How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Coat-by-Coat Guide

There is no single grooming timetable that suits every dog. A short, smooth coat may need a light weekly brush, while a long, curly or easily tangled coat may need attention most days.

The best routine is based on the coat in front of you, not a rigid calendar. Your dog's age, health, activity, harness use, swimming and the time of year can all change what they need.

If you are new to the basics, begin with How to Groom Your Dog at Home: A Calm, Simple Routine for Any Breed.

A useful starting point by coat type

These are starting points, not rules. Ask a reputable groomer, your breeder or your vet for advice tailored to your dog if you are unsure.

Short and smooth coats

Many short-haired dogs do well with a thorough brush about once a week. A rubber grooming mitt or soft bristle brush can lift loose hair and surface dirt without scratching the skin.

Some short-coated dogs shed heavily and may need more frequent brushing during seasonal moulting. Increase the frequency if loose hair is building up, but avoid repeatedly working the same patch until the skin becomes pink or irritated.

Medium and double coats

Medium-haired and double-coated dogs often need brushing a few times a week, with extra sessions when the undercoat is shedding.

Work gently through the coat and use tools designed for that coat type. Avoid aggressive de-shedding or trying to thin the coat with sharp tools at home. If you are unsure which tool is appropriate, ask a groomer to demonstrate.

Long and silky coats

Long coats can tangle quickly, particularly behind the ears, around feathering, under collars and harnesses, and between the legs. Some need daily brushing; others remain manageable with several careful sessions each week.

Part the coat so you can check beneath the surface, and stop if you meet a tight knot or mat. PDSA advises owners not to tackle mats at home because pulling or cutting them can hurt the dog or damage the skin. A reputable groomer can assess the safest way to remove them.

Curly, wool and poodle-cross coats

Cockapoos, Labradoodles and other poodle-cross dogs may need more grooming than their low-shedding appearance suggests. Loose hair can remain trapped in the coat and contribute to tangles.

Brush and gently comb-check a curly or wavy coat several times a week. A dense, long or frequently wet coat may need attention most days. Concentrate on friction areas such as behind the ears, under the harness, around the armpits and on the legs.

Read Building a Weekly Grooming Routine for Curly Coats for a realistic routine you can adjust.

Wire coats

Wire coats usually benefit from regular brushing, but their trimming or hand-stripping needs vary by breed and coat. Hand stripping is a skilled technique. Ask an experienced groomer or breeder to show you what is suitable before attempting it yourself.

Puppies, older dogs and dogs with health conditions

Puppies need very short, positive handling sessions so they learn that grooming is safe. Older dogs and dogs with arthritis, sensitive skin or reduced mobility may need extra support, a non-slip surface and shorter sessions in a comfortable position.

A sudden change in coat condition or grooming tolerance can indicate pain or illness. Speak to your vet rather than assuming your dog has simply become difficult.

How often should you bathe your dog?

Most healthy dogs do not need frequent baths. The Royal Kennel Club advises bathing when necessary—for example, when a dog is dirty, muddy or has rolled in something unpleasant—rather than following a fixed weekly schedule. PDSA also notes that over-bathing can strip natural oils from the coat.

For light mud, a rinse with lukewarm water may be enough. When shampoo is needed:

• Use a product made specifically for dogs.
• Use a non-slip mat and lukewarm water.
• Keep shampoo away from the eyes, mouth and ear canals.
• Rinse very thoroughly because residue can irritate the skin.
• Dry your dog comfortably and completely, especially in dense coats and skin folds.

If your dog has itchy, sore or flaky skin, recurrent ear trouble or a diagnosed skin condition, ask your vet which product and bathing frequency are appropriate.

Build in quick health checks

Grooming is also a chance to notice changes early. During a calm session, check:

• the skin for redness, sores, lumps, parasites or hair loss;
• the ears for redness, smell, discharge or excessive wax;
• the paws and between the toes for debris or soreness;
• the nails, including dew claws, for overgrowth;
• any new sensitivity when an area is touched.

Call your vet if you notice a skin or coat change, an unpleasant ear smell, discharge, pain, broken skin or a sudden reluctance to be handled.

Signs your routine needs adjusting

Groom more often, or ask for professional help, if:

• small tangles keep appearing between sessions;
• a brush moves over the surface but a comb catches underneath;
• the coat stays damp after walks or baths;
• harness and collar areas knot quickly;
• seasonal shedding is building up;
• sessions are becoming too long for your dog to tolerate.

If the coat is already matted, do not turn the session into a battle. Book a reputable groomer. If the skin looks sore or your dog appears painful, contact your vet.

A calm routine that lasts

Start with the coat-type guidance above, then observe what happens over two weeks. If the coat stays clear and your dog remains comfortable, the rhythm is probably working. If tangles return, shorten the gap between sessions or choose a more manageable coat length with your groomer.

Consistency matters, but comfort comes first. Stop when your dog shows signs of stress, use praise and suitable treats, and return another day rather than forcing a full session.

For more help choosing tools, read Choosing the Right Brush for Your Dog's Coat Type and Temperament. Curly-coat families can also explore No More Mats: Curly Coat Care Reset.