How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

 One of the most common questions we hear from dog owners when in the salon tends to be when should I book back in? The answer depends on your dog's breed, coat type, lifestyle, and overall health. Regular grooming isn't just about keeping your dog looking their best—it plays an important role in their comfort and wellbeing too.

Why Regular Grooming Matters

 Grooming does much more than give your dog a tidy appearance. It helps to:

• Prevent painful matting and tangles.

• Keep skin and coats healthy.

• Reduce shedding around your home.

• Trim nails to improve comfort and mobility.

• Clean ears and help identify potential infections.

• Spot lumps, bumps, parasites, or skin issues early.

• Keep your dog feeling comfortable and happy.

A regular grooming schedule can also help your dog become more relaxed and confident when in the Bark Studio during appointments.

Grooming Frequency by Coat Type

Short-Haired Dogs

Breeds such as Labradors, Beagles, and Pugs generally need grooming every 8–12 weeks.

Although they have short coats, they still benefit from bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Regular grooming also helps manage shedding and keeps their skin healthy.

Medium-Coated Dogs

Dogs with medium-length coats, such as Border Collies and Spaniels, usually benefit from grooming every 6–8 weeks.

These coats can become tangled if not brushed regularly at home, particularly around the ears, legs, and tail.

Long-Haired Dogs

Breeds like Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Yorkshire Terriers typically need grooming every 4–6 weeks.

Without regular maintenance, long coats can quickly become matted, which can be uncomfortable and even painful for your dog.

Curly and Doodle Coats

Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Labradoodles, and Poodles usually require grooming every 4–8 weeks, depending on coat length and how well the coat is maintained at home.

These coats continue growing and are prone to matting, so regular brushing between appointments is essential.

Double-Coated Breeds

Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, and similar breeds generally need grooming every 8–12 weeks, with additional brushing during heavy shedding seasons.

Professional de-shedding treatments can help remove loose undercoat while keeping the coat healthy. We use de-shedding shampoos in the salon which support in removing the loose undercoat. 

Don't Forget Home Grooming

Professional grooming works best alongside regular home care. Depending on your dog's coat, you should:

• Brush several times a week—or daily for long or curly coats.

• Check ears weekly.

• Wipe muddy paws after walks (Matt's are really painful to remove inbetween paw pads).

• Brush teeth regularly (we do offer Emmi-Pet teeth cleaning to help support)

• Look for signs of mats, fleas, or skin irritation.

Just a few minutes of home grooming each day can make a big difference.

Signs Your Dog Is Due for a Groom

Your dog may need grooming if you notice:

• Tangles or mats in the coat.

• Nails clicking on hard floors.

• A strong doggy smell.

• Hair covering the eyes.

• Excessive shedding.

• Dirty ears.

• Difficulty brushing through the coat.

If you notice any of these signs, it's probably time to book an appointment.

Starting Grooming Early

If you have a puppy, it's a good idea to introduce grooming from a young age. Early positive experiences help puppies become comfortable with handling, bathing, drying, and clipping, making future appointments much less stressful. We offer puppy grooms which introduces a fully to any salon noises. This tends to involve bath, blow dry and scissor tidy. 

Every Dog Is Different

There isn't a single grooming schedule that suits every dog. Age, coat type, activity level, and lifestyle all influence how often your dog should be groomed.

If you're unsure what's best for your pet, we'd be happy to recommend a grooming schedule tailored to their individual needs.