How Often Should You Get Your Dog Groomed?
One of the most common questions we hear from pet parents is how often their dog actually needs to be groomed. The answer depends on your dog's breed, coat type, lifestyle, and skin sensitivity — but a good baseline is every 4–6 weeks for most dogs.
General grooming guidelines by coat type
Short-coated dogs like Labs, Beagles, and Frenchies can typically go 6–8 weeks between grooming sessions. They don't need frequent haircuts, but they still benefit from baths, deshedding, nail trims, and ear cleaning.
Medium to long-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers and Aussies should be groomed every 4–6 weeks. Regular brushing and professional grooming prevent matting and keep the coat manageable.
Curly or doodle-type coats — Poodles, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles — need grooming every 3–5 weeks. These coats mat quickly and require consistent grooming to stay comfortable and healthy.
Double-coated breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds do well on a 4–8 week schedule depending on shedding season, with deshedding treatments to manage undercoat blowouts.
Why routine grooming matters
Grooming isn't just about appearance — it's a health practice. Skipping regular grooming can lead to discomfort, skin irritation, and even behavioral changes due to pain.
- Prevents painful matting that pulls on the skin
- Maintains skin health and catches issues early
- Reduces shedding and allergens in your home
- Enables early detection of lumps, bumps, or skin conditions
- Keeps nails at a healthy length for proper joint alignment
- Prevents ear infections through regular cleaning
Lifestyle considerations
Some dogs need more frequent grooming based on how they spend their time. Dogs that swim often, play outside daily, attend daycare, or have allergies or sensitive skin will benefit from a shorter grooming cycle.
When should puppies start?
Puppies should begin professional grooming around 12–16 weeks old, after their initial vaccinations. Starting early builds positive associations with grooming and makes future sessions much easier.
The sweet spot
For most dogs, every 4–6 weeks is the ideal routine. Staying consistent keeps your dog comfortable, healthy, and looking their best — and helps avoid the need for drastic interventions like shaving out severe mats.