo
Always use a shampoo formulated for dogs — human shampoo has a different pH level and can irritate their skin. Rinse thoroughly; leftover shampoo is a common cause of skin problems.
Nail trimming
This is the grooming task most owners dread — and most dogs dislike. Long nails cause discomfort, affect posture and can eventually lead to joint problems. Trim every 3–4 weeks, or when you can hear them clicking on hard floors. If your dog gets a lot of exercise on pavement, nails may wear down naturally and need less frequent trimming.
Vet Visits
A preventative relationship with a good vet is worth far more than emergency visits after something goes wrong.
Routine checkup schedule
- Puppies (0–1 year): Multiple visits for vaccination series, parasite prevention and neutering discussion. Plan for 4–6 vet visits in the first year.
- Adult dogs (1–7 years): Annual wellness exam. Vaccinations updated per your vet's protocol. Heartworm and parasite screening.
- Senior dogs (7+ years, varies by size): Every 6 months. Blood panels, organ function, joint assessment. Larger breeds age faster — a Great Dane is considered senior at 5 or 6.
Vaccinations
Core vaccines (given to all dogs) typically include distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus and rabies, usually combined in a single shot. Non-core vaccines (kennel cough, leptospirosis, Lyme disease) depend on your dog's lifestyle and location. Your vet will advise on what's relevant.
Parasite prevention
Fleas, ticks and worms are not just unpleasant — they carry disease. Establish a year-round prevention routine. Monthly spot-on treatments or chewable tablets for fleas and ticks; worming tablets every 3 months for most adult dogs. Check your dog for ticks after walks in long grass or woodland, particularly in spring and summer.
Dental Hygiene
Dental disease is the most common health problem in adult dogs, affecting an estimated 80% of dogs over the age of three. The effects go beyond bad breath — bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, kidneys and liver.
What to do
- Brush their teeth — ideally daily, realistically 2–3 times per week. Use a dog-specific toothpaste (human toothpaste is toxic to dogs). Start slowly with a finger brush before introducing a toothbrush.
- Dental chews — VOHC-approved dental chews genuinely help. They're not a substitute for brushing but they make a real difference used alongside it.
- Annual dental checkup — your vet will assess plaque and tartar buildup. Professional cleaning under anaesthesia may be recommended for significant buildup.
"The ten minutes a week you spend on your dog's teeth could save you thousands in dental procedures — and years of your dog's life." — my vet, at every single visit.
Ears, Eyes and Paws
Ears
Check ears weekly. They should be pink, clean and not smell. Dogs with floppy ears (Spaniels, Basset Hounds) are prone to ear infections because less air circulates. Clean with a vet-approved ear cleaning solution — never insert anything into the ear canal. If you notice redness, dark discharge, a bad smell or your dog scratching at their ears, see a vet.
Eyes
A small amount of clear discharge ("sleep") in the corners of the eyes is normal. Wipe gently with a damp cloth if needed. Red eyes, excessive tearing, cloudiness or your dog pawing at their eyes are all reasons to call your vet.
Paws
Check paws regularly for cuts, splinters or cracked pads. In winter, road salt can cause irritation — wipe paws after walks. The fur between toe pads can become matted and harbour debris; trim carefully with round-tipped scissors. Keep a small tube of paw balm handy for dry or cracked pads.