How Often Should You Groom Your Dog
18.04.23 April 18, 2023 FAQs

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog

If you’re anything like us you’ll want your furry friend to look their best, we know that grooming is an essential part in achieving that. Frequent dog grooming helps to keep your dog looking nice, as well as improving their overall health and wellbeing. But you may be wondering how often you should groom your dog. In this week’s blog post, we’re covering everything you need to know about dog grooming.   What Is Dog Grooming  Before we look at how often you should be grooming your dog, let’s look at what dog grooming is. If you’re a first-time dog owner or new to dog grooming we know that keeping on top of your dog’s grooming can be overwhelming which is why we’re here to help. Dog grooming refers to maintaining your dog’s physical coat and hygiene, which includes everything you do to maintain your dog’s coat, skin, nails and ears, from bathing & brushing to cutting and clipping. For a more detail guide on ‘what dog grooming is’, check out this article from our Information Hub - it looks at everything from what is involved in dog grooming, why it’s important and how long it takes. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to dog grooming or need a refresher.    How Often Should A Dog Be Groomed Understanding your dog’s coat type is the first step in knowing how often to groom your dog and what the best products to use are. How often to groom a dog, in our experience, will depend on things like hair length, texture, and density of your dog’s coat. The main types of dog coats are: Short or smooth-haired, Long Haired, Double Coated, Curly and Hairless. In this guide, we break down exactly how often each type of coat needs grooming, as well as give you our top tips for looking after their coat and our favourite products.    How Often Should A Long-Haired Dog Be Groomed? Long-Haired Dogs include breeds such as Lhasa Apso, German Shepherd, Long-Haired Chihuahuas, Dachshunds & Shih Tzus.  Long Hair coats need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles, daily brushing will help with this and will remove any debris. If you’ve got a long-haired puppy it’s a good idea to get them used to being brushed from the day you bring them home so they’re desensitised to it from a young age.  When it comes to bathing your long-haired dog, it’s important to keep them clean but also not strip their coat from any natural oils that are keeping it shiny and healthy. In our experience bathing your long-haired dog every 6-8 weeks helps keep their coat in tip-top shape. You can either do this at home or take them to a professional groomer for a bath. When it comes to cutting your long-haired dog it will depend on your personal taste, lifestyle and season. How short you will want to keep your long-haired dog’s coat will depend on your taste and lifestyle, the typical long-haired cuts you’ll see at Crufts are usually what is considered ‘breed standard’. But if you’re not planning on showing your dog in the show ring any time soon, maybe a shorter more practical cut might suit them more. We’d recommend visiting your groomers for a trim every 2 - 3 months, however, they will advise exactly how often they recommend for your particular lang-haired breed.  For long-haired dogs, we recommend the PetPlex Dirt Defeater collection and a slicker brush. The PetPlex Dirt Defeater collection includes a shampoo, conditioner, and cologne so is perfect for removing any tangles and keeping your dog smelling fresh.   How Often Should A Short-Haired Dog Be Groomed? Short-Haired dogs include Beagles, Boxers, Dalmatians, Great Danes, Pugs & Rhodesian Ridgebacks.  Short-Haired dog breeds typically need less grooming than their long-haired cousins. In our experience brushing their coats once a week is plenty to help keep them healthy and free of debris.  Short-haired dogs will only need occasional baths, every 4-6 weeks or after a particularly mucky walk.  Short-haired dogs likely won’t need regular haircuts with a professional groomer, although some breeds may still need their undercoat stripped away. Contrary to popular belief, short-haired dogs can shed a lot, particularly when the seasons change. Some groomers will offer a specific short-haired dog package which will include a bath and a deshed which will help remove some of that excess hair and keep your short-haired dog’s coat in top shape.  For short-haired dogs we recommend using a gentle shampoo like the PetPlex Dirt Defeater Collection and a good brush, we like the Rosewood 2-in-1 Bath & Groom Brush as you can put shampoo in the top to dispense at bath time making grooming your dog super easy.    How Often Should A Double Coated Dog Be Groomed? Double dog breeds include wire-haired breeds such as Border Terriers, Brussels Griffons, Jack Russel Terriers, and Schnauzers, as well as breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador, Pomeranians, and Border Collies.  A double coat on a dog is simply a coat that has two layers, they have an undercoat of dense short hairs and then a top coat of longer hairs or guard hairs. The double coat is great for keeping your dog’s temperature regulated and repelling moisture and dirt.  Double-coated breeds shed a lot, especially in Spring and Fall. Although regular grooming won’t stop this it will certainly help minimise it and keep their coats looking healthy. We recommend brushing double-coated dogs 2-3 times a week - this will help remove debris, any mats or tangles, as well as help to remove some of that excess dead hair that may be irritating them.  A common misconception is that shaving your double-coated dog will help keep them cooler in the summer, however, the opposite is actually true. A double-coated dog is insulated in the follicles rather than by the hair, so when you cut their hair all the insulation is still there, and when the hair grows back quite often 10-14 hairs will grow in the place of each follicle rather than the 5-7 that was there before, which can change the texture of their hair and cause bald patches.  We recommend bathing your double-coated dog roughly every 8-12 weeks. Bathing them more frequently in the summer is a good idea as they will be shedding more and it will help to get rid of some of that excess hair.  When it comes to how often you should be taking your double-coat, it can vary depending on if they’re a short, medium, or long-haired double-coated dog but typically we’d recommend at least four times a year to help de-shed all that dead hair. Your local professional groomer will be able to advise the best length of time for your specific breed of dog.  For your double-coated dog, we recommend a good brush to help them shed that bottom coat, both a slicker brush or an undercoat rake work well.   How Often Should You Groom Your Wavy Or Curly-Haired Dog Wavy or Curly Haired dogs include a lot of the popular poodle cross breeds such as Labradoodles, Cockapoos, Cavapoo & Cavapoochons, as well as breeds such as Bichon Frise, Spanish Waterdogs, Bedlington Terriers, and Poodles.  Although curly coat breeds are typically low shedding they still require maintenance. The curly texture can be prone to matting and tangling so daily brushing will help keep on top of this, especially after a particularly muddy or wet walk. When it comes to bathing your curly-haired dogs, you want to avoid doing it too often so that their natural essential oils don’t get stripped from their skin and fur. On average, we recommend at most once a month but ideally every 6 weeks or so, the Dexas Mudbuster is perfect for keeping your curly-haired dog’s paws clean between baths.  Curly-haired dogs are more likely to need a regular trim than other breeds, for this, we recommend taking them to a professional groomer every 6 weeks to keep on top of it.  If you want to bathe your dog at home the PetPlex Curl Perfector Shampoo and Detangling Spray work amazingly on both curly and wavy-haired dogs. The shampoo has been specially formulated for dogs with curly coats and has added wheat protein which will strengthen your dog's hair from the root and give instant voluminous results. A detangling spray can either be used on hair wash day or to help freshen up between full grooms, and it will just help to gently tease away knots and tangles. Other grooming kit essentials for a curly-haired dog include a slicker brush and some thinning scissors to help keep the hair round their eyes neat and tidy between trims.    How Often To Groom A Hairless Dog Hairless Dog Breeds include Chinese Crested Dogs, Hairless Chihuahuas, American Hairless Terriers, and Xoloitzcuintli. Needless to say, hairless dogs won’t need brushing or trimming like other coat types but they will still need regular baths and it’s a good idea to brush through any patches of hair they may have. With hairless dogs typically an oily film will form after a couple of weeks, this is a good indication that they’re ready to be bathed. We recommend a really gentle shampoo to bathe your hairless dog with, like PetPlex Derma Doctor which is fragrance-free and full of mild ingredients so it perfect for hairless dogs How often you should groom your dog will depend on their breed and coat type. Regular grooming at home is essential for all coat types to help their coats in top shape. If you would like a little bit more information on how to groom a dog why not check out our recent Information Hub article? It’s a simple guide explaining everything you need to know to groom your dog at home.

By Megan Willis

Read more

If you’re anything like us you’ll want your furry friend to look their best, we know that grooming is an essential part in achieving that. Frequent dog grooming helps to keep your dog looking nice, as well as improving their overall health and wellbeing. But you may be wondering how often you should groom your dog. In this week’s blog post, we’re covering everything you need to know about dog grooming.

 

What Is Dog Grooming 

Before we look at how often you should be grooming your dog, let’s look at what dog grooming is. If you’re a first-time dog owner or new to dog grooming we know that keeping on top of your dog’s grooming can be overwhelming which is why we’re here to help.

Dog grooming refers to maintaining your dog’s physical coat and hygiene, which includes everything you do to maintain your dog’s coat, skin, nails and ears, from bathing & brushing to cutting and clipping. For a more detail guide on ‘what dog grooming is’, check out this article from our Information Hub - it looks at everything from what is involved in dog grooming, why it’s important and how long it takes. It’s a great place to start if you’re new to dog grooming or need a refresher. 

 

How Often Should A Dog Be Groomed

Understanding your dog’s coat type is the first step in knowing how often to groom your dog and what the best products to use are. How often to groom a dog, in our experience, will depend on things like hair length, texture, and density of your dog’s coat.

The main types of dog coats are: Short or smooth-haired, Long Haired, Double Coated, Curly and Hairless. In this guide, we break down exactly how often each type of coat needs grooming, as well as give you our top tips for looking after their coat and our favourite products. 

 

How Often Should A Long-Haired Dog Be Groomed?

Yorkshire terrier being groomed

Long-Haired Dogs include breeds such as Lhasa Apso, German Shepherd, Long-Haired Chihuahuas, Dachshunds & Shih Tzus. 

Long Hair coats need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles, daily brushing will help with this and will remove any debris. If you’ve got a long-haired puppy it’s a good idea to get them used to being brushed from the day you bring them home so they’re desensitised to it from a young age. 

When it comes to bathing your long-haired dog, it’s important to keep them clean but also not strip their coat from any natural oils that are keeping it shiny and healthy. In our experience bathing your long-haired dog every 6-8 weeks helps keep their coat in tip-top shape. You can either do this at home or take them to a professional groomer for a bath.

When it comes to cutting your long-haired dog it will depend on your personal taste, lifestyle and season. How short you will want to keep your long-haired dog’s coat will depend on your taste and lifestyle, the typical long-haired cuts you’ll see at Crufts are usually what is considered ‘breed standard’. But if you’re not planning on showing your dog in the show ring any time soon, maybe a shorter more practical cut might suit them more. We’d recommend visiting your groomers for a trim every 2 - 3 months, however, they will advise exactly how often they recommend for your particular lang-haired breed. 

For long-haired dogs, we recommend the PetPlex Dirt Defeater collection and a slicker brush. The PetPlex Dirt Defeater collection includes a shampoo, conditioner, and cologne so is perfect for removing any tangles and keeping your dog smelling fresh.

 

How Often Should A Short-Haired Dog Be Groomed?

Dachshund being groomed

Short-Haired dogs include Beagles, Boxers, Dalmatians, Great Danes, Pugs & Rhodesian Ridgebacks. 

Short-Haired dog breeds typically need less grooming than their long-haired cousins. In our experience brushing their coats once a week is plenty to help keep them healthy and free of debris. 

Short-haired dogs will only need occasional baths, every 4-6 weeks or after a particularly mucky walk. 

Short-haired dogs likely won’t need regular haircuts with a professional groomer, although some breeds may still need their undercoat stripped away. Contrary to popular belief, short-haired dogs can shed a lot, particularly when the seasons change. Some groomers will offer a specific short-haired dog package which will include a bath and a deshed which will help remove some of that excess hair and keep your short-haired dog’s coat in top shape. 

For short-haired dogs we recommend using a gentle shampoo like the PetPlex Dirt Defeater Collection and a good brush, we like the Rosewood 2-in-1 Bath & Groom Brush as you can put shampoo in the top to dispense at bath time making grooming your dog super easy. 

 

How Often Should A Double Coated Dog Be Groomed?

Jack Russel being groomed

Double dog breeds include wire-haired breeds such as Border Terriers, Brussels Griffons, Jack Russel Terriers, and Schnauzers, as well as breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador, Pomeranians, and Border Collies. 

A double coat on a dog is simply a coat that has two layers, they have an undercoat of dense short hairs and then a top coat of longer hairs or guard hairs. The double coat is great for keeping your dog’s temperature regulated and repelling moisture and dirt. 

Double-coated breeds shed a lot, especially in Spring and Fall. Although regular grooming won’t stop this it will certainly help minimise it and keep their coats looking healthy. We recommend brushing double-coated dogs 2-3 times a week - this will help remove debris, any mats or tangles, as well as help to remove some of that excess dead hair that may be irritating them. 

A common misconception is that shaving your double-coated dog will help keep them cooler in the summer, however, the opposite is actually true. A double-coated dog is insulated in the follicles rather than by the hair, so when you cut their hair all the insulation is still there, and when the hair grows back quite often 10-14 hairs will grow in the place of each follicle rather than the 5-7 that was there before, which can change the texture of their hair and cause bald patches. 

We recommend bathing your double-coated dog roughly every 8-12 weeks. Bathing them more frequently in the summer is a good idea as they will be shedding more and it will help to get rid of some of that excess hair. 

When it comes to how often you should be taking your double-coat, it can vary depending on if they’re a short, medium, or long-haired double-coated dog but typically we’d recommend at least four times a year to help de-shed all that dead hair. Your local professional groomer will be able to advise the best length of time for your specific breed of dog. 

For your double-coated dog, we recommend a good brush to help them shed that bottom coat, both a slicker brush or an undercoat rake work well.

 

How Often Should You Groom Your Wavy Or Curly-Haired Dog

Curly Haired dog being groomed

Wavy or Curly Haired dogs include a lot of the popular poodle cross breeds such as Labradoodles, Cockapoos, Cavapoo & Cavapoochons, as well as breeds such as Bichon Frise, Spanish Waterdogs, Bedlington Terriers, and Poodles. 

Although curly coat breeds are typically low shedding they still require maintenance. The curly texture can be prone to matting and tangling so daily brushing will help keep on top of this, especially after a particularly muddy or wet walk.

When it comes to bathing your curly-haired dogs, you want to avoid doing it too often so that their natural essential oils don’t get stripped from their skin and fur. On average, we recommend at most once a month but ideally every 6 weeks or so, the Dexas Mudbuster is perfect for keeping your curly-haired dog’s paws clean between baths. 

Curly-haired dogs are more likely to need a regular trim than other breeds, for this, we recommend taking them to a professional groomer every 6 weeks to keep on top of it. 

If you want to bathe your dog at home the PetPlex Curl Perfector Shampoo and Detangling Spray work amazingly on both curly and wavy-haired dogs. The shampoo has been specially formulated for dogs with curly coats and has added wheat protein which will strengthen your dog's hair from the root and give instant voluminous results. A detangling spray can either be used on hair wash day or to help freshen up between full grooms, and it will just help to gently tease away knots and tangles. Other grooming kit essentials for a curly-haired dog include a slicker brush and some thinning scissors to help keep the hair round their eyes neat and tidy between trims. 

 

How Often To Groom A Hairless Dog

Hairless dog

Hairless Dog Breeds include Chinese Crested Dogs, Hairless Chihuahuas, American Hairless Terriers, and Xoloitzcuintli.

Needless to say, hairless dogs won’t need brushing or trimming like other coat types but they will still need regular baths and it’s a good idea to brush through any patches of hair they may have. With hairless dogs typically an oily film will form after a couple of weeks, this is a good indication that they’re ready to be bathed.

We recommend a really gentle shampoo to bathe your hairless dog with, like PetPlex Derma Doctor which is fragrance-free and full of mild ingredients so it perfect for hairless dogs

How often you should groom your dog will depend on their breed and coat type. Regular grooming at home is essential for all coat types to help their coats in top shape. If you would like a little bit more information on how to groom a dog why not check out our recent Information Hub article? It’s a simple guide explaining everything you need to know to groom your dog at home.

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    Adopting a cat can be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make. These independent yet affectionate creatures can bring immense joy and companionship into your life. However, like any significant commitment, it's essential to be well-prepared and informed. Whether you're wondering how to adopt a cat, curious about what you need for a cat, or pondering the questions to ask when adopting a cat, this comprehensive guide will provide you with expert insights to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new feline friend. Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Cat Before diving into the adoption process, it's crucial to reflect on the responsibilities that come with getting a cat. Here are some essential considerations: 1. Lifespan and Commitment Cats can live up to 15-20 years. Adopting a cat means you're committing to care for them throughout their entire life. Consider your long-term plans and ensure you can provide a stable home. 2. Financial Responsibility From food and litter to vet visits and grooming, owning a cat comes with ongoing expenses. Unexpected medical emergencies can also arise, so budgeting for pet insurance or a savings fund is advisable. 3. Behavioural Traits Each cat has a unique personality. Some are cuddly lap cats, while others are more independent. Research different breeds and temperaments to find a cat that suits your lifestyle. 4. Allergies If you or someone in your household has allergies, spend time around cats beforehand to ensure it won't be a problem. Hypoallergenic breeds might be an option, but no cat is entirely allergen-free. How Do I Adopt a Cat or Kitten? Embarking on the journey of adopting a cat involves several steps: Research and Choose a Reputable Source - Decide whether you want to adopt from a shelter, rescue organisation, or a reputable breeder. Shelters often have cats of all ages, including kittens, looking for a forever home. Visit the Facility - Spend time interacting with different cats to find one that connects with you. Observing them in person helps you assess their temperament and health. Complete the Adoption Application - You'll typically need to fill out an application detailing your living situation, experience with pets, and how you plan to care for the cat. Prepare for a Home Visit - Some organisations conduct home visits to ensure your environment is safe and suitable for a cat. Adoption Fees and Agreements - Be prepared to pay an adoption fee, which usually covers vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. You'll also need to sign an adoption agreement outlining the terms and conditions. Questions to Ask When Adopting a Cat To make an informed decision, consider asking the following: What is the cat's medical history? Ensure the cat is up-to-date on vaccinations and inquire about any existing health conditions. Has the cat been spayed or neutered? This is crucial for preventing unwanted litters and can impact behaviour. What is the cat's temperament? Understanding their personality helps in determining if they're a good fit. How does the cat interact with other animals and children? Important if you have other pets or kids at home. What kind of food and litter does the cat prefer? Keeping some consistency can ease their transition. What Do I Need for a Cat? Before bringing your new companion home, make sure you have the essentials. Our Pet Experts have spent time making sure we stock all the essentials you could need for your cat, here are their must haves: Litter Box and Litter Provide at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Place them in quiet, accessible locations, and make sure they always have fresh litter. Some cats will prefer an open litter tray, whereas other cats who like their privacy prefer hooded litter trays or something like our cat washroom. This will be trial and error to find out what you cat loves. Food and Water Bowls We prefer a saucer for cat food as we find it is gentler on our cat’s whiskers, we particularly love the Tarhong range of cat saucers. For water a lot of cats love the water fountains as they appeal to their love of running water, the Catit fountains are great choice for any water loving cats. High-Quality Cat Food Choose food appropriate for the cat's age, health, and dietary needs; it is always best to chat to your vet about your cat’s diet if you have any questions. Shop our range of cat food here. Comfortable Bedding A cosy bed or blanket gives your cat a dedicated resting place. Bedding is our speciality here at Lords & Labradors and we have the cosiest options for you to choose from. Scratching Posts and Toys Cats need mental and physical stimulation. Scratching posts protect your furniture by helping your cat to keep their claws in tip top shape, tall cat scratching trees also given space to climb and hide which appeals their natural instincts. You’ll also want to make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them entertained, we love the interactive Catit Senses circuits for particularly playful cats. Carrier A secure carrier is essential for vet visits and travel. Grooming Supplies Grooming essentials like brushes, nail clippers, and pet-safe shampoos help maintain your cat's hygiene. Safety Measures It is now the law in the UK to microchip your cat so make sure to get this done as soon as possible after collecting your new furry friend. You’ll also want to ensure windows and balconies are secure to prevent accidents. Preparing Your Home Cat-proof your home by removing toxic plants, securing loose wires, and storing chemicals safely. Create a quiet, safe space for your cat to retreat to as they adjust to their new environment. Introducing Your Cat to the New Home Allow your cat to explore at their own pace. Start by confining them to one room with all their essentials, then gradually introduce them to the rest of the house. Patience is key; some cats take longer to adjust than others. Regular Veterinary Care Schedule a vet appointment soon after adoption. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care are vital for your cat's health. Building a Bond Spend quality time with your cat through play and affection. Respect their boundaries and let them initiate interactions. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise can strengthen your relationship. Conclusion Adopting a cat is a joyful and life-changing experience. By understanding how to adopt a cat, knowing what you need for a cat, and considering the things I wish I knew before getting a cat, you're setting the foundation for a harmonious life together. Remember, preparation and patience are essential. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and products to ensure your feline friend feels loved and secure in their new home. At Lords & Labradors, we offer a wide range of premium cat essentials to help you get started. From luxurious cat trees to engaging toys, we're here to support you every step of the way on your journey to cat ownership.

    By Megan Willis

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