How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Seasonal Guide

There's no single right answer to "how often should I groom my dog" — it depends on coat type, activity level, and the time of year. That said, some general guidelines can help you plan ahead instead of waiting until mats or heavy shedding force the issue.

By Coat Type

• Short, smooth coats (Labs, Beagles): a bath and brush every 6–8 weeks is often plenty, with regular at-home brushing to manage shedding in between.
• Double coats (Huskies, Shepherds, Corgis): these breeds don't usually need haircuts, but benefit from a deshedding treatment a few times a year, especially during seasonal coat blows.
• Curly or continuously growing coats (Poodles, Doodles, Bichons): these need a full groom roughly every 4–6 weeks, since their coat doesn't shed out on its own and mats easily if left too long.
• Long, silky coats (Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Maltese): frequent brushing at home plus a full groom every 4–6 weeks helps prevent painful matting, especially around the ears and legs.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring and fall are typically the heaviest shedding seasons for double-coated breeds, so that's often the best time to schedule a deshedding treatment. In summer, keeping a shorter, well-maintained coat can help dogs stay more comfortable in the heat — though it's worth talking to your groomer about the right length for your dog's specific coat, since some double coats actually protect against heat and shouldn't be shaved down.

If you're not sure where your dog's coat falls, or it's been a while since their last groom, a groomer can take a look and recommend a schedule that fits.