How Often Should You Groom Your Dogs?

There are several factors to consider when determining how often your dog should be groomed. If your dog lives outside the majority of the time, you will need to groom him more often than if he is always in the house where he is less likely to get dirty. There may also be health reasons that require you to groom your dog more frequently. It is always a good idea to ask a reputable breeder or a veterinarian the specifics on your dog and your situation to know exactly how often you should groom him.

  1. Brushing

    • All dogs should be brushed at least once a week with a brush, comb or grooming glove. This not only removes loose hair but also dirt particles, dust and old skin. It unclogs pores, which helps to prevent skin infections, and leaves the coat feeling softer and cleaner.

    Bathing

    • Dog breeds with long coats need to be bathed on a more regular basis than those with shorter coats. In situations where the dog stays relatively clean, short haired breeds can go up to six months between baths, while long haired breeds should only go about one month. If your dog has a skin infection or external parasites, you may need to bathe him every few days or once a week with a special veterinarian-prescribed shampoo.

    Haircuts

    • Haircut frequency depends mainly on the breed of dog and the type of coat. While breeds such as Malamutes, English Setters and Great Pyrenees only need a haircut every 8 to 12 weeks, breeds such as Australian Shepherds, Basset Hounds, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers need to go in every four to six weeks. When dogs get a haircut in a professional dog salon, they will also receive grooming treatments such as nail clipping, ear cleaning and thorough bathing.

    Warnings

    • Bathing too frequently can be bad for your dog, as it washes away protective oils that the skin naturally produces. It can lead to excessive drying of the skin and hair, as well as rashes or buildups of flaky skin particles. Some dogs have allergies to shampoos or other grooming products and may have a negative reaction. Be sure to watch carefully for any signs of such a reaction.