Grooming
Grooming Your Dog at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to brush, bathe, check for ticks, trim nails and clean ears at home, plus how often to do each and when to call a professional groomer in Nairobi.
Care · Health & hygiene
Dog Grooming, Health & Hygiene
A clean, comfortable dog is a healthier, happier dog. Grooming and hygiene care from people who understand dog behaviour, so even nervous or big dogs are handled calmly.
What this service covers
- 01
Bath and blow-dry
A proper wash with a dog-safe shampoo and a thorough dry, so the coat and skin stay healthy.
- 02
Brushing and de-shedding
Removes dead undercoat from double-coated breeds like German Shepherds and Huskies, and works out knots.
- 03
Nails, ears and paws
Nail trims, gentle ear cleaning and paw checks, the jobs many owners find hardest at home.
- 04
Health and hygiene check
We look for ticks, fleas, wounds and skin problems while grooming, and tell you if a vet visit is wise.
Grooming is health care
Regular grooming is about more than looks. It keeps the skin and coat healthy, stops painful matting, keeps nails at a length that does not hurt the feet, and is a chance to spot ticks, lumps, wounds and ear infections early. In Kenya, ticks are common and can carry serious diseases, which makes a hands-on hygiene check especially valuable.
We are not vets. If we notice something that needs medical attention, we tell you and recommend you see your vet.
How a groom works
- Consultation. Send us a WhatsApp message with a photo of your dog and tell us about its coat, skin, health and behaviour. We recommend what it needs.
- Booking. We agree a date, time and place that suit you and your dog.
- Check-in. We check the coat, skin, ears and paws before we start, and agree anything special with you.
- The groom. Brushing and de-shedding, bath and blow-dry, nail trim, ear cleaning and a paw check, at a calm pace.
- Handover. We tell you what we noticed (ticks, skin, ears, nails) and how to keep your dog’s coat in good condition until the next groom.
Calm handling, every time
Many dogs dislike being bathed, having their nails cut or their ears touched. Our background in training means we read body language, go at the dog’s pace and use calm, confident handling. For puppies, early positive grooming makes a lifetime of care easier. We cover handling in our puppy training too.
Canine health and hygiene
Good hygiene keeps dogs and the people who live with them healthier:
- Regular tick and flea checks, with prevention products your vet recommends
- Clean bedding, bowls and kennels
- Up-to-date vaccinations and deworming
- Dental care and clean ears
- Keeping nails and paws in good condition
Between grooms
Brush your dog a few times a week, check for ticks after walks, and keep an eye on the ears. Our guide to grooming your dog at home explains how, step by step. Pricing is on request via WhatsApp.
FAQ
Grooming & hygiene: your questions
How often should my dog be groomed?
Most dogs benefit from a full groom every four to eight weeks, with brushing at home in between. Long or double coats need more frequent brushing; short coats need less. Dogs that swim or roll in mud may need more baths.
How do I book a groom?
Send us a WhatsApp message with a photo of your dog, its breed, size and age, and anything we should know about its coat, skin or behaviour. We recommend what it needs and agree a date, time and place with you.
Do you groom aggressive or anxious dogs?
Because we are trainers as well, we are used to handling nervous and difficult dogs calmly. Tell us about your dog's behaviour when you book, so we can plan the session and keep everyone safe.
Should I shave my German Shepherd or Husky in the hot season?
Usually no. A double coat helps regulate temperature and protects the skin from sun. De-shedding (removing the loose undercoat) keeps them cooler and more comfortable than shaving.
How much does grooming cost?
Pricing is on request via WhatsApp. It depends on your dog's size, coat and condition, so a photo helps us tell you what it needs.
Read next
Helpful guides
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Other ways we can help
Puppy training
The first months shape the dog you will live with for the next ten years or more. We help you raise a puppy that is confident, calm and easy to live with.
Rehoming & rescue
Sometimes a dog needs a new home, and sometimes it needs a second chance first. We assess, rehabilitate where needed, and match each dog with the right home.
Dog motel, walking & sitting
Travelling, working long hours or simply need a hand? The G.A.P dog motel, dog walking and pet sitting give your dog care from people who understand dogs.
Nairobi & Kiambu
Let's talk about your dog.
Tell us your dog’s breed, age and what you want to change. A trainer will reply on WhatsApp with honest advice and the next step.
Open 24 hours Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri & Sat. Pricing on request via WhatsApp. Prefer email? Send us a message or use the contact form.