How often should you groom your dog?

Updated 17/12/24

Grooming a dog is essential to keeping them happy, healthy, and looking their best. But how often should you groom your dog? Every dog’s coat type is unique, and grooming needs depend on factors like breed, coat length, and lifestyle. From brushing dog hair daily to professional grooming sessions, establishing the right grooming schedule for your furry friend helps ensure they’re always clean and looking extra cute!

In this guide, we’ll explore how often to groom a dog, the benefits of regular grooming, and what factors to consider when setting up your pooch’s grooming routine.

Key takeaways:

• The frequency of grooming depends on your dog’s coat type, activity level, and overall health.
• Grooming needs include brushing, ear cleaning, nail trims, and bathing. 

Some breeds may require professional grooming, especially long-haired dogs and dogs with wavy coats or thick undercoats.

Why is grooming important for dogs?

Grooming plays a key role in your dog’s health. Regular grooming helps prevent skin issues such as matting and infections while keeping your pup looking fresh. Plus, grooming allows you to check for parasites like fleas and ticks.

Regular grooming can also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Whether you’re brushing them daily or taking them to a professional groomer, maintaining a consistent grooming schedule ensures their coat, skin, and nails remain in tip-top condition.

How often should you groom your dog?

The frequency of grooming depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Some dogs require more frequent grooming, especially those with curly hair, wavy coats, or double coats, while others need less frequent attention. Here’s a breakdown of how often you should groom based on your dog’s coat type:

1. Short-haired dogs (e.g., Beagles, Boxers)

Short-haired dogs typically have low grooming needs. A good brushing once a week will remove loose hairs and keep their coat sleek. Baths are only necessary every few months - unless they get particularly dirty or a veterinarian suggests otherwise!

• Recommended grooming: Weekly brushing, bath every 2-3 months.

2. Long-haired dogs (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus)

Long-haired dogs need more frequent grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Daily brushing is ideal, and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks can keep their coat in top shape. Trimming may be necessary for comfort, but cutting Chow Chow hair (or similar breeds) should always be looked after by a professional.

• Recommended grooming: Daily brushing, professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

3. Curly or wavy coats (e.g., Poodles, Bichon Frise)

Dogs with curly hair or wavy coats need regular grooming to avoid matting and to keep their luscious locks in the best possible condition. Brush them every 1-2 days and take them to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks for trimming and styling.

• Recommended grooming: Daily brushing, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

4. Double-coated dogs (e.g., Huskies, German Shepherds)

Dogs with double coats shed seasonally, and during shedding periods, daily brushing is important to manage that extra fur! Outside of shedding seasons, brushing once a week should keep your double-coated dog looking its best, and a bath every 1-3 months helps keep their coat clean.

• Recommended grooming: Weekly brushing (daily during shedding season), bath every 1-3 months.

Need some more advice on how to groom your dog? Seek advice from like-minded pet parents over on our Community Forum.

Grooming essentials beyond brushing and bathing

Grooming involves more than just brushing and bathing. Here are additional grooming tasks to keep your furry friend looking and feeling great:

Nail trimming

Dog’s nails grow quickly and can become uncomfortable if left too long. Trim your dog’s nails every 4-6 weeks or take them to a professional groomer if you’re unsure how to do it yourself. If trimmed too short, nails can bleed and cause pain, so always reach out to a groomer or vet if you're unsure of how to trim nails.

Ear cleaning

Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections. Check and clean your dog’s ears every week to prevent wax buildup and subsequent infections.

Teeth brushing

Dental hygiene is key to your dog’s overall health. Brush your dog’s teeth daily to reduce plaque buildup. Dental chews, dental diets, and dental supplements can also help slow the rate of tartar buildup on the teeth and are essential for good oral hygiene.

When you’re away, who will help maintain your dog’s grooming routine? A trusted in-home dog sitter can ensure your pooch gets the grooming care they deserve. From daily brushing to scheduled baths and nail trims, a pet sitter can keep your dog looking their best, even when you’re not around!

Benefits of regular grooming

Grooming dogs regularly has tons of benefits, including:

• Health checks: Regular grooming allows you to check for any lumps, bumps, or parasites that might require attention.
• Comfort: Brushing prevents tangles and mats, improving your dog’s comfort, especially in silky-coated dogs.
• Reduced shedding: Regular brushing helps manage shedding, especially for groomed dogs with thick undercoats if you use an appropriate undercoat rake.
• Bonding time: Grooming is an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your dog while ensuring they stay clean and happy!

Related article: Find the best dog brush for your pampered pooch

Professional grooming: Is it necessary?

While some grooming tasks can be done at home, many dogs benefit from being professionally groomed. Lucky pups with thick undercoats, wavy coats, or long hair may need expert care to keep their coats neat and prevent matting. Professionals will also know how to groom your dog carefully without any risk such as cutting or chafing your dog’s skin.

On average, how much is dog grooming? Grooming fees vary depending on the breed, coat type, and services required. It’s important to budget for regular grooming sessions to ensure your dog stays happy healthy, and looking their best.

• Dog grooming cost: Prices can range from $30 to $90, depending on your location and the services required.
• Grooming fees: Professional groomers typically charge extra for specialized services, like to trim dog hair, baths, and ear cleaning.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Grooming is a crucial part of your dog’s overall health and well-being. By creating a consistent grooming schedule tailored to your dog’s specific needs, you’ll keep them healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. And when you’re away, a pet sitter can help ensure your dog’s grooming needs are met, keeping them clean and well-cared for.