Establishing a grooming routine is an important step for dog owners – for all sorts of reasons.

Grooming isn't just about making your dog look good. Regular care removes dead hair, keeps the coat and skin healthy and gives you the opportunity to monitor your dog's general health.

It's also important time spent together, building your relationship, trust and understanding. Plus there's even scientific evidence that grooming sessions reduce stress levels and blood pressure - for both of you!

Regardless of whether your dog's coat is full or clipped short, coarse or fine, it needs some care. Most vets advise grooming on a daily basis to prevent tangles. It will also reduce the amount of hair shed in your home.

• A double-sided brush - one side with soft bristles, the other with cushioned stainless-steel pins (pinhead brush).
• A comb for detangling thickened matts of hair. (If your dog has long hair, you may also need a comb with wider teeth and a 90-degree angle between teeth and handle.)
• A rubber grooming mitt like a Zoom Groom - these feel like vigorous petting to dogs, so they tend to enjoy them. Zoom Grooms are designed to gently remove unwanted hairs whilst massaging the skin at the same time. Even the most reluctant dog will enjoy the experience!

Start by using your fingers to carefully loosen matted hair from sensitive skin. Never use scissors to cut out matts. Combs are a safe and comfortable choice around the head and neck, the area surrounding the anus and base of the tail, the legs and the lower abdomen. When using a comb, brush with the grain. Use rubber grooming mitts, with their dull-tipped rubber 'teeth', to pull loosened hairs from the coat.

Clipping the coat can be important when matts are large and cannot be removed by hand without discomfort. In the heat of summer, you'll have a very grateful dog. If you are uncertain, ask a professional groomer.

Clipping may also be necessary to keep hair out of the eyes and for general hygiene. But note that there are some situations where clipping is most definitely not appropriate - for example, dogs with long hair between their toes.

Extensive matting or snarls can present a grooming dilemma. Left alone, they can accelerate the matting of surrounding hairs. If your dog has a challenging coat, enjoys a daily swim or if you would rather spend your time walking and not combing, consider regular visits to a professional groomer.

A good groomer can provide a soothing bath, gentle hair drying and a thorough brushing. And if you ask for advice, you'll be surprised at how much you'll also learn.

Certain breeds, such as poodles and bichon frises, do not moult naturally and require regular professional grooming.