How often should I take my dog to the groomer?

Most dogs should visit a professional groomer every four to eight weeks, but the right schedule depends on the dog’s breed, coat type, haircut, activity level, and at-home grooming routine.

Dogs with long, curly, or continuously growing coats often need grooming every four to six weeks. Short-haired dogs may only need a professional appointment every eight to twelve weeks, especially when their owners regularly brush, bathe, and trim their nails at home.

How Often Should a Dog Be Professionally Groomed?

A typical professional grooming schedule looks like this:

• Long, curly, or continuously growing coats: every four to six weeks

• Double-coated dogs: every six to twelve weeks

• Short-haired dogs: every eight to twelve weeks

• Puppies: introductory appointments beginning around 12 to 16 weeks old

• Senior dogs: based on coat condition, mobility, and health needs

• Dogs prone to matting: every four to six weeks

These are general guidelines rather than strict rules. Two dogs of the same breed may need different schedules depending on their coat length, lifestyle, and how consistently they are brushed at home.

Grooming Frequency by Coat Type

Long and Curly Coats

Dogs with long, curly, or continuously growing hair usually require the most frequent professional grooming.

This category includes many:

• Poodles

• Doodles

• Shih Tzus

• Maltese

• Yorkshire Terriers

• Havanese

• Bichon Frisés

• Lhasa Apsos

These dogs often benefit from grooming every four to six weeks. Their coats can tangle and mat quickly, particularly around the ears, legs, collar area, tail, armpits, and belly.

Owners who prefer a longer hairstyle may need to schedule appointments more frequently and brush thoroughly between visits.

A shorter haircut can make coat maintenance easier, but it does not eliminate the need for regular brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and professional grooming.

Double-Coated Dogs

Double-coated dogs have a soft undercoat beneath a coarser outer coat. Common examples include:

• Golden Retrievers

• German Shepherds

• Labrador Retrievers

• Australian Shepherds

• Border Collies

• Huskies

• Pomeranians

• Corgis

Many double-coated dogs benefit from professional grooming every six to twelve weeks. Appointments may need to be more frequent during seasonal shedding periods.

Professional grooming can help remove loose undercoat, reduce shedding, clean the skin, trim the nails, and keep areas around the paws and sanitary region tidy.

Double-coated dogs generally should not be shaved unless there is a medical, safety, or severe matting reason. Shaving can affect how the coat grows back and may interfere with the coat’s natural protective function.

Short-Haired Dogs

Short-haired dogs may not need full haircuts, but they still benefit from routine grooming.

Examples include:

• Beagles

• Boxers

• French Bulldogs

• Pugs

• Dobermans

• Pit Bull-type dogs

• Boston Terriers

• Short-haired Chihuahuas

A professional grooming appointment every eight to twelve weeks may be enough for many short-haired dogs.

These appointments can include:

• Bathing

• Deshedding

• Nail trimming

• Ear cleaning

• Skin and coat inspection

• Paw care

Some short-haired dogs shed heavily or develop oily coats, so they may benefit from more frequent baths and deshedding treatments.

Wire-Coated Dogs

Wire-coated breeds may need grooming every six to eight weeks, depending on whether the owner prefers clipping or hand stripping.

These breeds may include:

• Schnauzers

• Wire Fox Terriers

• Border Terriers

• Scottish Terriers

• West Highland White Terriers

Hand stripping preserves the texture and color of certain wire coats, but it is a specialized service that not every salon offers.

How Often Should a Doodle Be Groomed?

Most doodles should be professionally groomed every four to six weeks.

Doodle coats are often described as low-shedding, but that does not mean they are low-maintenance. Their coats can combine curly and straight hair textures, making them especially vulnerable to tangles and matting.

A doodle kept in a long, fluffy style may need:

• Thorough brushing several times per week

• Regular combing down to the skin

• Professional grooming every four weeks

• More frequent maintenance around the ears, legs, tail, and collar

A doodle kept in a shorter haircut may be able to go five or six weeks between appointments, depending on coat condition.

Waiting too long can result in matting that cannot be safely brushed out. In that situation, a shorter haircut may be necessary to protect the dog’s comfort and skin.

How Often Should a Puppy Go to the Groomer?

Puppies can usually begin introductory grooming appointments around 12 to 16 weeks old, depending on their vaccination status and the groomer’s policies.

The first appointment does not need to involve a complete haircut. A puppy introduction may include:

• Gentle brushing

• A bath

• Blow-dryer exposure

• Nail trimming

• Face and paw handling

• Light trimming around the eyes, feet, or sanitary area

The purpose is to help the puppy become comfortable with the sounds, equipment, handling, and environment involved in professional grooming.

Starting early is particularly important for breeds that will need grooming throughout their lives. Waiting until a puppy is heavily overgrown or matted can make its first appointment stressful and difficult.

What Factors Affect a Dog’s Grooming Schedule?

Coat Length

Longer coats require more maintenance than shorter coats. Owners who prefer a fluffy or breed-specific hairstyle will usually need more frequent appointments.

Coat Texture

Curly, cotton-like, and fine coats tend to tangle more easily than smooth coats. These dogs may require frequent brushing and professional maintenance.

At-Home Brushing

Regular brushing can help prevent tangles and remove loose hair, but it must be done correctly.

Brushing only the surface of the coat can leave mats close to the skin. A metal comb should be able to move through the coat from the skin to the ends without catching.

Dogs that are not brushed consistently may need shorter intervals between professional appointments.

Activity Level

Dogs that swim, hike, visit dog parks, or spend significant time outdoors may need more frequent grooming.

Water, dirt, leaves, burrs, harnesses, and friction can contribute to tangling and coat buildup.

Skin and Health Conditions

Dogs with allergies, chronic skin issues, limited mobility, incontinence, or other medical concerns may require a customized grooming routine.

A veterinarian may recommend medicated bathing or specific grooming products. Groomers should be informed of any medical conditions, injuries, sensitivities, or recent procedures before an appointment.

Behavior and Anxiety

Dogs that become tired, anxious, or physically uncomfortable during long appointments may benefit from shorter and more frequent visits.

Regular appointments can also help grooming become familiar and predictable. Dogs that only visit a salon once or twice a year may have a harder time adjusting to the process.

Signs Your Dog Is Overdue for Grooming

Your dog may need a grooming appointment when you notice:

• Knots or mats in the coat

• Hair covering the eyes

• An unpleasant or oily odor

• Excessive shedding

• Long nails that touch the ground

• Hair growing between the paw pads

• Debris collecting around the eyes or mouth

• Dirty or irritated skin

• Discomfort when being brushed

• Difficulty keeping the sanitary area clean

• Frequent scratching or licking

Grooming should be preventative. It is better to schedule an appointment before the coat becomes uncomfortable or difficult to maintain.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long Between Grooming Appointments?

Waiting too long can lead to more than an untidy appearance.

Matting

Mats tighten as they grow and can pull painfully on the skin. They may trap moisture, dirt, and debris while hiding irritation or wounds underneath.

Severe mats often cannot be safely brushed out. Shaving may be the most humane option.

Overgrown Nails

Long nails can affect how a dog stands and walks. They can also split, break, or curl toward the paw pads.

Dogs that receive regular nail trims are often more comfortable with the process than dogs whose nails are only trimmed occasionally.

Skin Problems

Dirty, compacted, or poorly maintained coats can conceal:

• Hot spots

• Rashes

• Parasites

• Lumps

• Sores

• Ear irritation

• Skin infections

Groomers do not diagnose medical conditions, but routine grooming can make visible changes easier for owners to notice.

More Difficult Appointments

An overgrown or matted coat may require additional time, a shorter haircut, or special handling.

The appointment may also be more stressful for the dog because mat removal and extensive coat work can be uncomfortable.

Can I Groom My Dog at Home?

Many grooming tasks can be performed at home between professional appointments.

Helpful at-home maintenance may include:

• Brushing

• Combing

• Wiping the face

• Cleaning around the eyes

• Checking the ears

• Bathing when appropriate

• Drying the coat thoroughly

• Handling the paws

• Brushing the teeth

Owners should use caution with scissors, clippers, nail trimmers, and products placed inside the ears.

Mats can pull the skin upward, making it easy to accidentally cut the dog when using scissors. Tight mats should be handled by a professional groomer or veterinarian.

At-home grooming works best as maintenance between appointments rather than as a response to severe matting or neglected coat conditions.

How to Maintain Your Dog’s Coat Between Appointments

Brush on a Consistent Schedule

The correct brushing frequency depends on the coat.

Long and curly coats may need brushing several times per week or even daily. Short coats may only need weekly brushing.

Focus on high-friction areas such as:

• Behind the ears

• Under the collar

• Under the harness

• Armpits

• Legs

• Belly

• Tail

• Chest

Use a Comb to Check Your Work

After brushing, use a metal grooming comb to check the coat.

The comb should move through the hair from the skin outward. When it catches, there may still be a tangle beneath the surface.

Dry the Coat Completely

A damp coat can tangle as it dries, especially on curly or long-haired dogs.

After swimming or bathing, gently brush and thoroughly dry the coat. Avoid allowing a wet curly coat to air-dry without brushing.

Maintain a Recurring Appointment Schedule

Booking the next appointment before leaving the salon can help prevent long gaps.

Recurring appointments also give owners a predictable maintenance schedule and help the dog become familiar with the grooming process.

How Long Is Too Long Between Dog Grooming Appointments?

For many long-haired or curly-coated dogs, going longer than eight weeks can make coat maintenance significantly more difficult.

For short-haired dogs, waiting eight to twelve weeks may be reasonable when bathing, brushing, and nail care are handled at home.

The best schedule is the one that keeps the dog clean, comfortable, mat-free, and able to tolerate grooming safely.

A groomer can recommend an interval based on:

• Breed

• Coat type

• Haircut length

• Skin condition

• Behavior

• Lifestyle

• At-home maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grooming Every Four Weeks Too Often?

Grooming every four weeks is not too often for dogs with long, curly, or high-maintenance coats. It can help prevent matting and make each appointment easier. The products and services used should be appropriate for the dog’s skin and coat.

Is Grooming Every Eight Weeks Enough?

Eight weeks may be enough for dogs with shorter hairstyles, manageable coats, and consistent at-home brushing. Dogs that mat easily may need appointments every four to six weeks instead.

How Often Should My Dog Get a Bath?

Many dogs can be bathed every four to eight weeks, although the ideal schedule depends on the coat, skin condition, activity level, and products used. Dogs with medical skin conditions should follow a veterinarian’s recommendations.

How Often Should My Dog’s Nails Be Trimmed?

Many dogs need nail trims approximately every three to four weeks. Dogs whose nails naturally wear down on pavement may need less frequent trimming, while others may need it more often.

How Often Should a Long-Haired Dog Be Groomed?

Most long-haired dogs benefit from professional grooming every four to eight weeks. Dogs kept in longer styles usually need more frequent appointments and more brushing at home.

How Often Should a Short-Haired Dog Be Groomed?

Many short-haired dogs can be professionally groomed every eight to twelve weeks. Regular brushing, nail trimming, bathing, and ear checks may still be necessary between appointments.

Should I Wait Until My Dog Looks Dirty?

No. Grooming should not be based only on visible dirt. Nails, ears, undercoat, tangles, skin buildup, and sanitary areas may need attention before the dog appears noticeably dirty.

Find the Right Grooming Schedule for Your Dog

There is no single grooming schedule that works for every dog.

Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every four to eight weeks, but the right timing depends on coat type, haircut, lifestyle, health, behavior, and at-home care.

A consistent schedule helps prevent matting, reduces discomfort, keeps nails and skin maintained, and makes grooming a more familiar experience.

GRŪM is creating a pet grooming experience for dogs and cats on Bainbridge Island. Join the GRŪM mailing list to receive updates about services, availability, and future appointment openings.