How often should you groom your dog?

It all starts with the coat

There’s no single schedule for every dog. The type of coat decides how often your dog needs a bath, a brush and a trim.

• Short, smooth coats (Labrador, Beagle, Pug): a bath every 6–8 weeks, or when they find something muddy, plus a quick weekly brush.
• Double coats (Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky): brush a few times a week — daily when they shed — and a professional de-shed every 6–8 weeks.
• Long or silky coats (Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso): a groom every 4–6 weeks and regular brushing at home to stop mats forming.
• Curly coats (Poodle, Bichon, doodles): a trim every 4–6 weeks — curls keep growing and tangle easily.

Don’t forget nails, ears and teeth

• Nails: if you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re due for a trim — usually every 3–4 weeks.
• Ears: check them weekly. Redness, a bad smell or lots of scratching are worth a visit to the vet.
• Teeth: brushing a few times a week with a dog toothpaste keeps breath fresher and gums healthier.

Signs it’s time for a groom

• Mats or tangles behind the ears and under the legs
• A ‘doggy’ smell that lingers after a walk
• Hair growing over the eyes
• More fur on the sofa than usual

A note on summer shaves

It’s tempting to shave a fluffy dog when the weather heats up, but a double coat helps protect them from heat and sun. Ask your groomer before shaving a double-coated breed — a good brush-out and a tidy trim often keep them cooler.