How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Guide by Coat Type

Dogs like beagles, labs and boxers have short, smooth coats that are relatively low maintenance. They still benefit from a professional bath and tidy up, along with nails, ears and paw care, but they can usually go longer between appointments than heavily coated breeds.

Many short-coated dogs do well with a professional groom every couple of months, paired with regular brushing at home to manage shedding. If your smooth-coated dog sheds a lot, a de-shedding treatment can make a real difference in how much hair ends up on your floors and furniture.

Double-coated breeds like huskies, shepherds, golden retrievers and corgis have a soft undercoat under a coarser topcoat. These dogs shed seasonally, and that undercoat can build up fast if it is not managed. They benefit from regular professional grooming and de-shedding to clear out the loose undercoat.

Important note for the Texas heat: you should not shave a double coat down to the skin. That coat actually helps regulate temperature and protect the skin. Instead, regular de-shedding and blow outs keep these dogs comfortable without damaging the coat.

Poodles, doodles, bichons and similar curly-coated dogs need the most frequent grooming of all. Their hair keeps growing and readily tangles, so without regular haircuts and consistent brushing, it mats quickly and close to the skin.

Most curly-coated dogs do best on a grooming schedule of every four to eight weeks, depending on how short you keep them and how much you brush at home. Skipping visits often leads to matting, which is uncomfortable for the dog and harder to safely resolve.

Breeds like Shih Tzus, Maltese and Yorkies have long, flowing coats that look beautiful but tangle easily. These dogs need frequent brushing and a regular grooming schedule to keep the coat healthy and free of mats, especially around the ears, legs and behind the collar.

Many owners of long-coated breeds choose a shorter, easier-to-maintain trim so the coat stays comfortable between visits. A groomer can help you find the length that fits your dog and your home routine.

Regardless of breed, there are clear signals it is time to book. A doggy odor that lingers after a home bath, visible tangles or mats forming, nails clicking loudly on the floor, or dirty, waxy ears all point to a groom being due.

Brushing at home between professional visits is the single biggest thing you can do to stretch the time between appointments and keep your dog comfortable. When you are ready, Glow Groom brings the full setup to your driveway across Leander, Cedar Park, Georgetown and the rest of North Austin.