Regular grooming is not only about looks. Brushing, nail care and paw checks prevent skin problems, cut down shedding, and are the most reliable way to spot lumps, ticks and sore spots early — especially if your pet spends time outdoors.
The Tools Worth Owning
1. A Deshedding Brush
A deshedding tool pulls loose undercoat before it ends up on the sofa. For double-coated breeds — Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds — it is the single highest-value tool you can buy. Choose one with a guard so you are not cutting into the topcoat, and work in short passes rather than dragging.
2. Nail Clippers or a Grinder
Overgrown nails change how a dog stands and can lead to joint strain. Most dogs need a trim every three to four weeks; if you can hear clicking on hard floors, you are overdue. If your dog flinches at the snap of clippers, a grinder is often easier to accept because the change is gradual. Ask your vet or groomer to show you where the quick is before your first attempt.
3. Something for Paws
After a walk, paws carry grit, road salt and whatever was on the lawn. A shallow cup of warm water and a microfibre towel by the door does the job. Check between the pads for grass seeds and cracks while you are there.
4. Pet-Specific Shampoo
Do not use human shampoo — the pH is wrong for pet skin and it can leave them itchy. Options worth knowing about:
- Oatmeal-based formulas for sensitive skin
- Medicated shampoo for a diagnosed skin condition — use only the one your vet specifies
- Waterless foam for quick touch-ups between baths
5. Ear Cleaner
Floppy-eared breeds are more prone to ear infections. Check ears weekly and clean with a product your vet recommends. Redness, smell, or head-shaking is a vet visit, not a cleaning job.
How Often?
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3x per week (daily for long coats) |
| Bathing | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth brushing | Daily, or 3x per week at minimum |
| Paw check | After every walk |
Cats Need Less, But Not Nothing
Most cats groom themselves adequately, but long-haired cats still mat behind the ears and under the legs, and older cats stop reaching their back end. Brush little and often, and never bathe a cat unless your vet has told you to.
The Post-Adventure Routine
The mess from a good walk mostly lands in two places: your pet, and your car. Doing the car first makes the rest easier — a waterproof cover means wet dog goes straight in and the seats stay clean, so you can deal with paws and coat at home rather than in a car park.
Roam Bark's Back-Seat Dog Hammock Cover wipes clean and keeps hair, mud and claws off the upholstery, with side flaps that fold up over the door panels to catch the rest.
Before the Next Trip
Browse the Travel & Outdoor collection for the gear that goes in the car and on the trail.
Free shipping to the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia and New Zealand on orders over $100. Orders are processed in 1–2 business days; delivery takes 5–12 business days in the US and 4–18 for most other countries. Returns accepted within 60 days — keep the item, nothing to send back.