Bringing home a dog sounds easy!!
But it isn’t.
You have to take care of everything.
Grooming is just one aspect of taking care.
A really crucial aspect in fact.
To make things easier for the new parents, we bring to you a well researched article on Dog grooming, the frequency and the tools you need.
How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? (By Breed & Coat Type)
1. Short-Haired Breeds (e.g., Beagle, Boxer, Dalmatian)
Short-haired dogs typically require brushing once a week to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. Bathing can be done once every 4–6 weeks. Nails, ears, and dental care should follow a consistent monthly schedule.
2. Medium-Haired Breeds (e.g., Golden Retriever, Border Collie)
These dogs need brushing 2–3 times a week to prevent tangles and reduce shedding. Baths every 4 weeks and regular trimming of feathered areas are essential.
See Also:
3. Long-Haired Breeds (e.g., Shih Tzu, Afghan Hound, Maltese)
Daily brushing is ideal to prevent matting and maintain a sleek coat. Professional grooming may be required every 4–6 weeks. Bathing is also needed every 3–4 weeks depending on coat oiliness and lifestyle.
4. Double-Coated Breeds (e.g., Husky, German Shepherd, Akita)
Brushing twice weekly is important, with more frequent grooming during seasonal shedding. Bathing can be limited to every 6–8 weeks, though deshedding tools are a must during coat blow periods.
5. Curly/Non-Shedding Breeds (e.g., Poodle, Bichon Frise, Labradoodle)
These dogs require professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, with brushing every other day to prevent knots and mats. Their hair keeps growing, so trimming is non-negotiable.
6. Wire-Coated Breeds (e.g., Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier)
Weekly brushing and hand-stripping (or clipping) every 6–8 weeks helps maintain texture. Bathing is needed every 4–6 weeks.
Order of Grooming: What Comes First?
Following a specific order ensures a smooth and effective grooming session. Here’s the recommended sequence:
-
Brushing – Always start with brushing to remove tangles and loose fur. This prevents mats from worsening during bathing.
-
Bathing – Wash with a dog-safe shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and condition if necessary.
-
Drying – Pat dry with a towel and use a blow dryer on a low setting if your dog tolerates it.
-
Ear Cleaning – Clean ears with a vet-approved ear cleaner to avoid infections.
-
Nail Trimming – Clip nails carefully to avoid hitting the quick. Use a grinder for smoother finishes if needed.
-
Teeth Brushing – Use dog-safe toothpaste and a soft brush to keep oral hygiene in check.
-
Trimming/Clipping – If needed, trim fur around the eyes, paws, or entire body depending on breed and coat length.
-
Final Brushing & Paw Balm – Finish with a once-over brushing and apply paw balm if paws are dry or cracked.
Essential Grooming Tools & What They Do
1. Slicker Brush: Perfect for removing tangles, loose hair, and debris, especially in long or curly coats.
2. Bristle Brush: Ideal for short-haired dogs to distribute oils and give a shiny finish.
3. De-shedding Tool: Helps remove the undercoat in double-coated breeds, especially during seasonal shedding.
4. Nail Clippers or Grinders: Essential for trimming overgrown nails. Grinders help smooth rough edges.
5. Dog Shampoo & Conditioner: Formulated specifically for canine pH levels to clean without irritating skin.
6. Ear Cleaning Solution & Cotton Pads: Prevents infections by gently removing wax and debris from the ears.
7. Dog Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Maintains dental hygiene and fresh breath. Never use human toothpaste.
8. Grooming Scissors & Clippers: Useful for trimming specific areas like around the eyes, paws, or full-body grooming.
9. Towels & Blow Dryer: Towels absorb most of the moisture post-bath, while a dryer helps dry thick or long coats quickly.
10. Paw Balm: Protects and moisturizes paw pads, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Things to Remember While Grooming
1. Stay Calm & Patient – Dogs pick up on your energy. Stay relaxed to keep them at ease.
2. Use Treats & Praise – Positive reinforcement helps them associate grooming with good experiences.
3. Check for Skin Issues – Look for redness, lumps, or fleas while brushing or bathing.
4. Avoid Water in Ears – Always protect their ears during bathing to prevent infections.
5. Trim Gradually – Especially with nails and fur—less is more to avoid accidents.
6. Never Use Human Products – Shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste made for people can harm dogs.
7. Make Grooming Routine – Consistency builds trust and makes the process smoother every time.
8. Know When to Call a Pro – For tricky coats or nervous dogs, a professional groomer might be the best choice.
Grooming Checklist Summary
-
Brush coat regularly (daily to weekly based on breed)
-
Bathe every 3–6 weeks depending on coat type
-
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks
-
Clean ears weekly
-
Brush teeth 2–3 times a week
-
Schedule professional grooming if needed
-
Inspect skin, coat, and paws for any signs of issues
Grooming can make a lot of difference.
They won’t just look the best, they’ll feel the best as well.
Hope you find the article informative.
