How Often Should You Have Your Dog Groomed?

Let’s face it, Pet Parents are busy people. And while getting in the routine of feeding, playing, and taking out the dog is something most pet parents have perfected, many dogs are missing out on a consistent grooming schedule.

Having your dog groomed is a great way to keep your dog healthy, looking good, and it helps keep your dog’s coat, skin, ears, paws, and sanitary areas cleaned. After rolling out our new Grooming program, many pet parents began asking us how often they should groom their dogs, and we have an answer for you!

While the timing can differ between dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club, for most breeds you should have your dog groomed once a month. Consistent grooming for your dog will help prevent matting and knots. Typically, if left untreated, matting can quickly worsen when moisture that is trapped underneath a matted coat progresses into skin irritation or infections. Thus, grooming is a preventative activity that should not be overlooked. 

Grooming, however, is not a “one-size-fits-all” service, and some dogs may need more grooming upkeep than others. So here’s a quick reference guide to help you determine how often your dog may need to be brushed, bathed, or fully groomed. 

Short-Coated Dogs

Examples: Boston Terriers, Dobermans, Pinshers, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pugs

Short-haired dogs usually only need occasional baths every 4-6 weeks and minimal brushing, and will rarely need much grooming with clippers or trimmers. Contrary to popular belief, short-haired dogs do shed and some of them shed even more than longer-haired dogs. And while nothing will permanently stop them from shedding, there are deshed treatment options available that can significantly reduce the amount of shedding. Here’s a treatment plan that we recommend for short-haired dogs.

Double-coated Dogs
Examples: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Shiba Inu, Australian Shepards, Huskies, Havanese, Pomerians

Double-coated dog breeds tend to shed their undercoat seasonally, and shed a lot when they do. Because of their thicker coats, they can be prone to matting if not properly groomed. Without brushing, the undercoat may tangle and cause matting that is painful and detrimental to your pups health and can lead to costly veterinarian or groomer expenses to properly demat. With the proper grooming schedule and consistent brushing, you can avoid matting and lessen the amount of fur you’ll find cluttering your floor. 

While all double-coated dog breeds have varying lengths and types of coats, they all will need regular brushing that goes through the undercoat to the skin. Thus, brushing should occur at least 1-3 times a week. When it comes to grooming, double-coated dogs should not have their coat shaved down, instead it should be trimmed. This is partly because their undercoat helps to regulate their temperature. 

Pups with short and dense coats usually don’t need to be bathed  or groomed more than once every 2-3 months. Huskies, however, rarely need their coat trimmed, and need bathing only a few times a year. However, most double-coated pups with longer, less dense coats, we recommend bathing once a month with a trim around the face, ears, sanitary regions, and paw pads. For full body trims, we recommend a light trim of their coat at least every 3 months. 

Curly and Wavy Coated Dogs

Examples: Poodles, American Water Spaniels, Curly Coated Retrievers Bicho Frise

While pups with curly and wavy coats are desirable because they shed less than other breeds, their coats are more likely to become matted. Dirt and debris can get caught in the coat where it will remain in the curly coat until brushed or washed out. Thus, it’s very important to have a regular grooming, bathing, and brushing schedule. 

For these pups we recommend brushing their coat at least 3 times a week. You can use a slicker brush to brush from the skin out. Use a shampoo for more stubborn mats. For grooming, we recommend bathing and grooming once a month. It’s especially important for breeds with curly or wavy hair that their coats are routinely maintained so they won’t have to be shaved bald. We recommend seeing a professional groomer at least once a month. 

Wirey-Coated Dogs

Examples: Airedales, Wire Hair Fox Terriers, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Wirehaired Dachshund

Many terrier breeds have wire coats that are rather rough and bristly. While their coat does not shed, the dead hair have a tendency of matting close to the skin. Thus, like curly and wavy-haired dogs, they need to be brushed/combed out from the skin out to the end of the hair. We recommend brushing at least 1-3 times a week and bathing at least every 1-2 months. Any grooming should mostly be light trims around the face, ears, paws, and sanitary areas every 4-6 weeks. Typically, wire-haired dogs should not be shaved down as their coat may grow back softer and a different color. 

Wrap Up

We hope this guide has helped you to determine a grooming schedule that works for your pup. As always, ask your groomer if you have any questions about your dog’s specific needs. And if you’re looking for a groomer for your pup, give Pack LEaders ATL Grooming a try! We offer in-home grooming options and Pet Spa locations in Atlanta, and would love to help create a personalized grooming plan for your pup.