How to determine how often you should wash your dog depends on the following factors:

Breed and fur type
Age
Lifestyle (activeness, indoor and or outdoor living)
Skin conditions or allergies

We are so lucky to have a variety of dog options. There are many breeds, which can make it challenging to decide when to wash them at home and when to get them professionally groomed.

From my experience in the dog grooming industry, most dogs generally require a wash every 2-3 weeks and nail clipping every 4 weeks. If you wait longer to clip their nails, the veins inside the nail can grow longer, leading to scratches on the floor or discomfort as they age. Taking your dog for walks on concrete can help naturally file down their nails.

This schedule helps you manage oil on the skin and dirt from walks in the park, while also maintaining a clean living environment at home. Each bathing routine should include ear cleaning, brushing, and nail clipping if needed.

Regular washing helps identify potential issues such as lumps, bites, ear and skin infections, fleas, or grass seeds that can become trapped in their fur, between their toes, or under their paw pads. These irritations can lead to discomfort and even pain while walking. Additionally, matting can occur under the paws and in the ears, especially in breeds with long ear hair, such as Lagottos and Poodles.

Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed is vital for their health. I use cotton balls in their ears during baths to prevent water from entering the ear canal, and I trim the fur under their ears to reduce matting and improve airflow, provided there are no veterinary concerns or irritations.

For dogs with long coats, brushing before a wash and while conditioning can help remove loose hair and detangle matted fur. Some coats can mat even more once they get wet. Ideally, it’s most beneficial to book a wash and hygiene tidy every 3-4 weeks and a full groom every 6-8 weeks, depending on your home grooming routine. Therefore, the general recommendation is to schedule a hygiene tidy every 4 weeks, followed by a full groom 4 weeks after that.

Double-coated dogs such as Pomeranian, Gold retriever or Siberian Husky typically shed more during seasonal changes and require more frequent brushing to remove loose fur. While many double-coated breeds have water-repellent coats, which can reduce the need for frequent washing, regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and maintain a healthy coat. It is recommended to visit a grooming salon every 6 to 8 weeks, in addition to maintaining a home grooming routine.

Age:

Puppies can start visiting the salon at 9 weeks old or two weeks after their last vaccination. During the crucial socialization period (8 to 16 weeks), it’s important to introduce grooming positively. Familiarise them with the sounds of clippers and dryers, and ensure they are comfortable with scissors near their face to help them adjust to the grooming environment. It’s best to start with a wash and hygiene tidy before a full groom.

Older dogs can experience increased anxiety or mobility issues due to various health conditions. While gentle grooming is still recommended, it's important to keep grooming sessions shorter. Aim for a length that provides adequate protection from the sun while also keeping them warm, depending on their coat condition. As dogs age, they may develop arthritis or have difficulty standing, making shorter haircuts more beneficial for their comfort and overall health. Regular, shorter grooming sessions can help reduce stress and improve their well-being.

Shampoo tip:

**Aloveen oatmeal Shampoo-sensitive skin**

Using a quality dog shampoo with the appropriate pH level can help minimise skin dryness.
Always tailor your grooming routine to the specific needs of your dog’s breed, as different breeds have varying coat types and skin sensitivities, or follow your veterinarian's recommendations.

Brushing tip:

As a groomer, I recommend removing collars and harnesses when brushing your dog 2–3 times a week, or after every walk if you can manage it—especially for longer coats. This practice helps prevent friction matting, which often occurs behind the ears, under the arms, and in the bum area. Even shorter coats benefit from regular brushing, as it loosens shedding hair, promotes healthy and shiny fur, and stimulates the natural oils in their skin.

Using slicker brushes followed by metal combs is most effective, but be cautious around matted areas. Always line brush from the skin outward in sections, checking for matting areas, as they are more sensitive. Brushing before matting forms can help ease the fears of those little ones who are afraid of the brush. Dematting fur can be tricky, as it can irritate the skin or cause pulling if you brush the same area repeatedly. In the worst-case scenario, a Hematoma can occur after clipping out the matting especially on the ears.

How often should I wash my dog?

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