Care Guide: Dog & Cat
Dogs & Cats Care Guide
How to brush, bathe, read the happy signs, and the full list of household dangers (grapes, we see you) — no jargon, from the people who obsess over what goes on your pet's skin.
Hello, from us to you
We built Family Portrait because we couldn't find a pet skincare brand that treated the science with the same respect as the styling. Regular cleansing and grooming reduces dermatitis, yeast overgrowth, hot spots, dandruff, shedding, inflammation.
But who likes to bath a dog or a cat, right?
This guide answers what we get asked most, with input from vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed. Save it, print it, stick it to the fridge — just not somewhere your dog can chew it.
Dogs
No two coats behave the same — the right routine depends entirely on what your dog is working with.
How can I tell if my dog is happy?
Grooming works best when your dog is relaxed going in, so it helps to know what relaxed looks like.
- Loose, wiggly body — weight evenly spread on all four paws.
- Tail at natural mid-height, swishing gently.
- Soft eyes, relaxed mouth, sometimes a panting 'smile'.
- Ears neutral, forward-ish — not pinned or rigid.
- Leaning into you, play bows, normal appetite and sleep.
A tucked tail, pinned ears, a stiff 'whale eye' stare, lip-licking, yawning out of context, or inching away all suggest your dog would rather be elsewhere. Dial sessions back and rebuild slowly.
How often do I need to brush my dog?
It depends entirely on coat type.
Long pins brush for the surface, undercoat rake deeper, wide-tooth comb for knots. Afghan Hound, Maltese, Briard.
Focus on the thick undercoat and feathery areas, which mat first. Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Springer Spaniel.
A natural-bristle brush or grooming mitt lifts loose hair and spreads oils. Labrador, Vizsla, Staffie.
Slicker for heavy lifting, metal comb behind the ears, pin brush to fluff. Poodle, Bichon Frisé, Bedlington Terrier.
Soft brush for dead fur, undercoat rake if needed. Schnauzer, German Wire-haired Pointer.
Top tip. Brush in the direction of hair growth, keep sessions short and treat-heavy. If your dog seems distressed, stop — there's always tomorrow.
My dog hates the brush. Now what?
Start early, keep sessions short and rewarding. A grooming mitt is a gentle entry point. Set-in mats are a job for a groomer or vet.
Does my dog need professional grooming?
Non-shedding curly coats need clipping every 4–6 weeks. Wire coats need hand-stripping every 6–8 weeks.
Coat, health & when to worry
Improving coat condition
Regular brushing clears dead fur and spreads natural oils. Feed a good-quality, life-stage food; omega-3 can help (ask your vet). Keep parasite treatment current, especially for flea allergic dermatitis.
When's it a vet visit?
Grooming doubles as a health check. Book a visit for:
How often to bathe?
Most dogs need a full bath every one to three months. Active dogs, tangle-prone coats or skin conditions may need more. Hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested need one to two weeks plus moisturiser. Over-bathing strips natural oils — always use dog-specific, pH-appropriate shampoo.
Dog smells between baths?
You don't need a full bath. A fragrance-free, enzyme-based wipe built on lysozyme captures odour at the core rather than masking it — freshening coat and paws without disturbing the skin barrier.
Paws, folds & the family routine
Cleaning paws after a walk
A quick wipe-down between pads and toes removes grit, pollen and salt before they irritate. Itchy paws that don't settle in a few days are worth a vet chat.
Family with a baby too?
Same skin-safety logic: fragrance-free, EWG-compliant, lick-safe formulas near crawling hands and curious faces.
Caring for skin folds
Bulldogs, Shar Pei and similar breeds need creases dried gently. Medicated wipes help prevent secondary infection.
How to bathe a dog
Dog-specific shampoo, towels, pitcher, non-slip mat, treats.
Settle on the mat with calm praise.
A few inches; avoid face and ears.
Rinse until every trace of suds is gone.
Pat with a towel; air-dry or low heat.
Praise and treats throughout
— every step of it.
Nails, teeth & the rest
When should I cut my dog's nails?
Trim when nails touch the ground while walking, tap on hard floors, or snag on soft furnishings.
Do I need to brush my dog's teeth?
Yes, daily ideally — periodontal disease is one of the most common issues vets see. Use a soft, dog-specific brush and pet toothpaste.
Foods toxic to dogs
Plants harmful to dogs
Cats
Cats do most of their own grooming — but that still leaves plenty for you to get right.
Flattened ears, a puffed or thrashing tail, hissing, hiding or sudden overgrooming. Shorter, gentler sessions with treats help rebuild trust.
How can I tell if my cat is happy?
- A slow blink — try blinking slowly back.
- Upright tail with a soft curl or quiver.
- Purring, kneading, choosing to be near you.
- Relaxed posture, normal appetite and sleep.
Flattened ears, a puffed or thrashing tail, hissing, hiding or sudden overgrooming. Shorter, gentler sessions with treats help rebuild trust.
How often to brush my cat?
Prone to tangles that quickly become mats. Slicker for the surface, comb deeper, work top layer downward.
Less prone to knots, but still worth a regular brush to lift dead hair and spread oils.
My cat hates being brushed?
Start early. Keep sessions short and reward-led. A grooming mitt is often the easiest entry point.
Coat, health & the bath question
Improving coat condition
Regular brushing clears dead fur and spreads natural oils. Portion control matters — overweight cats often can't reach to self-groom. Keep parasite treatment current.
When's it a vet visit?
Do I need to bathe my cat?
Almost never. Exceptions: hairless breeds, a medical condition, or something sticky. Sphynx cats need regular bathing.
Nails & teeth
Most cats manage claws through scratching. Brush teeth daily where you can — periodontal disease is the most common issue vets see in cats.
How to bathe a cat
Cat-specific shampoo, towels, pitcher, non-slip mat, treats.
Calm praise while settled on the mat.
A few inches; avoid face and ears.
Never human shampoo or dish soap.
Pat with a towel; air-drying usually works.
Foods & plants to keep away
Toxic foods
Harmful plants
True lilies are severely toxic to cats — even pollen on fur or vase water can cause fatal kidney failure. Safest number of lilies in a cat household: zero.
From our family to yours
No pet has ever complained about too much attention — so lean in. Grooming time is health care in disguise: lumps get caught, mats get sorted, fleas get evicted. But underneath the science, it's really just you, a brush, and a good excuse to remind them they're the best thing that ever happened to you.
From our family to yours
— Gouzelle, Agata & Odessa