How often to groom a dog

There is no single calendar that fits every dog. How often you groom — at home and at a salon — depends on the coat, how quickly it grows or sheds, how the dog lives, and how much brushing you already do.

As a rough pattern, not a rule: short-coated dogs may only need a salon visit now and then for a thorough tidy, with brushing at home in between. Curly and fleece coats often need much more frequent professional attention if they are to stay comfortable, because the hair does not stop growing and will mat. Double-coated breeds usually need more work when they blow their undercoat, typically in spring and autumn, rather than a tight year-round cycle.

Lifestyle matters too. A dog that swims in the Cherwell, walks through plough, or wears a coat every day will need more coat care than a similar dog on short pavement walks. Puppies and seniors have their own pace; see a puppy’s first groom and grooming a senior dog.

We don’t publish a set timetable, because we would rather hear about your dog. Call us to ask what might make sense, and to book a visit at our Banbury salon if you would like us to take a look. There is a longer article on how often you should groom a dog if you want to read more first.