How often should I groom my dog?

When clients ask me how often they should groom their dogs, I love taking the chance to talk about more than just looks. Grooming is a key part of every dog’s overall health and happiness. It’s all about keeping their skin and coat healthy and clean, their nails at a safe length, keeping their ears clean, plus so much more. Today, I want to break it down into three categories: the best interval, the good interval, and the “making things work” interval for grooming frequency. These three intervals give us a good launching point to talk about what is generally good for the average pup. As is the case with life, not all dogs will fit into these three options as their specific needs may vary.

The best option: Grooming every 4 to 6 weeks

Getting your dog groomed every 4 to 6 weeks is the ideal or "Best" grooming frequency for most dogs. This timeframe hits the sweet spot for maintaining a healthy coat and skin, and it keeps nails at a healthy and safe length.

Here’s why this schedule works so well:

• Hair growth and coat health: Your chosen pet stylist should be brushing and combing your pets coat thoroughly during each appointment. With a pet on a 4-to-6-week schedule, generally you will see much less undercoat buildup and excessive tangling or matting of the fur. Your pets' fur will consistently feel clean, soft, and well cared for on this schedule.

• Nail care: Healthy nails grow steadily and can become uncomfortable or even painful if left too long. Nails should be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent cracking, splitting, or breaking with minor to significant bleeding. Along with the breakage, long nails can even shift your pets paw structure over time often causing further issues which would need to be tended by a veterinarian.

• Undercoat and mat prevention: The majority of dogs need to have loose/dead undercoat hairs removed by brushing or through the bathing process. This helps to prevent mats or impacted fur, which can trap dirt and moisture, causing skin irritation or infections. Matting gets tighter and tighter on the skin over time and restricts the skins circulation. Mat removal can be dangerous to complete at times as removal can expose hidden health issues, cause blood to rush to the skins surface and pool, or cause issues for the hair's regrowth.

• *Bonus* Mental health benefits: Regular visits to the same salon with familiar stylists help your dog feel safe and relaxed. A consistent grooming routine builds trust and reduces anxiety, making each visit easier for your pet especially if they work with the same person over and over again. If you choose a salon that values tranquility and a peaceful visit you will see the difference in your best friend's demeanor. The worst thing a nervous pup can experience is sporadic visits to the salon as this won't allow them to adjust to the loud and sometimes fast environment. They won't get to experience enough positive visits to see it as a place to have fun or get pampered.

  
  

This grooming schedule is especially important for breeds with longer or thicker coats, such as any variety of Doodle, Newfoundland, Poodles, or Shih Tzus just to name a few. Keeping up with this routine means your dog will look and feel their best, allow your pet stylist to catch any health concerns early, and most likely overall save you money you might have paid had there been any matting or fees associated with pet behavior.

The good option: Grooming every 6 to 8 weeks

If every 4 to 6 weeks isn’t possible, grooming every 6 to 8 weeks can still keep your dog healthy, but it requires more effort at home.

Here’s what to expect with this schedule:

• Coat and Skin health: 6 to 8 weeks is still a good schedule and will keep your pets coat and skin very healthy. Your pet will be starting to feel a little oily, and their fur may be starting to tangle quicker right before their next appointment.

• More home maintenance: You’ll need to brush your dog regularly to avoid mats and tangles, especially in areas prone to matting like behind the ears, under arms or around the ankles, and around the collar.

• Nail care concerns: Nails will be on the longer side at 8 weeks and may need a between appointment trim or filing. Nails that grow too long risk cracking or breaking, which can cause pain and bleeding.

• Undercoat buildup: At 8 weeks, without consistent and proper brushing, loose undercoat can start to clump, increasing the chance of mats forming. Regular brushing/combing helps prevent this, but if mats develop, they can be difficult and costly to remove.

• Potential discomfort: Dematting is never easy. Even with gentle techniques, it can cause discomfort for your dog and strain the relationship between pet and groomer. Dematting is the number one cause of pets disliking the grooming process followed closely by bad nail trimming experiences. The more your dog mats, and the less you brush at home, the greater negative reinforcement happens during their spa day. Overtime pets may start acting out or requiring even more special handling and raising the price of your pets grooming.

  
  

This option works well for dogs that remain in shorter trims or short coats. It also works well for owners who are committed to regular brushing and nail care at home. It’s a balance between professional grooming and home upkeep.

The making things work option: 9 weeks or more between appointments

Sometimes life gets busy, and grooming every 8 weeks isn’t realistic. While this is the least ideal option, there are ways to make it work without compromising your dog’s health.

Consider these tips:

• Skin and Coat Health: Consider between appointment baths to help reduce your pet's dander and oil buildup. You will notice an oilier feeling to your pet's coat at this time. Their fur will easily tangle and upkeep with a thorough comb out will be so important to do multiple times a week to keep as many tangles at bay as you can.

• Brush/Comb daily or every other day: This helps prevent mats and keeps the coat clean. Using a comb to reach down and brush from the skin up is the most important step. Using a slicker brush only will not reach all the way down to the skin and brush the hair from the base of the follicle to the top of the hair.

• Check nails regularly: If you can’t get to a groomer often, try trimming or filing nails yourself. If you’re unsure how, ask your groomer or vet for guidance.

• Spot clean as needed: Use pet-safe wipes or baths to keep your dog fresh between grooming visits.

• Watch for skin issues: Longer gaps between grooming can lead to skin irritation or infections. Keep an eye out for redness, bumps, or bad odors and consult your vet if needed.

  
  

This option is not recommended for dogs with thick or long coats, as mats and skin problems can develop quickly. It’s best for short-haired breeds or dogs who are trimmed short with maintenance baths between.

Why grooming frequency matters beyond looks

Grooming is more than just keeping your dog looking good. It’s a vital part of their health routine. Regular grooming helps:

• Prevent skin problems by removing dirt, debris, and loose/dead hair.

• Detect health issues early, such as lumps, bumps, or infections.

• Keep nails at a safe length to avoid pain and injury.

• Reduce shedding and keep your home cleaner.

  
  

When you stick to a consistent grooming schedule that fits your dog’s needs, you’re investing in their comfort, health, and happiness.

Final thoughts on your dog’s grooming schedule

Choosing the right grooming frequency depends on you. With the three options listed, its now time to consider these last few items.

• What is your budget?

• Do you have a trustworthy salon close by?

• What kind of at home maintenance can you really commit to?

Remember you aren't stuck with one schedule forever. If life changes and your needs change just discuss that with your pet stylist and do your best with the maintenance at home. With just some baths and a good brushing routine you can keep your best friend in great shape all year long.