How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Breed and Coat Type Guide

How do you know when it’s time to groom your dog or if you’re doing it often enough?

While grooming keeps your dog looking amazing, it also plays a key role in their health and comfort. This can include maintaining their skin health, reducing shedding, and can even help detect issues early. From coat type to lifestyle, many factors affect how often your dog should be groomed (and it’s probably more than you think).

1. Factors that affect grooming frequency

Every dog has unique grooming needs, and there’s no cookie-cutter template when it comes to how often they should be groomed. It depends on many factors, such as:

• Coat type: Short, long, curly, or double coats all have different grooming requirements. Long or curly coats need more frequent grooming to prevent tangles and mats.

• Activity level: An outdoor dog may need more frequent grooms than a couch potato, as dirt and debris can build up in the coat. Dogs that walk on pathways compared to rural areas might need more frequent nail trims.

• Skin health: Dogs that have sensitive skin or allergies that lead to scratching, dandruff or oily skin may need more regular grooms to relieve discomfort and improve skin health.

• Time of year: Many dogs shed during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. During these seasons, regular brushing and de-shedding services can help remove excess fur (and keep the house cleaner!).

2. Grooming Frequency by Coat Type and Breed

Short-haired dogs

Low-maintenance coats still benefit from regular baths and brushing to control shedding.

• Frequency: Every 6-8 weeks

• Examples: Beagle, Staffy, French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever

Long-haired dogs

Long coats tangle easily and require frequent trims to prevent mats, especially around the ears and legs.

• Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks

• Examples: Maltese Shih Tzu, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Curly-coated dogs

Curly coats don’t shed but mat quickly without routine brushing and trimming.

• Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks

• Examples: Cavoodle, Poodle, Spoodle, Groodle, Bichon Frise

Double-coated dogs

Thick undercoats need professional blowouts to avoid matting and reduce fur buildup.

• Frequency: Every 6-8 weeks, plus a de-shed

• Examples: German Shepherd, Border Collie, Husky, Australian Shepherd

Hairless or fine-coated dogs

Sensitive skin needs regular bathing, moisturising, and protection from the sun or dryness.

• Frequency: Every 4-6 weeks

• Examples: Italian Greyhound, Chihuahua

3. Make grooming easy with mobile dog grooming services

Mobile services make it easy to stick to a regular dog grooming schedule, offering a stress-free and convenient alternative for busy pet owners right at their door.

Even if a dog doesn’t have a high-maintenance coat, regular grooming is important for their overall well-being, helping prevent skin issues, maintain a healthy coat, and allowing early detection of any lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities. If you notice signs like odour or tangles, it might be time to book an appointment.

FAQs:

How often should I groom my dog overall?

Most dogs need to be groomed every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their breed, coat type, skin health, and lifestyle. Dogs with longer or curly coats usually need more frequent grooming to prevent matting.

Does my dog’s coat type affect how often they need grooming?

Yes. Long, curly, and double-coated dogs typically need more frequent grooming, while short-haired breeds can go longer between appointments.

Should I groom my dog more often during shedding season?

Yes. During spring and autumn, many dogs shed more, so more frequent brushing or de-shedding can help manage excess fur and dirt, and keep their coat healthy.

Do indoor dogs need grooming as often?

Yes. Even indoor dogs need regular grooming to maintain their coat health, manage shedding, and keep their nails and hygiene areas in check.

What happens if I don’t groom my dog regularly?

Irregular grooming can lead to dirt buildup, matting, skin irritation, and infection, which can cause pain and discomfort for your dog. Keeping a consistent grooming schedule helps maintain your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.

Not sure how often your dog needs grooming? Let us help! Prime Your Pooch comes to you, making it easy to keep your dogs happy and healthy without the hassle. We are servicing dogs across St Ives, Pymble, Gordon, Hornsby, Waitara, Wahroonga and anything in between. Contact us today on Facebook or Instagram to book.