Learn how often you should take your dog to a professional groomer for baths, haircuts, nail trims, and more. We explore factors like breed and coat type.
Taking your dog to the groomer regularly is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. But how often should you groom your dog?
The answer depends on several factors. As a dog owner and groomer at Pets super market, I’ve seen how grooming frequency can vary between breeds. Here’s what you need to know.
Breed and Coat Type
Your dog’s breed and coat type are key factors in grooming frequency. Short-haired dogs like Labradors often only need bathing every few months and nail trims as needed.
Long-haired dogs like Yorkshire Terriers require much more frequent grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Long-haired dogs generally need professional grooming every 4-8 weeks. In my experience grooming pets supermarket dogs, curly-coated breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frises need professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.
Their curls can quickly become matted without regular brushing and trimming.
Double-coated dogs like Huskies shed their undercoats heavily during seasonal changes, needing extra grooming 2-3 times per year.
Age and Health
Age is another important factor. Puppies under a year old may need baths and nail trims every few weeks as they grow rapidly.
Senior dogs often benefit from more frequent grooming as their mobility decreases. Arthritic dogs appreciate nail trims every 2-3 weeks to avoid overgrown nails.
Underlying health issues can also impact grooming needs. Dogs with skin allergies may need medicated baths. Obese or immobile dogs sometimes need sanitary trims around the rear more often.
And dogs on medications that cause increased thirst may need anal gland expression during bathing.
Your Lifestyle
Your own lifestyle plays a role too. Do you live in a house with yards or an apartment in the city?
Outdoor country dogs who run through brush get dirtier and need more baths.
Dogs who walk on sidewalks usually need paw trims and nail grinding more often to smooth rough surfaces.
How much time do you spend actively brushing and combing your dog’s coat at home?
Regular deshedding and detangling at home allows you to wait longer between full grooming sessions.
But if you rarely brush your long-haired dog, then more frequent grooming is a must.
Grooming Services to Consider
- Baths: Bathing cleans the coat and skin. Frequency varies from every 2-3 months to weekly.
- Brush outs: Thorough brushing and combing prevent mats and knots. Done at every visit.
- Haircuts: Trims the coat length. Needed every 4-8 weeks for long coats.
- Nail trims: Blunts sharp nails. Needed every 2-4 weeks.
- Ear cleaning: Reduces ear infections by removing debris and wax buildup. Done periodically as needed.
- Teeth brushing: Removes plaque and tartar to improve dental health. Ideally done daily but at minimum every 6-12 months.
- Anal gland expression: Empties anal sacs to avoid impaction and infection. Done if needed each visit.
Set a Grooming Schedule
Consider your dog’s unique needs and lifestyle, then set a regular grooming schedule. For example, a young active Golden Retriever may need nail trims every month and bathing every 2-3 months.
An elderly Shih Tzu with arthritis may need baths every 2 weeks and nail trims biweekly.
Schedule appointments in advance at your groomer. Sticking to a routine makes grooming less stressful for your dog.
And your pet will look and feel their best! A clean dog is a happy dog. With regular grooming tailored to your dog’s needs, you can keep them looking sharp while monitoring their health.
Your groomer can help create a customized schedule to fit your dog’s lifestyle and breed.
Proper grooming is well worth the investment for your dog’s comfort, health, and longevity.