If you’re a new dog owner or pet parent, you might be wondering, “How often should you groom your dog?” Grooming is much more than keeping your dog looking cute. It plays a vital role in your dog’s overall health, comfort, and happiness. With so many breeds and coat types, grooming routines can feel confusing—but don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down.
This beginners’ guide addresses how often to groom your dog, why regular grooming is crucial, advice for beginning a grooming regimen at home, and how mobile dog grooming services like Kontota can simplify the whole process.
Why Dog Grooming Matters for Every Pet Parent
Grooming for dogs goes beyond simply baths and hair cuts. Regular grooming is beneficial.
- Prevent matting, tangles, and discomfort
- Reduce shedding and related allergies
- Detect skin problems, parasites, or wounds early
- Keep nails healthy and reduce the risk of injury
- Support good hygiene and a healthy coat
Not simply show dogs or fluffy varieties, dogs of all ages and breeds gain from planned grooming. Whether your dog is a double-coated Husky or a low-shedding Chihuahua, knowing how often you should groom them will greatly affect their condition.
What Factors Influence How Often to Groom a Dog?
When it comes to “how often should you groom your dog,” several factors determine your ideal schedule:
- Dog’s coat type (short, medium, long, curly, double-coated)
- Breed-specific needs
- Activity level (dogs who love mud and swimming may need more baths)
- Age, health, and lifestyle
- Allergies or sensitive skin issues
The greatest grooming schedule is always catered to the particular requirements of your dog.
Grooming Frequency By Coat Type & Breed
Short & Smooth-Coated Dogs
Examples: Beagle, Boxer, Dalmatian
- Brushing: Once a week to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils
- Bathing: Once every 4–8 weeks (unless extra dirty)
- Nail trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
- Professional grooming: Not always required but an occasional bath and nail trim by a pro can keep things tidy
Double-Coated Dogs
Examples: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Husky, German Shepherd
- Brushing: 2–4 times per week, daily during seasonal shedding
- Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks
- Deshedding treatment: Monthly, especially during spring and fall shedding
- Professional grooming: Every 4–8 weeks for blowouts, undercoat raking, and hygiene trims
Long-Coated Dogs
Examples: Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Afghan Hound
- Brushing: Daily or at least every other day to prevent mats and tangles
- Bathing: Every 3–6 weeks (more frequent if coat gets greasy or tangled)
- Trimming: Every 4–8 weeks (face, feet, sanitary areas)
- Professional grooming: Every 4–6 weeks for trims and maintenance
Curly & Wavy-Coated Dogs
Examples: Poodle, Bichon Frise, Labradoodle
- Brushing: Every 1–2 days to avoid matting
- Bathing: Every 3–6 weeks
- Haircuts: Every 4–6 weeks
- Professional grooming: Essential every 4–6 weeks for clipping, scissoring, and full grooming
Wire & Corded-Coated Dogs
Examples: Schnauzer, Komondor, Puli
- Brushing/Combing: Several times per week
- Stripping/Cording: Every 4–8 weeks (varies by breed)
- Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks
- Professional grooming: Specialty care needed for hand-stripping or cording
Signs Your Dog Needs Grooming
Whichever breed or coat your dog has, these are indicators that grooming is due:
- Matted or tangled hair
- Dirty, greasy, or smelly coat
- Red or irritated skin under the fur
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Overgrown nails “clicking” on the floor
- Discharge or odor from ears
- Tear stains around the eyes
Your pet may suffer health issues and pain from too extended intervals between grooming. Keep to a calendar and routinely check your dog.
How to Start a Grooming Routine at Home
If you’re new to dog grooming, these simple steps make a big difference:
1. Brushing
- Select a slicker, bristle, pin, deshedding brush for your dog’s coat.
- Lightly brush, focussing on typical problem areas including tail, under legs, behind ears.
2. Bathing
- Use lukewarm water and a dog-specific shampoo (never human products)
- Make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid residue that can cause irritation
- Dry with a towel and, if your dog tolerates it, use a blow dryer on low heat
3. Nail Trimming
- Use dog nail clippers or a grinder
- Trim little by little to avoid cutting the “quick” (pink part inside the nail)
4. Ears, Eyes, and Teeth
- Clean ears with a vet-approved solution
- Wipe away discharge or tear stains from the eyes
- Brush teeth several times a week with dog-safe toothpaste
The Benefits of Professional & Mobile Dog Grooming
Life becomes hectic and not every pet parent feels comfortable doing everything themselves. Especially for breeds with more maintenance requirements, regular visits to a professional groomer are usually the best way to guarantee your dog’s coat and skin remain healthy.
What is Mobile Dog Grooming?
Mobile dog grooming brings the spa to you. At your door a completely furnished van shows up with showers, haircuts, nail trims, teeth cleaning, de-shedding, and more. By giving older or fearful dogs a cage-free, one-on-one experience at home, mobile groomers save your time and help to ease tension.
Why Pet Parents Love Kontota Mobile Dog Grooming
Kontota is a leader in professional mobile dog grooming. Just check out the reviews and testimonials from pet parents with puppies, seniors, rescues, and everything in between! Here’s why families trust Kontota:
- Convenience: Avoid long drives and waiting rooms. Get grooming right at your doorstep, booked to fit your schedule.
- Low-Stress, Cage-Free: Our vans offer a comfortable, familiar environment for your pet. We don’t use kennel dryers or cages.
- Highly Trained Groomers: Kontota’s gentle professionals treat every pup like family and tailor grooms to each coat type.
- Full Range of Services: From basic baths to luxury spa treatments (aromatherapy, facials, teeth brushing, special cuts).
- Flexible Scheduling: Easy online booking, weekends, and multi-pet households welcomed!
- Safety & Hygiene: Stringent sanitization protocols and natural, pet-safe products with every service.
Check out all services and package options at Kontota Services, learn about locations covered, or request a custom quote for your dog’s breed and needs.
How Often Should You Use Mobile Dog Grooming Services?
Regardless of breed, most dog owners find that their canines benefit from a professional thorough groom every 4–6 weeks. Busy pet owners may alternate home brushing with occasional professional baths or trims. Remember, regular grooming helps avoid significant tangles or skin problems before they start.
Mobile dog grooming is especially helpful for:
- Senior dogs or those with mobility issues
- Anxious pets who dislike the noisy salon
- Multi-dog households (schedule in one visit)
- Owners with tight schedules or transportation constraints
To keep your dog on track, many mobile grooming clients set up recurring monthly or bi-monthly appointments. Book online here to secure your spot.
What to Ask When Choosing a Dog Groomer
- Does the groomer have experience with your dog’s breed and coat type?
- Are all of their products dog-safe and natural?
- Does one-on-one care and cage-free grooming are available?
- Is the van or salon regularly sanitized?
- Can you set up recurring appointments for convenience?
- Do they provide optional extras include luxury spa treatments, tooth cleaning, or de-shedding?
Kontota checks all these boxes and offers personalized care plans for every pup.
FAQs
How often should you groom your dog?
Most dogs benefit from full grooming every 4–6 weeks. While long or curly-coated dogs need more frequent brushing and trimming, short-coated breeds may go between baths longer.
How often do you need nail trims?
Aim for every 3–4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
How often should you brush your dog?
At least once per week for most breeds; daily for long, curly, or double-coated dogs, especially during shedding season.
Is mobile dog grooming more expensive?
Mobile grooming costs are generally in line with salon prices when factoring in travel time, individual attention, and convenience. Many pet parents find the benefits balance out the investment.
Can you groom a puppy?
Yes! Early grooming helps puppies get used to the process. Kontota offers puppy grooming tailored for young dogs.
What if my dog is anxious or reactive?
Kontota’s groomers are trained to handle anxious dogs and create a stress-free experience with gentle handling and a familiar home environment.
Give Your Dog the Best in Care
Among the sweetest things you can do for your dog is consistent grooming. Every pet parent can have a content, clean, and healthy pup with the correct schedule and professional help.
Ready to get started?
Schedule your pet’s mobile grooming appointment or contact Kontota here for help with custom requests, recurring bookings, or multi-dog homes.
For everything pet grooming, from specific breed tips to creative spa packages, explore more at Kontota’s services or our mobile dog grooming FAQ.
Stay ahead of shedding season, keep your pup looking fresh, and reclaim your weekends with expert help from Kontota Mobile Dog Grooming!
