Updated June 2026
How often should you groom your dog?
It comes down to the coat. Curly and poodle-cross coats need a groom every 4 to 6 weeks, double coats and most other types every 8 to 12 weeks, with regular brushing in between. If you can see matting or notice a doggy smell, it is time to book.
How often is a dog meant to be groomed? It is one of the first questions every new owner asks, and the honest answer is that it depends almost entirely on the coat your dog happens to have. A short-coated Labrador and a curly Cockapoo live very different grooming lives. Here is a simple guide by coat type, the signs your dog is due, and how to keep things tidy between appointments.
How often to groom by coat type
Smooth and short coats, think Labradors, Staffies and Boxers, only need a proper groom every 8 to 12 weeks, plus a quick weekly brush to keep the shedding down. Double coats like Huskies, German Shepherds and Border Collies are similar, but really benefit from a de-shedding session when they blow their coat in spring and autumn.
Curly and poodle-cross coats are the high-maintenance ones. Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Bichons and Poodles need a groom every 4 to 6 weeks and daily brushing, because the coat keeps growing and matts in the blink of an eye. Long silky coats such as Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus want grooming every 4 to 8 weeks, while wiry terrier coats are usually hand-stripped a few times a year. If in doubt, your groomer will happily recommend a schedule for your breed.
Signs your dog is due a groom
Your dog will tell you, if you know what to look for. Matting or tangles behind the ears and under the legs, a doggy smell that lingers even after a bath, nails clicking on the kitchen floor, hair growing over the eyes or sprouting between the paw pads, and more scratching or licking than usual are all signs it is time to book. With curly coats, run your fingers right down to the skin. If a comb will not pass through cleanly, a groom is overdue.
Looking after the coat between grooms
What you do at home matters as much as the groom itself. A regular brushing routine is the single best habit you can build. It prevents matting, spreads the natural oils that keep the coat healthy, and lets you spot lumps, ticks or sore patches early. Brush curly and long coats every day or two, double coats once or twice a week, and short coats weekly. Keep an eye on nails and ears in between, and tidy the hair around the paw pads if it gets long.
Why regular grooming actually matters
Grooming is not just about looks. A matted coat pulls on the skin, traps moisture and can hide sores, infections and parasites. Overgrown nails change how a dog walks and can become painful. Hair over the eyes affects their sight, and unchecked ears are a common cause of infections. Keeping to a sensible routine keeps your dog comfortable and healthy, and it usually works out cheaper than the occasional emergency de-matting session.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe my dog?
For most dogs, every four to six weeks, or whenever they are genuinely dirty, is plenty. Bathing too often can strip the natural oils and dry out the skin, so there is no need to overdo it.
Can I groom my dog at home instead?
Brushing, nail checks and the odd bath are great to do at home and keep your dog comfortable between visits. A full clip or hand-strip is best left to a professional, who has the right tools and knows each breed's coat.
How often should a dog's nails be trimmed?
Roughly every four to six weeks, unless they are worn down naturally on hard ground. A simple test: if you can hear the nails clicking on a hard floor, they are due a trim.
Why does my dog matt so quickly?
Curly and wavy coats matt the fastest, especially where there is friction: behind the ears, under the collar and in the armpits. Daily brushing right down to the skin is the only real fix, alongside regular grooms.
Do dogs need grooming in winter?
Yes. Coats still grow and matt in winter, and a matted coat actually keeps a dog colder and damper rather than warmer. Keep to your usual routine all year round.
How often do double-coated dogs need de-shedding?
On top of regular grooms, a de-shedding treatment once or twice a year, usually in spring and autumn when they blow their coat, makes a big difference to the amount of hair around the house.
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