Between professional mobile grooming visits, you'll want to keep your pet looking fresh and prevent matting, skin issues, and nail overgrowth. Regular at-home maintenance extends the life of your groomer's work and saves you money on frequent appointments. Here's exactly what to do and when.
Brush Your Pet Daily (or Every Other Day)
Brushing is the single most important task between grooming appointments. Most dogs benefit from 5–15 minutes of brushing every day, depending on coat type. Long-haired breeds like Goldendoodles, Shih Tzus, and Collies need daily attention to prevent mats that will require professional dematting (typically $50–$150 extra at your next appointment).
Start at the skin and work outward using the right brush for your pet's coat—slicker brushes for curly coats, undercoat rakes for double coats, and bristle brushes for short hair. Pay special attention to behind the ears, under the armpits, and around the rear, where mats form fastest.
Bathe Your Pet Every 2–4 Weeks
Most mobile groomers recommend bathing at home between appointments to refresh your pet's coat and skin. Use lukewarm water and a dog-specific shampoo (human products disrupt their pH balance). Aim for every 2–4 weeks unless your groomer suggests otherwise based on your pet's skin condition.
A quick tip: wash from neck down, keeping water away from ears and eyes. Dry thoroughly with a towel and, if your pet tolerates it, a pet dryer on low heat. Damp fur that isn't fully dried can trap moisture and lead to skin irritation.
Nail Care Between Appointments
Your mobile groomer typically trims nails every 6–8 weeks, but you can extend this timeline and keep your pet comfortable by grinding or trimming at home. If your pet's nails click audibly on floors, they're too long and put strain on joints.
Invest in a quality nail grinder ($30–$60) or clippers designed for your pet's size. Trim just the clear or white part of the nail—never the pink quick, which bleeds and causes pain. If you're unsure, ask your groomer to show you the safe trimming zone during their next visit. Many mobile groomers also offer quick "nail trim only" appointments for $15–$30 if you prefer a professional touch.
Ear and Eye Cleaning
Check your pet's ears weekly for redness, odor, or dark discharge—signs of infection. Use a damp cotton ball to gently wipe the outer ear; never insert cotton swabs into the ear canal. For breeds prone to ear issues (Poodles, Cocker Spaniels), your groomer may recommend weekly ear cleaning or a medicated rinse.
For eyes, use a pet-safe eye wipe or warm damp cloth to gently remove tear stains and debris, especially around the inner corners.
Maintain Sanitary Areas
Between professional grooming visits, trim or tidy the sanitary area around your pet's rear and genitals. A small pair of blunt-tip grooming scissors ($10–$20) works well. This prevents bacterial buildup and reduces odor. Aim for this every 2–3 weeks, or more frequently for long-haired breeds.
De-Shedding During Peak Seasons
If your pet sheds heavily, use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool 2–3 times weekly during spring and fall. This removes loose hair before it ends up on your furniture and reduces the work your groomer faces at the next appointment. Some mobile groomers charge extra for severely matted or heavily shedded coats, so staying on top of this saves money.
Keep a Schedule
Mark your mobile grooming appointment on a calendar, then work backward. If your groomer visits every 8 weeks, plan brushing for every 1–2 days, baths every 3 weeks, and nail checks every 2 weeks. Consistency prevents emergency appointments and keeps your pet healthier.
If you're comparing mobile grooming providers for your area, Mercoly makes it easy to find trusted groomers near you and see what maintenance advice they recommend for your pet's breed and coat type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bathe my pet the day before a mobile grooming appointment? No—bathe your pet at least 3–5 days before the groomer arrives so their coat has time to dry fully and regain natural oils, allowing the groomer to work more effectively.
Q: How often should I brush a short-haired dog? Short-haired breeds like Labs and Boxers still need 2–3 times weekly brushing to remove loose hair and stimulate skin health, even if matting isn't a concern.
Q: What's the best tool for removing mats my groomer missed? A mat splitter or dematting comb ($15–$25) works for small mats, but large matted areas should go back to your groomer—DIY removal can damage the coat or cut skin underneath.
Ready to find and book a mobile groomer who can guide your home maintenance routine? Search Mercoly to compare grooming services in your area.