Dog Grooming Frequency: How Often Is Enough?

One of the most common questions pet groomers get asked is: “How often does my dog actually need to be groomed?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on coat type, lifestyle, skin health, behavior, and how much maintenance you’re able to provide at home.

At Furology, we focus on building grooming routines that best support your dog’s comfort, health, and long-term wellbeing, not just how they look when they leave the salon.

Let’s break it down.

Why Grooming Frequency Matters

Consistent grooming helps:

• Maintain healthy skin and coat

• Prevent matting, hot spots, and irritation

• Reduce shedding

• Support nail, ear, and paw health

• Foster calmer grooming behavior

• Catch early skin or health changes

  
  

When grooming is delayed too long between visits, pets can experience anxiety, discomfort, and longer appointment times.

Grooming Frequency by Coat Type

Short & Smooth Coats 🐕

Examples: Labs, boxers, pit mixes, short-coated mixed breeds

Recommended: Every 6–8 weeks for bathing and nail care

Short coats still shed, skin can dry out, and dirt accumulates. Regular maintenance bathing keeps their skin balanced and their coat healthy.

Medium to Long Coats (Drop or Combination Coats) 🐾

Examples: Shih Tzus, some Doodles, Yorkies, Wheaten Terriers, and similar breeds

Recommended: Every 4–6 weeks for bathing, brushing, and coat maintenance

These coats can tangle easily and benefit from consistent brushing, conditioning, and coat care to prevent dry skin and matting.

Curly & High-Maintenance Coats 🐩

Examples: Poodles, Doodles, Bichons, Coton de Tulears

Recommended: Every 3–5 weeks for grooming

Curly coats require consistent professional maintenance and home brushing to stay comfortable and manageable.

Lifestyle Factors That Change Grooming Frequency

Your dog’s daily life matters just as much as their coat type when it comes to their grooming schedule.

Your pup may need more frequent grooming if they:

• Swim frequently

• Attends daycare or adventure camp

• Play in mud, sand, or wooded areas

• Have allergies or sensitive skin

• Enjoys rolling in… everything 😄

  
  

More active lifestyles often require shorter grooming intervals to keep skin healthy and coats more manageable.

Signs Your Dog May Need More Frequent Grooming

• Doggy odor or Frito Toes between visits

• Tangling or matting forming

• Excessive shedding

• Flaky, itchy, or irritated skin

• Long nails

  
  

These are signals that your current schedule may need adjustment. We're happy to help guide you towards the right haircut style that suits your schedule.

What Happens When Grooming Is Delayed Too Long

Stretching grooming appointments can lead to:

• Matting and coat breakage

• Longer grooming sessions and higher fees

• Skin infections or irritation

• De-matting or shaving

• Higher service adjustments or limitations

• Reduced comfort for your pet

How Furology Builds Healthy Grooming Routines

We design grooming schedules around:

• Your pet’s coat and skin needs

• Comfort level and handling tolerance

• Lifestyle and activity level

• Long-term coat goals

• Your realistic home maintenance

  
  

Our calm, cage-free, one-on-one appointments allow pets to build trust and confidence through predictable routines — making every visit easier and more enjoyable over time.