How often should I bathe my dog?

Most dogs need a bath every 4-8 weeks. Dogs with oily coats like Basset Hounds may need baths every 2-3 weeks, while dogs with water-repellent coats like Golden Retrievers can go 6-8 weeks.

How often should I brush my dog?

Short-coated dogs need brushing once a week. Medium and long-coated dogs benefit from brushing 2-4 times per week. Double-coated breeds should be brushed 3-4 times weekly, and daily during shedding season.

Can you over-groom a dog?

Yes. Bathing too frequently strips natural oils from the coat and skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased shedding. Stick to the recommended frequency for your dog's coat type.

How often do Poodles need grooming?

Poodles and Poodle mixes need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks and daily brushing at home to prevent matting of their curly, continuously growing coat.

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? Frequency Guide by Coat Type

One of the most common questions dog owners ask is how often their dog actually needs grooming. The answer is not one-size-fits-all. Your dog's breed, coat type, lifestyle, and health all play a role in determining the ideal grooming schedule. Grooming too infrequently leads to matting, skin issues, and discomfort. Grooming too often can strip natural oils and irritate the skin. This guide will help you find the sweet spot for your specific dog.

Short-Coated Breeds: Every 6 to 8 Weeks

Dogs with short, smooth coats are the lowest maintenance when it comes to grooming. Breeds like Beagles, Boxers, Dobermans, Dalmatians, and Pit Bulls have coats that naturally stay relatively clean and rarely mat. These dogs benefit from a professional bath and grooming session every six to eight weeks. At home, a weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush (Our Pick on Amazon) will remove loose hair, distribute natural oils, and keep the coat shiny. Nail trims should happen every two to three weeks, as short-coated breeds often have fast-growing nails.

Double-Coated Breeds: Every 6 to 8 Weeks (with Frequent Brushing)

Double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and Samoyeds have a dense undercoat beneath a longer topcoat. These dogs should see a professional groomer every six to eight weeks for a thorough de-shedding treatment and bath. However, the real key with double-coated breeds is consistent home brushing — three to four times per week at minimum, and daily during the spring and fall shedding seasons when they "blow" their coat.

Never Shave a Double-Coated Dog

Shaving a double-coated breed does not keep them cooler in summer. It actually removes their natural insulation and sun protection, and the coat may never grow back properly. Always use de-shedding tools (Our Pick on Amazon) and professional grooming instead.

Long-Coated Breeds: Every 4 to 6 Weeks

Breeds with long, flowing coats — Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Afghan Hounds, and Lhasa Apsos — need more frequent professional grooming, typically every four to six weeks. Their hair grows continuously and tangles easily, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area. Between grooming appointments, these dogs need brushing at least every other day, if not daily. A slicker brush (Our Pick on Amazon) and a metal comb are essential tools. If you skip brushing for even a few days, small tangles can quickly turn into painful mats that require professional removal.

Curly and Wire-Coated Breeds: Every 4 to 6 Weeks

Poodles, Bichon Frises, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and other curly-coated breeds have hair that grows continuously and does not shed much on its own. This means they need professional grooming every four to six weeks without exception. Skipping appointments quickly leads to severe matting that is painful for the dog and expensive to fix. Daily brushing at home is strongly recommended, focusing on areas that mat easily. Wire-coated breeds like Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terriers, and Airedales also need grooming every four to six weeks, with hand-stripping or clipper work to maintain their characteristic coat texture.

How Often to Handle Nails, Ears, and Teeth

Beyond coat care, there are other grooming tasks that follow their own schedules:

Nail trimming: Every 2 to 4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, the nails are overdue. Long nails alter your dog's gait and can cause joint pain.
Ear cleaning: Every 1 to 2 weeks for floppy-eared breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds) and monthly for upright-eared breeds. Watch for redness, odor, or discharge.
Teeth brushing: Ideally daily, but at minimum three times per week. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs.
Anal glands: Only when needed, typically every 4 to 8 weeks. Many groomers include this service. See your vet if your dog is scooting frequently.

Factors That Affect Grooming Frequency

Beyond coat type, several factors can increase how often your dog needs grooming. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, swim frequently, or play in mud will need more frequent baths. Dogs with skin allergies or conditions may require medicated baths on a schedule prescribed by your veterinarian. Older dogs and dogs with mobility issues may need help with grooming more often since they cannot self-groom as effectively. Puppies need gentler, more frequent introductory grooming sessions to build positive associations.

At-Home Grooming Between Appointments

Regular at-home brushing and maintenance extends the life of professional grooming sessions and keeps your dog comfortable. Products from BabyMyDog are formulated for gentle, frequent use between professional visits.

Building a Grooming Schedule That Works

The best approach is to set up a recurring grooming schedule with a trusted professional groomer. Most groomers will help you determine the ideal frequency based on your dog's specific breed and coat condition. Between visits, stick to a consistent home brushing routine and address nails, ears, and teeth on a regular basis. Consistency is the key — it's far easier and less expensive to maintain a well-groomed coat than to repair a neglected one.

Ready to find a groomer who can help you build the perfect grooming schedule? Browse our groomer directory to find experienced professionals near you.