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Home grooming

Home grooming: the complete routine in 7 steps (dog & cat)

Regular grooming improves your pet's comfort, hygiene, and health. Here's a simple and effective 7-step routine, including recommended equipment , timing, and mistakes to avoid.

Category: Grooming & Hygiene • Detangling Brush: 17/11 teeth (S) • 17/11 teeth (L) • Nail Clippers: CA01011 • Dental Finger Brush: AX01344 • Clippers: JR82749 • Grooming Area Mat: Diatomaceous Earth

Summary

  1. 1) Dust removal brushing
  2. 2) Detangling 17/11 teeth (painless)
  3. 3) Quick bath & suitable shampoo
  4. 4) Gentle drying & installation
  5. 5) Nail trimming (checklist)
  6. 6) Teeth: 2 minutes/day
  7. 7) Finishing touches: trimmer & sensitive area
  8. FAQ

1) Dusting brush (2–5 min)

  • Tool: soft brush / rubber glove (short bristles); soft carding brush (long bristles).
  • Objective: to remove dust/dead hair, identify knots & sensitive areas.
  • Method: brushes in the direction of the hair , light movements, shaded areas (armpits, behind ears).

See also: Grooming kit: the checklist .

2) Detangling 17/11 teeth (painless, 5–10 min)

  • Tool: 17/11 tooth detangler (S/L depending on template).
  • " Skin stretching " technique: hold the strand close to the skin, small passes from the tip to the base to open the knot.
  • Progression: start with the 11-tooth row (more spaced out), finish with the 17-tooth row (thinner).

Dedicated guide: Detangling 17/11 teeth .

3) Quick bath & suitable shampoo (10 min)

  • Pre-brushing is mandatory (otherwise the knots will tighten).
  • Specific dog/cat shampoo (pH adapted). Dilute 1:5 for better distribution.
  • Gently massage (avoid eyes/ears), rinse thoroughly until clear water runs.

Tip: non-slip mat in the bathtub + treats for positive associations.

4) Gentle drying & installation (10–20 min)

  • Microfiber towel then warm air (never hot). Blow from 20–30 cm.
  • Brush at the same time to open up the hair and avoid frizz.
  • Protected floor: diatomaceous earth mat around the treatment area.

5) Nail trimming (5 min)

6) Teeth: 2 minutes/day (daily, 2 min)

  • Tool: silicone finger cot + veterinary toothpaste (without xylitol).
  • Circular movements on outer surfaces (molars/canines in priority).
  • Step-by-step guide: 2 minutes/day .

7) Finishing touches: trimmer & sensitive areas (5–10 min)

  • Tool: JR82749 rechargeable lawnmower (low noise).
  • Areas: between pads, hygiene (rear), small stubborn knots after detangling.
  • Procedure: skin taut, slow strokes, clean blade . Stop if irritation occurs.

Reference frequencies

Care Short hair Long/dense hair Cats
Brushing 1x/week 2–4 times/week 1–3 times/week
Bath 4–8 weeks 4–6 weeks 8–12 weeks
Claws 2–4 weeks 2–4 weeks 3–4 weeks
Teeth 2 min/day 2 min/day 2 min/day

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ “Human” shampoo (unsuitable pH/ingredients).
  • ❌ Detangling without stretching the skin (pain, irritation).
  • ❌ Drying too hot or too close (risk of burns).
  • ❌ Clipping the claws all at once (prefer micro-cuts ).
  • ❌ Blunt/dirty blades → pull the hair, heat the skin.

Going further

FAQ – Grooming Routine

I'm a beginner: how much time should I allow?
Allow 30–45 minutes for the complete routine (excluding drying time). Split the process if necessary (e.g., do your nails another day).

My pet hates baths:
Work in stages: non-slip mat, lukewarm water, treats, very short time. Increase the number of neutral exposures without bathing (entering/exiting, reward).

Very matted fur:
Don't force it: use a 17/11 detangler and conditioner spray. If the hair is matted to the skin, consult a professional.

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