14 Monthly Dog Grooming Tasks Owners Always Forget (But Shouldn’t!)
I used to think I had dog grooming covered. A quick bath, a brush here and there, and we were good. Then my vet pointed out a few things I’d been skipping for months—and I felt terrible.
Turns out, monthly grooming isn’t just about keeping your dog looking cute. It’s about catching small problems before they become painful, expensive, or both.
So I made a monthly checklist. Here are 14 tasks I used to forget—and now I never skip. Hopefully, this helps you stay ahead too.
1. Checking and Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
I used to only look at my dog’s ears when they smelled weird. Big mistake. Monthly checks help you spot redness, wax buildup, or infections early.
What to do:
- Lift the ear flap and look inside.
- Use a vet-approved ear cleaner on a cotton ball.
- Never stick Q-tips deep into the ear canal.
If your dog shakes their head a lot or scratches, call your vet. Don’t wait.
2. Trimming Nails (Even If They Don’t Click on the Floor)
I thought long nails were only a problem if I heard clicking. Nope. Nails that touch the ground can push the toe joints back and cause pain.
Monthly trims keep them short. If you’re nervous, ask a groomer to show you how. A little at a time is better than a painful quick.
3. Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
I’ll be honest—I used to forget this completely. But dental disease is one of the most common issues vets see.
Monthly, at minimum, brush with dog-safe toothpaste. Daily is ideal, but monthly is way better than never. Look for tartar, red gums, or bad breath.
4. Expressing Anal Glands (Or Knowing When to Leave It Alone)
This one makes people squeamish, so they ignore it. Some dogs need their anal glands expressed monthly. Others never do.
Signs: scooting, licking the rear, or a fishy smell. If you see these, ask your vet or groomer. Don’t try it yourself unless you’ve been shown how.
5. Cleaning Around the Eyes
Tear stains, gunk, and crusty bits build up. I use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe the corners of my dog’s eyes.
Monthly, check for redness, swelling, or excessive discharge. Those can mean allergies or infection. Never use the same cloth on both eyes—use a fresh corner each time.
6. Checking Paws and Paw Pads
Paws take a beating. Monthly, I flip each paw over and look for cuts, cracks, or foreign objects like tiny rocks or burrs.
- Feel between the toes.
- Check for swelling or warmth.
- Trim any hair that’s matted between the pads.
If your dog limps, don’t wait until next month.
7. Trimming Paw Pad Hair
Long hair between the pads can trap ice, mud, and debris. It also makes walking slippery on smooth floors.
Use blunt-nosed scissors or clippers carefully. Monthly trim keeps paws clean and comfortable. If you’re unsure, ask a groomer.
8. Bathing with the Right Shampoo
I used to grab whatever was in the cupboard. Now I know dog skin has a different pH than ours. Human shampoo can dry them out.
Monthly baths (or every 4–6 weeks) with a dog-specific shampoo keep the coat healthy. Don’t over-bathe—it strips natural oils. Rinse really well.
9. Brushing the Coat Thoroughly (Not Just a Quick Pass)
A quick brush on the back isn’t enough. Monthly, I do a full brush-out: back, sides, belly, tail, and behind the ears.
This removes loose fur, prevents mats, and distributes natural oils. For double-coated dogs, use an undercoat rake. For short coats, a rubber curry works great.
10. Checking for Ticks, Fleas, and Skin Issues
Even if your dog is on preventatives, monthly checks matter. Run your hands over their whole body. Feel for bumps, scabs, or bald spots.
Ticks love armpits, ears, and between toes. Fleas leave tiny black specks (flea dirt). If you find something, treat it fast.
11. Cleaning Collars, Harnesses, and Leashes
I never thought about this until my dog’s collar smelled like a wet dog. Monthly, I wash nylon collars and leashes in warm soapy water.
Leather gets wiped with a damp cloth and conditioned. This prevents skin irritation and keeps gear from breaking down. Check for fraying too.
12. Trimming Hair Around the Sanitary Area
This is the task nobody talks about at parties. But long hair around the rear can trap poop and cause infections.
Monthly, carefully trim (or ask a groomer to trim) the hair around the anus and genital area. Use blunt scissors and go slow. A clean bum is a happy bum.
13. Checking and Cleaning Nose and Wrinkles
Flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs need extra care. Monthly, I clean wrinkles with a soft, damp cloth and dry them completely.
For noses, check for dryness or cracking. A little dog-safe balm helps. If you see discharge or a change in texture, ask your vet.
14. Deep Cleaning Dog Beds, Blankets, and Toys
I used to wash my dog’s bed maybe twice a year. Now I do it monthly. All that dander, dirt, and drool builds up.
Wash beds and blankets in hot water (check the label). Soak rubber toys in vinegar and water, then rinse well. Replace any toy that’s torn or has a squeaker hanging out.
Final Thoughts
Monthly grooming doesn’t have to be a big production. Pick a day—like the first Sunday of each month—and go through this list. You’ll catch little issues before they turn into big ones.
And your dog will be happier, healthier, and way more comfortable. Trust me, your future self (and your vet bill) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I really groom my dog?
It depends on the breed, coat type, and lifestyle. But monthly is a good minimum for most tasks like nail trims, ear checks, and teeth brushing. Long-haired dogs may need more frequent brushing.
2. What if my dog hates having their nails trimmed?
Start slow. Touch the paws, then the clippers, then one nail. Reward with treats. If it’s too stressful, let a groomer or vet do it. Don’t force it.
3. Can I use human shampoo on my dog in a pinch?
Once in a while, maybe. But it can dry out their skin and cause itching. Keep a dog-specific shampoo on hand for monthly baths.
4. How do I know if my dog’s anal glands need expressing?
Look for scooting, excessive licking, or a fishy smell. If you see those signs, call your vet. Some dogs need it monthly, others never do.
5. What’s the easiest monthly grooming task to forget?
Teeth brushing and cleaning collars. Both are quick, but easy to skip. Set a phone reminder and do them together with something you already do monthly.
