How often should you groom your dog?

By coat type · brushing, baths, nails · choosing a groomer

Quick answer

How often should I groom my dog?

Brush most dogs once or twice a week, and long or double coats several times a week. A bath every 4 to 8 weeks suits most dogs; too many baths dry the skin. Trim nails every 3 to 6 weeks, and book a professional haircut every 4 to 6 weeks for breeds whose hair keeps growing, such as the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Poodle.

Grooming by coat type

CoatBrushingBathProfessional groom
Short
Labrador, Beagle, Indian Pariah (Indie)
Once a weekEvery 4–8 weeksRarely needed; nail trims
Double coat
German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Husky
2–3 times a week, daily while sheddingEvery 6–8 weeksDe-shedding every 6–8 weeks; do not shave
Long, always growing
Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Maltese
DailyEvery 3–4 weeksHaircut every 4–6 weeks
Wire coat
Schnauzer, many terriers
Once a weekEvery 6–8 weeksTrim or hand-strip every 6–8 weeks

A guide, not a rule: a dog that swims, rolls in mud or has a skin problem may need more or fewer baths. Ask your vet.

Checklist: choosing a groomer

  1. See where grooming happens. Clean tables and tubs, and dogs never left alone on a table or in a dryer.
  2. Drying. Ask how dogs are dried. Heated cage dryers must never be left unattended: dogs can overheat.
  3. No sedation unless a vet gives it. A groomer should never sedate your dog.
  4. Nervous dogs. Ask how they handle a dog that is scared, and whether you can stay for the first visit.
  5. Products. Dog shampoo only; ask about options for sensitive skin.
  6. Salon or home visit. Home grooming suits anxious or older dogs; a salon usually has more equipment.
  7. Price list by size and coat, and what is included (bath, trim, nails, ears).

By the Pets24x7 team. Updated 13 October 2026.

Pet Grooming & Dog Groomers on Pets24x7

Pets24x7 lists 417 pet groomers in 35 cities in India.

Pets24x7 lists 2,483 pet groomers in 517 cities in the USA.

CityListedTop-rated list
Bengaluru66Best Pet Groomers in Bengaluru
Pune55—
Delhi49—
Hyderabad49—
Mumbai36—
New Delhi36—
Pimpri-Chinchwad15—
Thane14—
Navi Mumbai14—
Surat13—

Ratings are each business's own Google rating, counted only with its number of reviews. Numbers from this week's listings.

Frequently asked questions

Should I shave my dog in summer?

Not if it has a double coat, such as a German Shepherd, Golden Retriever or Husky. The coat insulates against heat and protects the skin from sunburn, and it can grow back patchy. Regular brushing to remove the loose undercoat keeps them cooler. Single-coated breeds with growing hair can have a shorter summer cut.

How often should I trim my dog's nails?

Usually every 3 to 6 weeks. If you hear the nails click on the floor, they are too long. Dogs that walk a lot on rough ground may need trims less often.

Can I bathe my dog with human shampoo?

It is better not to. Human shampoo is made for human skin and can dry out a dog's skin. Use a shampoo made for dogs, or one your vet recommends for skin problems.

How often should I clean my dog's ears?

Check them every week and clean only when they look dirty, using a cleaner made for dogs. Redness, a bad smell, discharge or a lot of head shaking needs a vet, not cleaning.

How many pet groomers are listed on Pets24x7 in India?

Pets24x7 lists 417 pet groomers in 35 cities in India. Open your city's page to compare them and send a free enquiry.

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