Dog Grooming at Home: 8 Tips for Indian Weather

Grooming is not just about looks. In India's heat and humidity, a well-groomed coat keeps your dog cool, prevents skin infections and helps you spot ticks early. These dog grooming tips are simple enough to do at home, with a professional session every few weeks.

1. Brush more often than you bathe Brushing removes loose fur, dirt and dead skin, and spreads natural oils that protect the coat. Short-coated breeds like Indies and Labradors need brushing two or three times a week. Long or double coats like Golden Retrievers, Huskies and Shih Tzus need daily brushing to prevent mats.

2. Don't shave double-coated breeds It is tempting to shave a Husky or German Shepherd in May. But a double coat actually insulates against heat and protects against sunburn. Regular de-shedding with an undercoat rake keeps them far cooler than shaving.

3. Bathe every 3 to 4 weeks Bathing too often strips natural oils and causes dry, itchy skin. Use a mild, dog-specific shampoo, never human shampoo, since dogs have a different skin pH. Rinse thoroughly, because leftover shampoo is a common cause of itching.

4. Dry completely during the monsoon Damp fur is the main cause of fungal infections and "wet dog" smell in the rainy season. Towel-dry after every walk, pay attention to paws, armpits and under the ears, and use a low-heat dryer for thick coats.

5. Check for ticks after every walk Run your fingers against the coat, focusing on ears, between toes, neck and under the tail. Remove ticks with a tick remover, pulling straight out. Ask your vet about monthly tick prevention.

6. Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks If you hear clicking on the floor, nails are too long. Long nails change how your dog walks and can cause joint pain. Trim a little at a time and avoid the pink quick. If your dog has black nails, a groomer can help.

7. Clean ears weekly Floppy-eared breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Beagles are prone to ear infections in humid weather. Wipe the outer ear with a vet-approved cleaner and cotton pad. Never push cotton buds into the ear canal.

8. Don't forget teeth Most adult dogs develop some dental disease by age three. Brush with dog toothpaste two or three times a week, and offer dental chews.

When to book a professional groomer Home care is great, but a professional groomer handles what is hard to do well at home: - De-matting and breed-specific haircuts - Deep de-shedding for double coats - Anal gland expression - Nail grinding for anxious dogs - Medicated or anti-tick baths

Most dogs benefit from a professional session every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on coat type. Many groomers also offer home visits, which is less stressful for nervous dogs.

Grooming schedule at a glance - Brushing: 2 to 7 times a week, depending on coat - Bath: every 3 to 4 weeks - Nails: every 3 to 4 weeks - Ears: weekly - Teeth: 2 to 3 times a week - Professional groom: every 4 to 8 weeks