If you are a pet parent, you know there’s something so rewarding about giving your dog a good pamper session at home.
It’s quality time, it's soothing, and let’s be honest…it saves you a trip to the groomer.
So, if you're wondering how to groom a dog without any fuss, we have good news for you: just follow the right routine and use a few quality products. You will be able to turn bath time into a spa day, an experience your pup will love.
In this blog post, we will be discussing brushing, bathing, nose and paw care, and a few finishing touches to keep your canine baby looking and feeling their best.
Let’s walk through it all, no fluff (unless it’s your dog’s actual fluff cause who minds that, right?).
Start with a Brush
Before you start shampooing your dog, start by brushing your dog’s coat. This helps remove dirt, loose hair, and any tiny knots that might get worse during a bath.
A simple slicker brush works well for most breeds. However, if your dog has a double coat or long hair, a detangling comb might work best.
Make sure you brush gently, especially around sensitive spots like the belly and behind the ears. One other benefit of a few minutes of brushing is that it helps your dog settle down before bath time starts.
Choosing the Right Shampoo
Now for the part most dogs are not fans of, bath time.
The trick? Use a shampoo that’s gentle on their skin and actually makes them feel good afterwards.
So, let’s talk shampoo.
You might have typed ‘best dog shampoo UK’ into your search bar a few times by now. If so, save yourself the stress, we've got a few top picks.
If your pup has extra sensitive skin or allergies, the Organic Super Sensitive Shampoo from Duke & Milo is a solid pick.
It's made in the UK, free from sulphates and parabens, and includes aloe vera and calendula. These are both great for calming irritated skin. Plus, the bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic, which is a win for the planet.
For an even more natural route, try the Cosy Companions Pet Shampoo Bar.
It’s a bar, not a liquid, which makes it surprisingly easy to use. Just rub it onto wet fur or a mitt. It comes in two lovely options:
- Lavender, Lemongrass & Neem Oil
If your dog tends to attract uninvited guests (like fleas or ticks), neem and lemongrass help naturally repel them. The lavender soothes skin and gives that soft, clean smell.
- Cedarwood & Carrot Seed Oil
Perfect for pups with dry, sensitive skin. Carrot seed oil calms inflammation, while cedarwood offers a grounding, comforting scent.
Both are vegan, palm oil-free and tested on humans first (which we love).
Follow Up with Conditioner
Once you’ve shampooed and rinsed, it’s time for the conditioner. It softens the coat, makes brushing easier, and helps hydrate dry skin.
The Organic Dog Conditioner from Wild Wash uses shea butter and coconut oil, two ingredients that moisturise and soothe without any heavy residue.
Here’s how to use it:
- Apply it after shampooing
- Let it sit for a minute
- Rinse thoroughly
Your dog’s coat will feel silky and look extra shiny without any greasy feeling.
Don’t Forget the Nose
Some dogs suffer from dry, cracked noses. This is common in colder months or if they spend lots of time outdoors.
This Nose Balm is lick-safe and unscented (important because dogs are sniffers by nature).
It’s packed with seabuckthorn (a.k.a. liquid gold), olive wax, and blackcurrant seed oil to moisturise, heal, and protect.
Dab a little on using your fingertip, ideally after mealtime when they’re less likely to lick it off straight away.
If your dog’s nose is looking dry, use it twice daily to start. Once things improve, a quick swipe once a day is enough to keep that snout looking sweet.
Eye Care Is Part of the Glow-Up
Cleaning around your dog’s eyes is one of those small things that’s often neglected, but makes a big difference.
The Eye Care solution at Duke and Milo is super gentle. It combines aloe vera, sea salt, euphrasia, and marigold to clean and soothe without any sting.
- Just soak a cotton pad or swab
- Wipe around each eye (using a separate pad for each) …
and you’re done.
This can be part of your regular grooming routine.
Paw and Pad TLC
You might agree that Paw care often gets overlooked.
But if we are being honest, those paws carry your dog through every walk, run, and zoomie.
After their bath, check for any dryness, cracks, or irritation. You can use a little of the Nose Balm here too…yes, it can be used as a paw soother too.
If you want to shower your four-legged best friend with some extra love, give them a gentle paw massage. This also helps if your dog isn’t a fan of nail trimming as you can turn it into a positive, relaxing experience.
The Spa-Level Finish
Once your dog is dry and fluffed up, you can give them a final touch of luxury with the Magnolia & Ylang Ylang spray. It also comes in Spearmint & Rosemary scent.
Did you know that these sprays aren’t just for fragrance? They condition the coat and are made with 100% essential oils.
Use them after the bath or between washes to keep your dog smelling and feeling amazing.
A Deal You Shouldn’t Miss
If you want to give your dog a full spa experience on a budget, the Spa Package is honestly such a great deal.
It’s like a ready-made home grooming kit packed with all the essentials you’d want for a proper doggy spa day.
You get two gorgeous natural sprays (Magnolia & Ylang Ylang, and Spearmint & Rosemary) to keep your pup smelling fresh between baths.
You also get an Eye Care solution to gently clean around their eyes without any stinging. Lastly, the package includes the nourishing Nose Balm that works wonders on dry or crusty snouts.
It's perfect if you’re starting a home grooming routine or just want everything in one bundle without overthinking. Plus, it saves you money compared to buying everything separately.
So, it’s a win for you and a treat for your dog.
Chill Vibes Only (for Your Dog)
So, the key to a successful home spa day is keeping things calm and enjoyable, for you as well as your dog. Keep some treats nearby, talk to your pup as you go, and don’t worry if everything doesn’t go perfectly.
The goal isn’t a show-ready dog. It’s about making them feel clean, healthy, and loved.
And the best part? Seeing your dog freshly bathed, smelling like herbs and flowers, and wagging their tail like they know they just got pampered.
So the next time someone asks you how to groom a dog, just tell them: “At home, with the best dog shampoo UK pet lovers can trust, and a few great products from Duke & Milo.”