Grooming is an essential part of your dog’s health and well-being, but how often does your furry friend need a trip to the groomer? The answer depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, lifestyle, and health needs. Whether you have a long-haired Doodle, a short-coated breed, or something in between, regular grooming is key to keeping them looking and feeling their best. 

General Guidelines for Grooming Frequency

While every dog is different, here’s a general breakdown of how often dogs should be groomed based on their coat type: 

  1. Long-Haired Breeds (e.g., Doodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese) Long-haired dogs, especially those with curly or wavy coats, need professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks. In between grooming appointments, it’s important to brush them daily to prevent mats and tangles. Regular trims, ear cleaning, and nail care are also essential. 

  2. Short-Haired Breeds (e.g., Beagles, Labradors, Bulldogs) Short-coated dogs typically require grooming every 6 to 10 weeks. These breeds may not need as much trimming, but regular baths, ear cleaning, and nail trims  are still important to maintain their health and cleanliness. 

  3. Double-Coated Breeds (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds) Double-coated dogs shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes. These breeds benefit from grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to help manage shedding and maintain coat health. Regular deshedding treatments and brushing at home are essential to keeping their coat in good condition. 

  4. Wire-Haired Breeds (e.g., Terriers, Schnauzers) Wire-haired breeds require a bit more maintenance to keep their coats looking neat. They generally need grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, including hand-stripping or trimming to maintain their coat’s texture. 

Why Regular Grooming Matters

  • Preventing Mats and Tangles: Dogs with long, curly, or dense coats are especially prone to matting if not groomed regularly. Mats can be uncomfortable and even lead to skin issues, making routine grooming crucial for these breeds.
  • Healthy Skin and Coat: Regular grooming removes dirt, debris, and excess oils that can build up in your dog’s coat, leading to healthier skin. It also distributes natural oils throughout their fur, giving it a healthy shine.
  • Reducing Shedding: If you’re dealing with a heavy shedder, regular grooming can help control the amount of hair your dog loses at home. Groomers use specialized tools and techniques to remove loose fur, making it easier to manage shedding.
  • Nail Care: Regular grooming appointments also mean regular nail trims. Long nails can cause discomfort, affect your dog’s posture, and even lead to joint issues over time. Keeping nails at a healthy length is an essential part of overall grooming.
  • Ear and Eye Health: Groomers check and clean your dog’s ears and trim the fur around their eyes to keep these areas healthy. Overgrown fur around the eyes can obstruct vision or lead to irritation, while uncleaned ears can become a breeding ground for infections.

Signs Your Dog Needs to Be Groomed

  • Matted or tangled fur
  • Strong odor, even after baths
  • Dirty ears or tear stains
  • Excessive shedding
  • Long nails clicking on the floor

If you notice any of these signs, it’s probably time to schedule a grooming appointment! 

Grooming at Dog Krazy

At Dog Krazy, we offer full-service grooming tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Whether your pup needs a trim, a bath, or a full grooming session, our skilled groomers will ensure they leave looking and feeling great. We also offer additional services like nail trims, deshedding treatments, tooth brusing and more to keep your dog in tip-top shape between appointments. 

If you’re unsure how often your dog should be groomed, stop by and talk to one of our groomers. We’ll help you create a grooming schedule that fits your pet’s needs!