How Often Should I Groom My Dog?

I get this question a lot from friends who just brought a new dog into their home, but it really should be asked before you decide on which breed you want to get. Some dogs require more work than others. For example, my maltese needs more grooming than my friend’s rat terrier because she has long hair that needs to be brushed and cut. But, a newfoundland would require even more work than my maltese – simply because of its enormous size.

A good rule of thumb is that the longer your dog's hair is, the more often it will need grooming. There are about as many differences in dog hair as there are in human hair, and certain breeds need more extensive grooming than others (again, this is something you should research before getting the dog).

Wanda (my Maltese) has long hair, so she needs daily brushing. When you have a long-haired dog, you need to be really careful not to ever let the hair get knotted (or matted). It can be difficult to remove, and the process can be painful for the dog. On the other hand, dogs with very short hair only need to be brushed once a week or so. For dogs that fall in between, two or three times a week is probably enough. If your dog is the type that sheds a lot, daily brushing will go a long ways towards preventing your floors and furniture from being covered in dog hair.

Most dogs really like to be brushed, so it can be a good time to bond with your dog. Some people even brush their short-haired dogs daily because the dog enjoys it so much.

How often a dog should be bathed also depends on the length and texture of its hair. My dog gets a bath about once a week, but he's outside a lot and loves to play in the dirt.

With a bit of experimentation, you'll discover what works best for your particular dog. And remember, grooming can be a time for you and your dog to bond. Do the things you don’t mind doing, and leave the rest up to a professional. For example, I hate clipping Wanda’s nails – so I bring her to the groomer more often for that. But, if I was learning how to become a nail technician, I might enjoy the practice – and bring her to the groomer more often for ear cleanings.