Daily & Weekly Grooming Routine
The Daily 10-Minute Routine
Consistency beats intensity. Ten minutes a day prevents the 2-hour detangling marathon.
Daily Checklist:
- Mist with detangling spray — lightly dampen the coat
- Brush with pin brush — start at the ends, work up to the roots. Section the hair if needed.
- Comb through — use the fine-tooth comb to check for tangles you missed
- Face wipe — use a warm, damp cloth or grooming wipe around eyes, mouth, and beard
- Topknot refresh — if your Yorkie has long head hair, redo the topknot with a fresh band
Focus Areas for Matting:
- Behind the ears (the #1 matting spot)
- Under the front legs (armpits)
- Where the harness sits
- Around the collar area
- Base of the tail
The Cardinal Rule:
Never brush a dry coat. Always mist with detangling spray or water first. Brushing dry hair causes breakage and static, which leads to more tangles.
Weekly Deep Grooming Session
Set aside 30-45 minutes once a week for a thorough session.
Weekly Routine:
- Full brush-out — more thorough than daily, checking every section
- Bath (every 1-2 weeks, not more)
- Use a mild, pH-balanced dog shampoo (not human shampoo)
- Shampoo twice: first wash removes dirt, second wash actually cleans
- Conditioner is not optional for Yorkies — it prevents tangles
- Rinse thoroughly. Residue = itching and dandruff.
- Blow dry — on low/medium heat, brush while drying to prevent tangles forming as hair dries
- Nail trim — if you hear clicking on hard floors, they're overdue
- Ear check and clean — apply cleaner on cotton ball, gently wipe inner ear. Never insert anything into the ear canal.
- Sanitary trim — keep the area around genitals and rear trimmed short for hygiene
- Paw pad trim — trim hair between paw pads to prevent slipping and debris collection
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