How Often Should You Groom a Dog?
Short answer: it depends on the coat. Using PDSA's guidance, long-haired dogs generally need brushing daily, medium-haired dogs a few times a week, and many short-haired dogs around once a week. PDSA also advises brushing poodle crosses a few times a week, as their curled coats can be prone to tangling. That is home maintenance. Clipping, trimming or hand-stripping at a salon is a separate question, and the right interval depends on your individual dog's coat and how it is kept, so ask your vet or groomer what suits your dog rather than following a fixed schedule.
By PetCompare Editorial Team · Published 2026-02-10 · Updated 2026-08-17 · 6 min read · Editorially prepared by PetCompare — not veterinary advice
Brushing frequency by coat type
PDSA's grooming advice sets out brushing frequency by coat rather than by breed name:
| Coat | Brushing |
|---|---|
| Long-haired | Daily |
| Medium-haired | A few times a week |
| Short-haired | Around once a week |
| Poodle crosses | A few times a week |
Treat these as starting points. A dog that picks up mud, moults heavily or tangles quickly may need more; your vet or groomer can advise on what your own dog needs.
Using the right tools and technique
PDSA advises using tools suited to your dog's coat, and keeping grooming a positive, unhurried experience — short sessions, calm handling and rewards, so your dog learns to accept being handled.
Bathing: less often than you might think
PDSA's guidance is that dogs do not usually need bathing very often. If your dog is muddy, a rinse with warm water may sometimes be enough. When shampoo is needed, use one made for dogs rather than a human product, and avoid washing too frequently, because over-washing can affect the coat and skin.
Nails
If you trim nails at home, use clippers designed for dogs and keep the experience calm and positive, building up gradually. PDSA advises asking your vet if you are struggling or unsure — for example if your dog will not tolerate it, or you cannot see where to cut safely.
Ears
Most dogs do not need their ears cleaned routinely. PDSA advises speaking to your vet before cleaning your dog's ears — particularly if there is any sign of a problem — and using only dog-safe ear products. Cotton buds should not be used inside the ear.
Checking skin and coat as you go
One practical benefit of regular grooming is that it gets you looking at your dog closely. PDSA suggests using grooming sessions to check the skin and coat. If you find something you are unsure about — sore or irritated skin, matting close to the skin, or a smelly or uncomfortable ear — contact your vet rather than treating it yourself.
Home grooming and professional grooming
Brushing, checking and occasional bathing are things most owners can do at home. Some coats need trimming or stripping, and PDSA notes that many owners prefer to use a professional groomer for this. How often it is needed varies with the individual coat and how it is kept between appointments — there is no single interval that applies to every dog. PDSA's advice is to ask your vet or groomer what your specific pet needs.
If you are looking for someone locally, you can browse dog groomers on PetCompare Hub and ask each one what they would recommend for your dog's coat.
FAQs
How often should I brush my dog?
PDSA's guidance is coat-based: daily for long-haired dogs, a few times a week for medium-haired dogs and poodle crosses, and around weekly for short-haired dogs. Adjust to your own dog with advice from your vet or groomer.
How often should I bathe my dog?
Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid bathing too frequently, as PDSA warns over-washing can affect the coat and skin. Most dogs are bathed when dirty rather than to a fixed schedule.
Do I need to clean my dog's ears regularly?
Usually not. PDSA says most dogs do not need routine ear cleaning, and advises speaking to your vet first — especially if there are signs of a problem — and using dog-safe products, never cotton buds.
What if my dog will not let me clip their nails?
Use dog nail clippers, keep sessions calm and positive, and build up gradually. PDSA advises asking your vet if you are struggling or unsure.