The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Pet at Home

Creating a safe at-home grooming routine keeps your pet clean and healthy. It’s also a special time to bond with your furry friend. Your pet will associate grooming sessions as a positive experience when you show them extra love, attention and give them their favorite treats as a reward.

Good grooming includes looking after your pet’s skin, coat, paws, ears, teeth, nose, and eyes, plus being patient with them during the process. With a regular routine, you can avoid health problems and even an expensive run to your veterinarian.

Having a healthy & happy pet is the ultimate goal every pet parent wants to achieve. We put together a guide to help you easily care for your pet and develop an at-home grooming routine.

Brushing

Items you’ll need: A Quality Brush or Comb

• Do use the appropriate tools recommended by your veterinarian or groomer

• Do not rush brushing or combing your dog

Brushing your pet regularly keeps them clean. This is a simple task that can be done daily, no matter the breed of your furry friend. Every pet needs to have their coats brushed out because it helps remove any dirt, debris, and loose hair. It also helps to prevent matting and spreads their natural oils throughout their coat for a healthy shine.

Contact your local veterinarian or groomer to get information on the best types of brushes or combs to use. Before and after bathing your pet, gently brush and detangle their hair with an appropriate grooming tool that’s intended for their coat.

Bath Time

Items you’ll need: Clean Towel, Bath Mat, Pet Shampoo & Conditioner

• Do consult with your veterinarian or groomer on how often to wash your pet at home

• Do not use human bathing or hygiene products

Bathing plays an important role in the health of your pet's coat and skin. Stay away from using human shampoos, which can leave your pet's skin dry and irritated. You should use a high-quality pet shampoo formulated to moisturize and conditioner and is free of harmful ingredients and chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Parabens, Formaldehyde, and Synthetic Dyes. Ultimately, you want a shampoo and conditioner that gently cleans without stripping your pet's coat. WEe strongly suggest that you only use organic and all-natural ingredients. 

Our award-winning pet shampoos and conditioners are made in the USA with natural ingredients, Certified Organic Oils, and are ph balanced for your dog's coat. These moisturizing bath time cleansers won't strip natural oils from your dog's fur.

As a dog mom or dog dad, we all experience shedding regardless of the density of their coats. Cleaning up after our precious pups’ shed hairs can be a daily chore. To help with your dog’s shedding all around your home and reduce the amount of time you spend vacuuming your carpet, we created an all-natural Shed Control Shampoo and Shed Control Conditioner. This bath time duo effectively loosens your dog’s undercoat. It reduces excess shedding and also contains moisturizers and Omega-3 Fatty Acids that hydrate skin and hair follicles, making fur less dry and brittle. When your pet is dried, be prepared for a large release of fur.  Afterword, your dog’s coat will be soft, shiny & manageable and your daily home clean-up will be considerably reduced.

Make sure to have all your items gathered before heading into your bath time area. You can even bring along cotton balls to put in your dog’s ear to prevent water from entering into their ear canal, which can lead to painful ear infections.  Since a bathtub or sink can be very slippery for your dog’s feet, you can also place either a towel or a bath mat underneath them. It’s important to always check the temperature of the water before washing your dog. A handheld shower attachment can make bathing much easier. If you don’t have one available, you can simply use a cup or bowl filled with water to wash. Avoid getting shampoo and conditioner in your dog’s eyes and rinse them with lukewarm water. To get your pet dry, just press a clean towel on their wet coat to soak up as much water as possible. If you place cotton balls in the ear, remember to remove them and reward your good boy or good girl with a treat when bath time is done!

No Time For A Bath? Here’s What To Do

Items you’ll need: Waterless Shampoo, Between Bath Freshener, and Pet Wipes

• Do use waterless pet-specific grooming products in-between bath sessions

• Do not use a human shampoos

For those days where you have no time for a traditional bath, there are three quick ways to clean your pet.

One way is with a waterless pet shampoo. Our Waterless Foaming Organic Shampoo makes bath time fast and easy for you and your pet, while keeping your four-legged pal clean and smelling fresh. Simply dispense the shampoo generously into your palm and work it through their coat. It’s a mess-free and stress-free way to give your pet a speedy and moisturizing bath that’s packed with everything you need. This convenient shampoo option is available in a calming lavender for dogs and unscented for cats.

You can further extend bath time with our relaxing in-between Bath Fresheners. Just shake it well, spray generously on your dog's coat, and massage it in. You can also spray your dog’s bedding for a quick freshen up.

Wipes are another great method to easily clean and freshen your pup. Our natural, eco-friendly and flushable Grooming and Cleansing Wipes will effectively spot clean your pet. They are perfect for cleaning your dog’s dirty paws, face, ears, around the tail and body. All you have to do is gently wipe your dog’s body thoroughly, avoiding their eyes, nose and mouth. If your pet gets muddy or finds the dirtiest puddle to jump into during your walks, you can rest assured that they’ll be clean from head to toe after using these handy wipes - and their stinky odor will be gone!

To clean your dog’s eye stains, try our eco-friendly and flushable Tear Stain Removing Under Eye Wipes. These ultra-gentle and pre-moistened eye wipes are unscented and have special enzymes that naturally break down red or brown tear stains. As you remove the stain buildup, make sure to avoid direct contact with your dog’s eyes. When you’re all done, your dog’s fur will be clean and without residue.

Paw Protection & Cleaning

Items you’ll need: Paw Balm and Pet Wipes

• Do check your dog’s paw pads frequently

• Don’t use moisturizers or lotions formulated for humans

You have to protect those paws all year long - especially during the hot and cold weather months. While our dogs’ paws are tough, they can take a punishment. A moisturizing balm is the best solution to soothe paw pads that are cracked or calloused. The combination of all-natural ingredients in our Certified Organic Paw Rescue have healing, soothing and moisturizing properties that help to restore paw pads damaged by snow, ice, heat or rough terrain. Plus, all of our ingredients are food-grade so it’s safe if your dog licks their paws.

Before and after walking your dog, gently rub the balm into your dog’s paws and massage it in. You should regularly examine paws after walks for thorns or burs too. Be sure to also wipe their paws off before entering your home. This is very important because it will help prevent the spread of germs inside your house. Use our natural Cleansing and Grooming Wipes, which are effective and gentle enough for everyday use in a calming lavender scent or soothing green tea.

When it comes to your dog’s nails, don’t attempt to trim or cut them yourself. Contact your veterinarian or groomer for information on safe tools to use and tips to properly trim nails down without causing harm to their nails and paws.

Nose

Items you’ll need: Nose Balm

• Do routinely check for any signs of dryness in your dog’s nose

• Don’t use human ointments or balms

Dry and chapped skin can become an issue for humans and it’s the same for our pets. Exposure to heat or cold in the air can cause dryness of the nose. Also, dogs use their noses to explore their surroundings, so they’re prone to drying out and becoming irritated. Our USDA Certified Organic Nose Rescue is the perfect blend of organic, nourishing, healing and moisturizing ingredients. To soften and heal your dog’s rough or chapped nose, all you have to do is apply and rub it in gently.

Ears

Items you’ll need: Pet Ear Cleaning Tips and Ear Cleanser

• Do clean your pet's ears at least once a month

• Do not attempt to resolve a suspected ear infection. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Even though ear care often gets overlooked, it is an extremely important part of your pet’s overall health and wellness. Their ears make the perfect breeding ground for various bacteria, yeast, parasites, and foreign bodies that can cause ear infections. Adding ear care to your dog’s or cat’s grooming routine is the best way to help ensure healthy ears and keep them safe from infections or other ear issues.

We know pets are not the biggest fans of getting their ears cleaned, so you’ll need a little time, patience, lots of treats, and healthy ear cleaning products to help make the job that much easier.

Regular cleaning with our USDA Certified Organic Ear Cleansing System is essential in keeping ears healthy. It’s available for both dogs and cats. Inside the system, you’ll find the following: 

• 15 Dual-Sided Pure-Tips™ which are made with a medical-grade foam that is designed to effectively attract and absorb dirt, oil and grime. They’re designed to gently clean your pet’s ears without doing any damage to the inner ear or ear canal.  

• Organic Ear Cleansing Serum has organic Mullen Oil that naturally cleans & disinfects, deodorizes and protects against painful ear infections.

Shake the ear serum well and apply two drops to the larger side of the Pure Tip™, or use the smaller side for small breeds. Lightly swab around the entire ear without forcing the tip into the canal. Remove excess liquid after the swab is removed. Our eco -friendly Pure-Tips™ are also reusable (to reduce waste) - simply rinse with hot water between uses (3-5 uses before disposing).

If you suspect that your dog or cat has an ear infection, please dispose of the tip after use and do not reuse it. Contact your local veterinarian immediately. You never want to try and resolve an ear infection on your own.

Teeth & Gums

Items you’ll need: Toothbrush and Pet Toothpaste

• Do brush 2-3 times per week

• Don’t use human toothpastes, these are toxic for dogs

Dogs can experience symptoms of dental disease like bad breath, painful infections, tooth loss, or even life-threatening conditions to vital organs like their heart and kidneys. By brushing your furry friend’s teeth and gums, you can help save your pet from the pain of dental disease and an expensive run to your veterinarian. 

Selecting the right toothbrush and toothpaste will help make your dog’s dental care routine much easier. Use dental products that are specifically designed for your dog as human-grade paste has Xylitol that is highly toxic to pets. 

We created an eco-friendly sustainable Moso Bamboo brush that meets the dental needs of both small and large breed dogs and it's available in two sizes: small and large. The naturally antimicrobial brush handle has a hump to provide added grip and comfort when brushing your dog’s teeth and gums. The bristles in our pet Moso bamboo brushes are also ergonomic, making brushing your canine’s teeth much easier. These BPA-Free bamboo brushes are assembled in the USA, biodegradable, and contain no toxins, glues, or paints. 

For the ultimate healthy dental care routine, you can bring along our Organic Dental Solutions Plaque & Tartar Fighting Gel to your brushing sessions. Our canine dental gels are available in a Sweet Potato & Cinnamon and Cool Mint. Your pet will enjoy them since they taste like a tasty treat. 

Your dog will need to get used to you poking around in their mouth, so speak calmly and gently while brushing to help relax them. Apply a pea-sized amount of pet tooth gel to the toothbrush and gently brush their teeth & gums to remove plaque & tartar. 

The first time you attempt to brush, you most likely won’t be able to get around the whole mouth, but don’t be discouraged! Over time, your dog will get more and more comfortable, and you will easily be able to brush their entire mouth, including those back teeth and molars. We recommend brushing your dog’s teeth 2-3 times per week. If you’re short on time, you can quickly use our Plaque & Tartar Fighting Spray to reduce tartar and freshen bad breath. This is also ideal for senior pets with sensitive gums.

Prevent Fleas & Ticks

Items you’ll need: Flea & Tick Comb and Healthy Flea & Tick Preventive Products

• Do examine your dog daily for fleas and ticks

• Don’t try to remove fleas and ticks without speaking with your veterinarian.

During your grooming sessions, thoroughly check your furry family member for fleas and ticks. These critters can latch on to your dog while outdoors. Fleas and ticks are not only an itchy and discomforting nuisance, they can also transmit a number of diseases, and put your pets, and you at risk. An undetected flea and tick infestation can become very dangerous to your pet’s health. If you discover any of these pests on your dog, contact your veterinarian who can help recommend the safest and best method or flea & tick comb to remove them. (A Flea Comb is a fine-toothed handheld grooming device that can pick up and pull out fleas and ticks from your dog’s coat.)

To prevent this uncomfortable and painful experience from happening, you can protect your dog with natural flea and tick prevention methods. Stay far away from harmful flea and tick methods, dangerous toxins, chemical-filled shampoos, and certain unsafe medications. Opt for natural alternatives instead that are safer for your pet, family and the environment. 

We offer natural flea and tick protection alternatives for your dog in the form of a Shampoo, Spray, and Wipes. Combining our Flea & Tick Canine Shampoo with our Flea & Tick Canine Spray and Flea & Tick Wipes will result in optimum protection. Do NOT USE a flea & tick product meant for dogs on your cat. Certain ingredients that are safe and healthy for dogs are very toxic and unsafe for your feline.

Bumps, Bruises, & Skin Abrasions

Items you’ll need: First Aid Balm & Soft or Inflatable Collar

• Do inspect your dog and keep an eye on any excessive licking or chewing on areas of their body.

• Do not try to treat any deep or major wounds, sores, or lacerations yourself. Reach out to your veterinarian for treatment.

Taking care of your dog’s bumps, bruises, and skin abrasions quickly is key to preventing infections. Our Organic Healing Balm is a "must-have" wellness item for your dog.  It’s fast-acting and calming, making it perfect to have on hand to soothe aches and stiffness as well as treat minor cuts and wounds. This first aid staple contains all-natural organic ingredients including calendula oil, which is known for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties and neem oil to treat minor wounds and cuts.

Before using, first, locate the affected area and then massage the salve very gently on it. You can apply it multiple times daily or as needed and even use a Pure Tip™ to reduce bacteria from fingers. Your dog will feel relieved of pain and relaxed. 

This balm is safe if licked, but try your best to keep the affected area as dry as possible for the best results. If your dog keeps licking the area, you may want to invest in a soft or inflatable collar. Covering up the area with a sleeve or bandage can also help.

Removing Stains & Odors

Items you’ll need: Cleaner and a Soft Cloth

• Do test a cleaner for discoloration in a small hidden area. (It’s best to test overnight.)

• Don’t continue to use a cleaner if the color fades or bleeds

 Accidents can happen at home. ‘Traditional cleaners’ contain toxic chemicals and harmful surfactants.

Instead of using an unhealthy cleaner or masking bad smells with a fragrance, try testing a natural cleaning spray on the affected area in your home. You can easily clean and eliminate the pungent pet odors of urine, vomit, or feces & their return with our plant-derived Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray. We made an all-natural enzyme busting spray a better & healthier choice because it’s not harmful to your skin, pets, carpet or our environment.  This non-toxic and environmentally safe spray can be used on hard surfaces, carpet, furniture, pee pads, clothing, rugs, kennels and any area with pet odors or stains.

Simply wipe or blot your mess with a soft cleaning cloth, then liberally spray the affected area and allow the stain time to soak and clean. Get rid of those tough stains and odors naturally!

Recycling:

• Do recycle our PET bottles and Moso Toothbrush according to your community’s current guidelines

• Don’t throw away our PET bottles in your regular trash

After using our products don’t forget to recycle! Our PET bottles and biodegradable Moso Brush are 100% recyclable. Learn the proper ways to recycle and reuse our Moso Bamboo Brush here.    

There may be temporary changes in your area on how, where, and when to recycle your items because of the (coronavirus) Covid-19 crisis that’s impacting communities. Contact your local area for more information. For more helpful tips on recycling, visit Keep America Beautiful.  

Remember that you can make your at-home grooming routine fun for your dog and you. Make sure to regularly reward your furry friend, before, during, and after your grooming session. Doing this positively reinforces your grooming activities.  Soon enough, your regular routine will become one that your pet will enjoy!

Have a question about a product that we mentioned in this guide? We can help! Send us a message on our Facebook or Instagram social media pages. You can also contact us here.