5 Tips Maintaining Your Dog's Coat Between Appointments

At Temple of Groom, we believe that coat care doesn’t stop when your pup leaves our salon—what happens in between visits matters just as much! Whether you’ve got a fluffy Goldendoodle, a sleek little Frenchie, or a wrinkly-faced Bulldog, keeping up with your dog’s grooming at home makes a huge difference in their health and happiness.

Here are 5 easy, vet-and-groomer-approved tips to help keep your dog looking and feeling their best between appointments.

1. Brush Smart, Not Just Often

We’ve said it once, we’ll say it again—brushing is everything when it comes to coat care. But it’s not just how often you brush—how you brush and what type of coat your dog has makes a big difference.

• Curly-coated breeds (like Poodles, Doodles, Bichons) need brushing every day or every other day to prevent matting.

• Silky-haired breeds (like Yorkies or Maltese) benefit from brushing 3–4x per week.

• Short-haired breeds (like Frenchies or Labs) still need brushing, just a couple times a week to remove loose fur and help distribute oils.

✅ Pro tip: Always brush down to the skin in small sections—many mats form close to the skin, not just on the surface.

If you’re not sure what kind of coat your pup has or how to brush properly, just ask us at your next visit—we’re happy to show you!

👉 Need a refresher on why matting is a bigger deal than most people realize?
Check out our post: What is Dog Coat Matting? How to Spot It

2. Bath Time Basics (and Why Drying Matters)

A fresh-smelling pup is always a win—but overbathing can dry out your dog’s skin and cause irritation. As a general rule, stick to bathing your dog once a month, unless they’ve rolled in something questionable (we’ve all been there).

But here's the big secret: drying is just as important as bathing.

Damp fur left to air dry—especially on thick or curly coats—can cause tangles or even lead to matting and skin issues.

✅ Towel-dry first, then gently blow-dry on a low, cool setting while brushing through the coat.

3. Nail It Down—Literally

If you hear your dog click-clacking across the floor, it’s probably time for a trim.

Long nails can cause pain, affect posture, and even lead to joint issues over time. Ideally, your dog’s nails should sit just above the floor when standing.

✅ Use a small clipper or grinder if you're confident—or let us handle it for you. Some dogs just do better with a professional touch.

4. Don’t Forget the Ears

Floppy ears, curly ears, hairy ears—whatever kind your dog has, they can trap dirt and moisture easily, making them a hotbed for infections.

Give your pup’s ears a gentle wipe once a week with a cotton round or cloth and a dog-safe ear cleaner (avoid Q-tips!).

Signs of trouble: redness, strong odor, or head-shaking. If you notice these, bring your pup in—we’ll help sort it out.

5. Wrinkly Faces Need Extra Love

Short-nosed, wrinkled breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies and Sharpeis (like in the picture below) are adorable—but their facial folds can trap bacteria and moisture.

Cleaning in between wrinkles a few times a week helps prevent yeast infections and keeps your pup smelling fresh (and snuggle-ready).

✅ Use a soft, damp cloth and gently wipe between folds. Dry the area afterward to prevent moisture buildup. If you see redness between the wrinkles you should talk to your vet about an antibacterial cream because your pup might be experiencing some serious discomfort from an infection.

Your Groomer is Your Partner in Pet Care

Following these simple tips can make a big difference in how your dog feels—and it makes your next professional grooming even smoother.

🐾 Ready to book your dog’s next appointment?
📞 Call Temple of Groom today to schedule a visit. We're here to keep your furry friend looking good and feeling even better.