How Often Do I Need My Dog Groomed?

There are a couple of different ways to answer this question, so let's start with the basics. If you're doing most or all of your pet care on your own, then professional grooming may not be necessary every week and it might look more like every 1-2 months, depending on the condition of their coat. However, if you don't have the time or expertise to do basic maintenance at home and need to rely on the professional, then you may need to bring them infrequently. In this article, we will go over how to determine how often you should bring your dog in for grooming.

Factor #1: Breed and Hair Type

The type of breed you have can determine how often your pup needs to visit the groomer. You may even decide what kind of dog you want based on whether if they need a trim regularly! Dogs with shorter hair usually require less frequent visits, while breeds with long-haired coats will grow out if left alone for too long.

Long-haired breeds need to be groomed regularly or their hair will grow into the eyes which can cause itchiness, vision impairment, and even eye infections. We find these types of dog fur in Poodles, goldendoodles, Maltese, Shih Tzu and many more! Most of these breeds are prone to matting if not careful, so it’s best not to wait until it’s too late.

Some breeds have long, shedding coats that are prone to matting if their undercoat is not brushed out regularly. These dogs include Golden Retriever and Huskies, and Samoyeds who thrive in sub-zero temperatures thanks to their thick coats. These breeds have multiple shedding cycles throughout the year, which can take many hours to brush out at home and can leave a HUGE mess. If you have one of these gorgeous breeds, have your groomer blow out the coat with their special products and blow dryers!

Short-haired breeds like Pugs, Frenchies, and Jack Russell Terrier are on the lower end of the scale regarding maintenance. But they also shed during shedding season, so it’s best to bring them in for a comprehensive grooming package every couple of months.

Factor #2: Lifestyle

Your dog’s grooming habits are unique to your lifestyle, and it may be the case that when you first adopted them, they needed less frequent attention than what is now necessary.

Your at-home routine should reflect their needs for them to stay happy with a clean coat! Some bathe and brush their dogs daily, weekly, and some not at all. If your dog is swimming at the cottage every day during the summer, it would be best to give them a quick shampoo and rinse after each dip instead of waiting a couple of months until their next grooming appointment. Leaving them dirty can introduce unwanted bacteria to their skin,, which can cause serious infections. Not to mention, your dog will feel icky and try to groom themselves by licking their body.

If you’re someone who wants to bathe less and brush your dog(s) at home, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. You can save so much time and you’ll have a clean and happy dog!

Factor #3: Hairstyle

This last factor may not apply to short-haired breeds or any shedding coat types, but if you have a long-haired breed, this is definitely something you want to consider.

Depending on what style or length of cut you choose for your dog, you may or may not need to bring them in for grooming frequently. Longer hairstyles typically require more maintenance,, which ties into our previous topic about lifestyle. If you choose a longer fluffier cut for your pup, you will either have to commit to daily brushing at home or bring them in for grooming every 3-4 weeks. 

If you prefer a low-maintenance style, we suggest opting for a shorter haircut and scheduling grooming appointments every 4-6 weeks. 

When In Doubt, Ask The Groomer

Grooming your dog is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. Besides keeping them clean, it helps to prevent matting and tangles that can cause skin irritation or lead to hair loss. However, grooming frequency varies depending on the breed, their lifestyle, and how they wear their hair. If you’re not sure how often your dog needs to be groomed, be sure to consult with one of our groomers about what’s best for them!