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

One of the most common questions we hear at Southern Divine Kennels Pet Grooming is,

"How often should I groom my dog?"

The answer isn't the same for every dog. Your pet's breed, coat type, activity level, and lifestyle all play an important role in determining the ideal grooming schedule.

Routine grooming isn't just about keeping your dog looking great—it's an essential part of maintaining healthy skin, preventing painful matting, keeping nails properly trimmed, and ensuring your pet stays comfortable year-round.

At Southern Divine Kennels Pet Grooming, we're committed to providing every pet with Quality, Comfort & Care. Here's our guide to helping you determine the best grooming schedule for your furry family member.

Why Regular Dog Grooming Matters

Regular dog grooming provides much more than a clean, fluffy appearance.

Professional grooming helps:

• Remove dirt and loose hair

• Reduce shedding around your home

• Prevent painful mats and tangles

• Maintain healthy skin and coat

• Keep nails trimmed to a healthy length

• Clean ears to reduce odor and buildup

• Identify skin concerns early

• Improve your pet's overall comfort

Keeping your dog on a consistent grooming schedule also helps reduce stress because your pet becomes familiar with the grooming process.

Grooming Schedule by Coat Type

Not all dogs require the same level of grooming. Here's a general guide based on coat type.

Short-Coated Dogs

Examples include:

• Beagles

• Boxers

• Labrador Retrievers

• Doberman Pinschers

• Pugs

Recommended Schedule:

• Bath every 4–8 weeks

• Nail trim every 3–4 weeks

• Ear cleaning as needed

• Weekly brushing

Although these breeds don't require haircuts, regular baths and brushing help remove loose hair and maintain healthy skin.

Medium & Long-Coated Dogs

Examples include:

• Golden Retrievers

• Border Collies

• Cocker Spaniels

• Australian Shepherds

Recommended Schedule:

• Professional grooming every 4–8 weeks

• Brushing several times each week

• Nail trims every 3–4 weeks

These breeds are more prone to tangles and mats if their coats aren't maintained regularly.

Curly & Doodle Coats

Examples include:

• Goldendoodles

• Labradoodles

• Poodles

• Bernedoodles

• Cockapoos

Recommended Schedule:

• Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks

• Daily brushing at home

• Routine maintenance between appointments

Curly coats can mat quickly, especially behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar, and near the tail.

Double-Coated Dogs

Examples include:

• Huskies

• German Shepherds

• Great Pyrenees

• Pomeranians

• Shetland Sheepdogs

Recommended Schedule:

• Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks

• Weekly brushing

• Seasonal deshedding treatments

Double-coated breeds should generally not be shaved unless recommended by a veterinarian for medical reasons. Their coat helps regulate body temperature throughout the year.

Puppies Need Grooming Too

Many pet owners wait until their puppy's coat becomes long before scheduling the first appointment.

Instead, puppies should begin visiting a professional groomer once they've completed the vaccinations recommended by their veterinarian.

Early grooming appointments help puppies become comfortable with:

• Bathing

• Drying

• Brushing

• Nail trims

• Handling

• New sights and sounds

Positive early experiences often make future grooming appointments much less stressful.

Senior Dogs Benefit from Routine Grooming

Older pets often experience:

• Arthritis

• Reduced mobility

• Sensitive skin

• Thicker nails

• Changes in coat quality

Routine professional grooming helps keep senior pets comfortable while allowing groomers to notice changes that pet owners may not see right away.

Signs Your Dog May Be Overdue for Grooming

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to schedule an appointment:

• Strong odor

• Excessive shedding

• Long nails clicking on the floor

• Mats or tangles

• Dirty ears

• Hair covering the eyes

• Greasy or dull coat

Waiting too long between appointments can make grooming more difficult and less comfortable for your pet.

Between-Grooming Care

Professional grooming works best when paired with routine care at home.

You can help keep your dog comfortable by:

• Brushing regularly

• Wiping muddy paws

• Cleaning around the eyes when needed

• Checking ears for dirt or odor

• Keeping fresh water available for healthy skin and coat

• Contacting your groomer if you notice mats developing

Small amounts of regular maintenance can make a big difference in your pet's health and comfort.

Trust Southern Divine Kennels Pet Grooming

Every dog deserves personalized grooming based on their individual coat type and needs.

Our experienced team proudly serves families throughout Lincolnton, Southport, Oak Island, and surrounding communities with compassionate, professional grooming services designed to keep pets healthy, happy, and looking their very best.

If you're unsure how often your dog should be groomed, we'd be happy to help you create a grooming schedule that's perfect for your pet.

Schedule Your Pet's Next Appointment Today

Southern Divine Kennels Pet Grooming

Lincolnton Location: Call: 980-429-2008

Southport Location: Call: 910-294-8961

Text Us: 910-524-4576

Visit us online: https://www.southerndivinekennels.com

Because every pet deserves Quality, Comfort, & Care.