How often should you groom your dog?

One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is waiting too long between grooming appointments because they think it saves money.

In reality, it usually becomes more expensive, more stressful for the dog, and much harder on the coat and skin.

As a groomer, I see this constantly. Dogs come in severely matted, uncomfortable, dirty, unable to regulate heat properly, and sometimes already dealing with medical problems hidden underneath the coat. Grooming is not just about appearance. Good grooming is preventative care.

The right grooming schedule depends on breed, coat type, lifestyle, home maintenance, and the owner’s goals. A short-coated Labrador that swims weekly has very different grooming needs than a Doodle, Shih Tzu, or coated breed that mats easily.

How Often Should Dogs Be Groomed?

For the average pet dog, I usually recommend professional grooming every 6–10 weeks.

That schedule works well for many breeds because it keeps the coat manageable, prevents excessive buildup, keeps nails under control, and allows groomers to monitor skin and coat health regularly.

Higher-maintenance breeds often need much more frequent care.

Typical Grooming Recommendations

Doodles are one of the most commonly underestimated coat types when it comes to grooming.

Many owners are told they are “easy” because they shed less. In reality, many Doodles require some of the most intensive coat maintenance in the pet grooming world. Without regular brushing and frequent professional grooming, matting happens very quickly.

Signs Your Dog Has Gone Too Long Between Grooming

Some of the most common things I notice when a dog has gone too long between grooming appointments include:

• Matting
• Tangles
• Odor
• Long toenails
• Greasy coat buildup
• Ear infections
• Hot spots
• Hematomas from tightly matted ears
• Skin irritation hidden under the coat

In severe cases, I have seen dogs so tightly matted that the only humane option was shaving extremely close to the skin. Once the coat comes off, it sometimes reveals infections, severe hot spots, open sores, and even maggots underneath the matting.

Owners are often shocked because they genuinely had no idea how serious it had become under the coat.

Grooming Is About Comfort, Not Vanity

Maintenance grooming makes dogs more comfortable.

Especially for breeds that mat easily.

A clean, brushed, maintained coat moves properly, breathes properly, dries properly, and is far less irritating to the dog. Dogs that stay on regular schedules are usually easier to handle, easier to maintain at home, and overall more pleasant pets to live with.

Waiting until the dog is severely overgrown creates stress for everyone involved.

• The dog becomes uncomfortable
• Brushing becomes painful
• The groom takes longer
• The cost often increases
• The coat may need to be shaved short

The Biggest Mistake Owners Make Between Grooming Appointments

Not brushing the dog.

And more importantly, not understanding what proper brushing actually means.

Many owners brush only the top layer of the coat while matting forms underneath close to the skin. Some breeds require daily maintenance, especially curly coats, drop coats, and dense undercoats.

Regular home care dramatically changes how successful professional grooming appointments are.

Products I Recommend for Maintaining a Healthy Coat

At Cindra Grooming Products, the goal has always been maintaining coat health and function without unnecessary heaviness or residue.

Different coats need different approaches.

For Dry or Maintained Coats

• Moisturizing Dog Shampoo
• Moisture Plus Conditioner
• Maxi Care Leave-In Conditioner

These help support skin and coat health while maintaining manageability between grooming appointments.

For Heavy Coats, Dirty Dogs, or Reset Baths

• Deep Cleansing Dog Shampoo

This works especially well for buildup, dirty coats, oily coats, or dogs that have gone too long between baths.

For Double Coats and Texture Coats

• Texturizing Dog Shampoo
• Texturizing Mist
• Super Coat

These products help maintain proper coat texture and structure without making coats soft or limp.

That distinction matters a lot in coated breeds.

Why Professional Grooming Costs What It Does

Professional grooming is physically demanding skilled work.

Good groomers invest heavily into:

• Continuing education
• Professional equipment
• Blades and shears
• Safety training
• Coat and skin education
• Breed-specific grooming knowledge

Most professional grooming tools are extremely expensive, and experienced groomers spend years learning proper handling, coat care, skin recognition, and maintenance techniques.

A good groomer is often one of the first people to notice skin issues, ear problems, lumps, infections, parasites, coat damage, or health concerns on a dog.

So, How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

If you are unsure, the safest answer is usually sooner rather than later.

A consistent grooming schedule is healthier, easier on the dog, easier on the coat, and often less expensive long term than waiting until problems develop.

For most dogs:

• Every 6–10 weeks is a good baseline
• High-maintenance coats often need more frequent care
• Doodles usually need professional attention far more often than owners expect
• Home brushing matters just as much as salon visits

About the Author

Tasha Mesina

Owner, Cindra Grooming Products

Tasha Mesina is the owner of Cindra Grooming Products and has decades of hands-on experience in professional dog grooming, breeding, training, and working dogs. As a breeder, dog trainer, herding judge, and lifelong dog enthusiast, she specializes in coat health, breed-specific grooming techniques, and maintaining correct coat texture and function.