How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

The right grooming schedule prevents mats, skin problems, and costly de-tangling fees at the salon.

Find Dog Groomers Near You

4–8 wks

Recommended salon interval for most breeds

67%

Groomers see preventable matting regularly

$30

Avg. de-matting surcharge per session

More skin issues in under-groomed dogs

Grooming Frequency by Coat Type

Coat type — not breed size — is the biggest driver of how often your dog needs professional grooming.

Short smooth coats (Beagles, Labs): bath every 6–8 weeks, minimal brushing
Double coats (Huskies, Goldens): professional groom every 8–12 weeks, daily brushing during shedding season
Curly/wavy coats (Poodles, Doodles): full groom every 4–6 weeks to prevent matting
Wire coats (Schnauzers, Terriers): hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks
Long silky coats (Yorkies, Maltese): professional groom every 4–6 weeks

At-Home Maintenance Between Appointments

What you do between salon visits directly affects cost and coat health.

Brush 3–5 times per week for long-coated breeds
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks or when you hear clicking on hard floors
Wipe paw pads after walks to reduce dirt buildup in the coat
Use breed-appropriate conditioner spray to reduce tangles

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I take my Goldendoodle to the groomer?

Goldendoodles need professional grooming every 4–6 weeks due to their fast-growing, tangle-prone curly or wavy coat.

Can I groom my short-haired dog at home?

Yes — short-coated breeds like Beagles and Labs need mostly baths and nail trims, which many owners handle at home with basic tools.

What happens if I skip grooming appointments?

Skipping appointments leads to painful mats, skin infections, overgrown nails, and higher grooming bills when you eventually go back.

Do puppies need to be groomed more often?

Puppies benefit from frequent, short grooming sessions starting at 8–12 weeks to build comfort with the process, even if not much coat work is needed.