Ever stare at your dog after a long day and wonder if they need another bath-or if you’ve already overdone it? You’re not alone. Most dog owners swing between under-grooming and over-grooming, often because no one ever told them what’s actually normal. The truth? There’s no single answer. It depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, lifestyle, and even the season. But here’s the good news: once you know what to look for, grooming becomes less of a chore and more of a bonding ritual.
What Counts as Normal Grooming?
Normal grooming isn’t just about baths and brushes. It’s the whole package: brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, dental care, and occasional baths. For most dogs, a full grooming routine should take about 15 to 45 minutes a week, spread out over a few days. That’s it. Not every day. Not once a month. Weekly is the sweet spot.Think of it like your own skincare routine. You don’t wash your face five times a day, and you don’t skip it for weeks. Same with your dog. Daily brushing for long-haired breeds? Yes. Daily baths? No. That strips natural oils and dries out their skin.
Brushing: It’s All About the Coat
Your dog’s coat is the biggest factor in how often they need brushing. Short-haired dogs like Beagles or Boxers? Once a week is enough to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. But if your dog sheds like a snowstorm in spring, bump it up to three times a week. A rubber curry brush works wonders here-it’s cheap, easy to use, and your dog will beg for it.Medium to long-haired dogs-think Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus, or Collies-need daily brushing. Mats don’t just look bad; they trap moisture, cause hot spots, and can pull on the skin. If you find a tangle bigger than your thumb, you’re already behind. A slicker brush for the undercoat and a metal comb for the top layer will save you hours (and vet bills) later.
Double-coated breeds like Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs shed twice a year. During those seasons, they lose up to 80% of their undercoat. Daily brushing with an undercoat rake is non-negotiable. Skip it, and you’ll be vacuuming fur off your couch for months.
Bathing: Less Is More
How often should you bathe your dog? The short answer: every 4 to 8 weeks. That’s it. Unless your dog rolled in dead skunk, mud from a swamp, or got sprayed by a skunk (yes, that happens here in Auckland), there’s no need for a weekly bath.Washing too often removes the natural oils that protect their skin. That leads to dryness, itching, and even infections. I’ve seen dogs with flaky skin and red patches-all because their owner thought daily baths made them cleaner. It didn’t. It made them miserable.
Use a dog-specific shampoo. Human shampoo is too harsh. Even "gentle" human shampoos have a pH level that’s wrong for a dog’s skin. Look for oatmeal-based or hypoallergenic formulas. If your dog has allergies or skin issues, talk to your vet about medicated shampoos. They’re not a cure, but they help.
Nails, Ears, and Teeth: The Hidden Parts
Most people forget these three. But they’re just as important as brushing.Nails: If you hear clicking on the floor, they’re too long. For most dogs, trimming every 3 to 4 weeks is enough. Use guillotine or scissor-style clippers. Avoid the quick-the pink part inside. If you’re unsure, ask your groomer or vet to show you. A little bit every week is better than a big trim once a month.
Ears: Dogs with floppy ears-like Basset Hounds or Cocker Spaniels-are prone to infections. Check them weekly. If they smell sour, look red, or have dark waxy buildup, clean them with a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls. Never use Q-tips. You can push debris deeper and hurt the eardrum.
Teeth: Brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week. Use dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste-it’s toxic). Dental chews help, but they’re not a replacement. Plaque turns to tartar in as little as 48 hours. Tartar leads to gum disease, which can affect their heart and kidneys. Start young. Even adult dogs can learn to tolerate it with patience.
Seasonal Changes Matter
Here in New Zealand, we get four distinct seasons. Grooming needs shift with them.In spring, double-coated dogs shed like crazy. That’s when daily brushing kicks in. In summer, shorter haircuts help-but don’t shave them bald. Their coat protects them from sunburn and bugs. A light trim is fine. In autumn, they grow a thicker coat. Keep brushing to prevent matting. In winter, avoid bathing too often. Cold weather + wet fur = chills. Stick to spot cleaning with a damp cloth if they get muddy.
Signs You’re Over-Grooming
It’s easy to go overboard. Here’s what to watch for:- Dry, flaky skin
- Excessive itching or licking
- Red, irritated patches
- Loss of coat shine
- Behavioral changes-your dog dreads grooming time
If you see any of these, cut back. Give their skin a break. Use a moisturizing conditioner after baths. And if it doesn’t improve in a week, see your vet. It could be allergies, parasites, or a thyroid issue.
Signs You’re Under-Grooming
And here’s what happens when you do too little:- Mats in the fur, especially behind ears or under legs
- Strong, sour body odor
- Overgrown nails that curve into the paw pad
- Dark, waxy buildup in ears
- Bad breath or visible tartar
These aren’t just "ugly"-they’re painful. Mats pull on the skin. Overgrown nails cause lameness. Ear infections lead to head shaking and pain. Bad dental health shortens their life. Don’t wait for a crisis to start grooming.
Professional Groomers: When to Use Them
You don’t need to do everything yourself. Professional groomers are great for:- Full haircuts (especially for breeds like Poodles or Bichons)
- Deep mat removal
- Expressing anal glands (if your vet recommends it)
- Bathing dogs with severe skin conditions
But don’t let them replace your daily care. A groomer every 6 to 8 weeks is fine for most dogs. For high-maintenance breeds, every 4 to 6 weeks. Always ask to see their tools. Clean, sanitized equipment matters. And never leave your dog unattended.
What About Hairless Dogs?
Yes, even hairless breeds like Chinese Cresteds need grooming. Their skin gets dry, sunburned, and clogged with oil. Wipe them down with a damp cloth daily. Apply dog-safe moisturizer twice a week. Use sunscreen on exposed skin before walks. They may not shed, but they still need care.Final Rule: Watch Your Dog
There’s no magic schedule. The best guide is your dog’s behavior and appearance. If their coat looks healthy, they’re not scratching, and their nails aren’t clicking-you’re doing fine. If something changes-sudden shedding, odor, lethargy-don’t assume it’s just grooming. Talk to your vet.Grooming isn’t about perfection. It’s about noticing. It’s about spending time with your dog, feeling their skin, checking their ears, watching how they move. That’s how you catch problems early. And that’s what makes grooming not just normal-but necessary.
How often should I bathe my dog?
Most dogs only need a bath every 4 to 8 weeks. Bathing more often can dry out their skin and cause irritation. Only bathe more frequently if they get into something dirty or smelly, like mud, skunk spray, or chemicals. Always use a dog-specific shampoo.
Do all dogs need daily brushing?
No. Short-haired dogs like Labs or Beagles do fine with brushing once a week. Medium to long-haired breeds, like Golden Retrievers or Shih Tzus, need daily brushing to prevent mats. Double-coated breeds, such as Huskies, need daily brushing during shedding seasons in spring and fall.
Is it okay to shave my dog in summer?
Generally, no. A dog’s coat protects them from sunburn and insect bites. Shaving can damage the coat’s regrowth pattern and leave them vulnerable. Instead, give them a light trim to keep them cool. Only shave if recommended by a vet for medical reasons, like severe matting or skin disease.
How do I know if my dog’s nails are too long?
If you hear clicking when your dog walks on hard floors, their nails are too long. They should not touch the ground when standing. Overgrown nails can cause pain, affect their posture, and even lead to joint problems. Trim them every 3 to 4 weeks, or more often if needed.
What should I do if my dog hates grooming?
Start slow. Let them sniff the brush or clippers without using them. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise. Keep sessions short-just 2 to 5 minutes at first. Gradually increase time as they get used to it. Never force them. If they’re extremely anxious, ask your vet or a professional groomer for help. Some dogs need desensitization training.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
No. Human shampoo has a different pH level than dog skin and can strip natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Even mild human shampoos can cause itching or rashes. Always use a shampoo made specifically for dogs. Look for ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera for sensitive skin.
How do I clean my dog’s ears safely?
Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls or gauze. Squeeze a few drops into the ear canal, gently massage the base of the ear, then wipe away debris from the outer part. Never insert anything deep into the ear canal-like cotton swabs. If you see redness, odor, or discharge, see your vet. These can be signs of infection.
