Retriever Grooming Guide: How to Groom a Golden
Golden Retrievers are treasured family pets across Scotland, renowned for their friendly nature and luxurious golden coats. But that beautiful double coat (soft undercoat and water-resistant topcoat) comes with serious shedding, especially during spring and autumn. At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we’ve crafted the ultimate Golden grooming routine to keep your dog comfortable, mat-free, and your home fur-free. Follow our guide to nail home brushing, when to bathe or trim, and which tools to grab on Amazon UK.
How Often Should You Groom a Golden Retriever?
Brushing: 3–5× per week, daily during heavy moult.
Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks, or after a muddy romp.
Professional Groom: Every 8–10 weeks for de-shedding and trim touch-ups.
Consistent care tames shedding, prevents mats, and distributes natural oils for a glossy finish.
Step-by-Step Brushing & De-Shedding Routine
Gather Your Gear
Lay a towel or mat in a well-lit space.
Have all tools within arm’s reach.
Slicker Brush Pass
Section the coat: shoulders → back → sides → belly and legs → tail.
Brush with the grain to lift loose fur and surface dirt.
Undercoat Rake
Hold fur at the roots to reduce pull.
Gently rake through thick areas (chest, belly, behind ears).
FURminator deShedding
Lightly glide over the coat in the direction of hair growth—avoid excessive pressure.
Comb Check
Use a Safari comb to locate fine mats or tangles near the skin.
Tease out small mats with a comb; for large mats, book a dematting session at Kinga’s—never cut mats close to skin.
Final Slicker Pass & Reward
Smooth the coat with a last slicker brush pass.
Give your Golden praise and a treat to reinforce positive grooming.
🛁 Bathing Your Golden Retriever
Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks, or when heavily soiled.
Shampoo: Wet coat thoroughly, apply Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo, and massage gently into undercoat.
Conditioner: Apply from mid-body to tips; leave 2–3 minutes, then rinse completely.
Dry: Towel-dry, then use the Andis dryer on low heat/medium airflow. Brush as you dry to prevent tangles.
Scottish Tip: Always finish drying indoors — damp undercoats can lead to skin irritation in our moist climate.
🖌️ Trimming & Feather Maintenance Tasks
Feathered Legs: Trim stray hairs hanging below paw line (Every 8–10 weeks)
Tail & Belly: Neaten long feathers to reduce mud clumps (Every 8–10 weeks)
Paws & Pads: Clip hair between toes for grip and cleanliness (Every 6–8 weeks)
Sanitary Areas: Trim under tail and around underside for hygiene (Every 6–8 weeks)
List 2: Home Grooming vs Professional Warmest regards,
Brushing & De-shedding:
Home Care: 3–5× weekly
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Included in full groom
Bathing:
Home Care: 4–6 weekly, self-dry
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Premium bath + professional dry
Feather Trimming:
Home Care: DIY with curved scissors
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Expert scissor styling
Nail Trimming:
Home Care: Every 3–4 weeks
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Precise guillotine nail trim
Ear Cleaning:
Home Care: Weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Thorough professional cleaning
Full Coat Styling & Finish:
Home Care: Basic brushing only
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Detailed hand-scissor finish
Professional visits every 8–10 weeks keep your Golden’s coat in peak condition and minimise at-home effort.
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Why does my Golden smell so fast?
A: The double coat can trap natural oils and moisture. Regular brushing and fully drying after baths prevent odour build-up.
Q: Can I shave my Golden in summer?
A: No — shaving removes natural insulation and sun protection. Opt for a shorter trim on feathers instead.
Q: How do I manage shedding on carpets?
A: Frequent brushing, using the FURminator, and a good vacuum help. PetSafe grooming wipes between brushes also work wonders.
🏴 Scottish-Specific Grooming Tips
Mud Control: Keep grooming wipes by the door for quick paw and belly cleans.
Rain-Ready Coat: A light waterproof dog coat on wet days reduces the need for full baths.
Drying Station: Set up a towel-lined area indoors with the Andis dryer for post-walk dry-downs.
Seasonal Adjustments: Increase brushing to daily during spring and autumn moults to keep ahead of the fur flow.
Ready to Book Your Golden Retriever’s Groom?
At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we specialise in Golden coat care—from de-shedding treatments to precision feather trims. Keep your Golden healthy, glossy, and shedding under control, whatever the Scottish weather.
Book Your Appointment Today and let your Golden shine—rain or shine!
