The First 48 Hours After a Groom
Fresh from a professional groom, your dog's coat is clean, conditioned and styled. In the first 48 hours, avoid muddy walks or swimming if you want the groom to last. The coat is also still settling after being blown out — brushing on day two, once the coat has fully set, produces the best long-term results.
Building a Daily Brushing Routine
The single most impactful thing you can do to maintain a groom is brush your dog daily — or at minimum, every other day. The goal isn't to spend 30 minutes on a full groom; even 3–5 minutes with a slicker brush focusing on the mat-prone areas (behind ears, armpits, collar line) dramatically extends the time between professional appointments and reduces the work needed at each visit.
Invest in the right tools: a slicker brush for the body and a metal comb to check through to the skin. If the comb meets resistance, there's a mat forming — deal with it now rather than at the next appointment.
Bathing at Home Between Appointments
Some dogs — especially those who enjoy rolling in mud or swimming — need bathing between professional appointments. This is completely fine with the right approach:
- Use a pH-balanced dog shampoo (human shampoo is too acidic for dog skin)
- Rinse thoroughly — shampoo residue is a leading cause of skin irritation
- Dry completely before they go outside in cold weather
- Brush before bathing to remove any tangles — wet mats are much harder to remove than dry ones
Pro tip: A light conditioning spray between baths helps maintain coat moisture and reduces static, particularly in centrally heated London homes. Ask your groomer which product they recommend for your dog's coat type.
Diet and Coat Health
A coat's condition reflects the overall health of the dog. A dull, dry coat often indicates a nutritional deficiency. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — found in fish oil supplements and high-quality food — have a significant positive impact on coat shine and skin health. Many dogs show noticeable coat improvement within 6–8 weeks of dietary changes.
When to Book the Next Appointment
Don't wait until the coat is in poor condition. Book your next appointment before you leave the salon — most professional groomers recommend setting a regular interval and booking in advance. Check our breed-by-breed frequency guide for the right interval for your dog. Consistent, regular appointments always produce better coats than sporadic emergency grooms.