Dog Coat Maintenance Planner

Build a simple at-home brushing and comb-check routine for Canadian weather, coat type, and grooming interval.

Your coat plan

Choose the coat and lifestyle details to see brushing frequency, comb-check zones, and appointment notes.

Turn the plan into a gentle routine

Use a brush suited to your dog's coat, then check with a comb where longer hair rubs behind the ears, under a harness and around the legs. A brush can smooth the surface while a tangle remains closer to the skin. After a wet or muddy outing, dry the coat and look for new knots before the next bath.

Do not pull through tight mats or cut close to the skin with scissors. Ask a groomer to assess a coat that the comb cannot pass through, and see a veterinarian if the skin looks sore. VCA's grooming guidance covers brush selection and safe handling of tangles.