Top Tips for Tidying Your Dog Between Grooms (Fluffy to Scruffy Without Spending Hours!)

We’ve all been there… you booked the groomer weeks ago, but somehow your dog has managed to roll in something suspicious, their fringe is in their eyes, and their paws look like they’re wearing fluffy snow boots.

If you want your dog looking fresh and feeling comfortable between grooms without spending your whole weekend on it - here are my top professional tips for keeping them neat at home.

These are quick, easy, and don’t require expensive equipment.

And if you really want to make this effortless, grab my FREE 5-Minute Fluff Fix Guide - it’s a simple step-by-step cheat sheet for freshening up your dog’s face and feet in minutes.

1. Keep Their Face Neat and Eyes Clear

Overgrown facial hair can trap food, cause tear stains, and even block your dog’s vision.

• Use blunt-tipped scissors or thinning shears to gently trim hair around the eyes.

• Always cut away from the eyes and work in good lighting.

• Wipe eyes daily with a damp cloth to avoid staining.

Pro tip: In my DIY Dog Grooming Course, I show you how to safely trim tricky spots without your dog squirming like they’re auditioning for a wrestling match.

2. Brush Out Tangles Before They Become Mats

A quick daily brush stops tangles turning into painful mats.

• Use a slicker brush for curly or long-haired breeds, and a bristle or pin brush for short coats.

• Always brush in layers - start at the bottom and work up.

• Pay attention to high-friction areas: behind the ears, armpits, and under the collar.

If mats do happen, use a detangling spray and work gently with a comb or cut them out. If you're not comfortable doing this, let your groomer know where they are.

3. Keep Paws Clean and Comfortable

Hair between the paw pads can collect dirt, debris, and even snow or ice in winter.

• Trim hair flush with the paw pads for a tidy look and better grip on floors.

• Check nails fortnightly - overgrown nails can cause joint pain and posture problems.

• Use a grinder or dog nail clippers, and take tiny amounts at a time to avoid the quick.

  
  

4. Freshen Up With a Dry Shampoo or Waterless Wash

Perfect for those “you rolled in what?!” moments.

• Use a dog-safe dry shampoo spray or foam.

• Work it in with your hands, then brush out for a fresh, fluffy finish.

• Avoid over-bathing between grooms - it can strip natural oils and cause skin issues.

• We love Smith & Burton shampoos - you can try their waterless shampoo here and use BODYWORK15 for a cheeky discount!

5. Tidy the Rear End

No one likes talking about it, but keeping the back end tidy is essential for hygiene (and your furniture’s safety!).

• Trim excess hair around the sanitary area.

• Wipe with a damp cloth or pet-safe wipe after walks if needed.

Save Time, Stress, and Trips to the Groomer

Doing a few minutes of upkeep each week will:

✅ Keep your dog looking salon-fresh for longer

✅ Prevent matting and discomfort

✅ Make your groomer love you (seriously - they notice!)

If you’d love step-by-step instructions, product recommendations, and pro tips, you’ll love my DIY Dog Grooming School - an online course for pet parents that covers everything from bathing and drying to face, legs, and paw trims.

Grab Your FREE ‘5-Minute Fluff Fix’ Guide Here

This quick PDF shows you exactly how to freshen up your dog’s face and feet between grooms - in less time than it takes to boil the kettle. Perfect for fluffy breeds like Cavoodles, Shih Tzus, and Schnauzers.

Download Your Free Guide Now and keep your dog looking their best every day.