How Often Should You Groom a Dog?
Quick answer
Brushing frequency follows the coat, not the breed name. Using PDSA guidance: long-haired dogs daily, medium-haired dogs and poodle crosses a few times a week, most short-haired dogs around weekly. Bathing is far less frequent — when your dog is dirty, with a dog shampoo.At a glance
- Brush: daily / few times a week / weekly, by coat type.
- Bath: only when needed; over-washing can affect coat and skin.
- Nails: dog clippers, gradual and calm — ask your vet if unsure.
- Ears: most dogs need no routine cleaning; speak to your vet first, never cotton buds.
- See your vet for sore skin, matting close to the skin, or a smelly or uncomfortable ear.
By PetCompare Editorial Team · Published 2026-02-10 · Updated 2026-08-17 · 4 min read · Editorially prepared by PetCompare — not veterinary advice
Brushing frequency by coat type
| 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 — curled coats can be prone to tangling |
Treat these as starting points — a dog that picks up mud, moults heavily or tangles quickly may need more. Use tools suited to the coat, keep sessions short and calm, and reward your dog so handling stays easy.
Bathing, nails and ears
- Bathing: dogs do not usually need bathing often. For mud, a rinse with warm water may sometimes be enough; when shampoo is needed, use a dog product, not a human one.
- Nails: use clippers designed for dogs, build up gradually, and ask your vet if your dog will not tolerate it or you cannot see where to cut safely.
- Ears: most dogs do not need routine ear cleaning. Speak to your vet before cleaning — especially if something looks wrong — use dog-safe products only, and never cotton buds inside the ear.
Use grooming as a health check
Grooming gets you looking at your dog closely. PDSA suggests using sessions to check skin and coat. If you find sore or irritated skin, matting tight to the skin, or a smelly or uncomfortable ear, contact your vet rather than treating it yourself.
When to use a professional groomer
Brushing, checking and occasional bathing are home jobs. Some coats also need trimming, clipping or hand-stripping, and many owners prefer to use a professional groomer for that. There is no single interval that fits every dog — ask your vet or groomer what your dog's coat needs.
Browse dog groomers near you and ask each 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.