Grooming is about more than keeping your pet looking their best. It’s an important part of their overall health and wellbeing.
Regular grooming helps keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy, reduces shedding and gives you the chance to spot potential health concerns before they become bigger problems. It also helps your pet feel more comfortable, especially during the warmer months or if they have a thick coat.
But how often should you groom your pet?
The answer depends on their breed, coat type, age and lifestyle. While some pets only need a quick brush once a week, others benefit from daily grooming and regular trims.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why should you groom your pet?
A regular grooming routine does much more than keep your pet clean.
It can help:
- Remove loose hair and reduce shedding.
- Prevent knots and painful matted fur.
- Keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy.
- Remove dirt, dust and debris.
- Check for fleas, ticks and skin irritations.
- Keep nails at a healthy length.
- Support healthy ears and teeth.
- Strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Make it a regular healthcare routine to groom your pet, just like feeding them a balanced diet or taking them for routine vet check-ups.
How often should you groom your dog?
Every dog is different, but their coat is usually the biggest factor in how often they’ll need grooming.
Short-haired dogs
Breeds such as Beagles, Boxers and Dachshunds are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
A good routine includes:
- Brushing once a week.
- Bathing every 6 to 8 weeks or when needed.
- Nail trimming every 3 to 4 weeks.
- Regular ear and dental checks.
Medium-coated dogs
Dogs with medium-length coats, such as Border Collies and Golden Retrievers, need a little more attention.
Aim to:
- Brush two to three times a week.
- Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Trim nails once a month.
- Brush more often during shedding season.
Long-haired or curly-coated dogs
Breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers need the most regular grooming. To keep their coats healthy and free from knots, you should groom your pet every day or every second day.
A healthy routine includes:
- Daily or every-second-day brushing.
- Professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks if their coat requires clipping.
- Regular trimming around the paws and eyes.
- Frequent checks for knots and matting.
How often should you groom your cat?
Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need your help.
Short-haired cats
Short-haired cats usually benefit from:
- Brushing once a week.
- Nail trimming every few weeks.
- Regular ear and dental checks.
Long-haired cats
Long-haired breeds, such as Persians and Maine Coons, need much more frequent grooming.
Ideally, you should:
- Brush them every day.
- Check for knots and matted fur regularly.
- Help reduce hairballs by removing loose hair before they swallow it.
How often should you bathe your pet?
One of the biggest grooming myths is that pets need frequent baths.
In reality, bathing too often can strip the natural oils from your pet’s skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
Most healthy dogs only need a bath every 6 to 8 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in mud, gone swimming or found something particularly smelly to investigate.
Cats generally don’t need regular baths unless they’re unable to groom themselves, have become unusually dirty or your veterinarian recommends it.
Always use a shampoo that’s specially formulated for pets, as human shampoos can irritate their skin.
Don’t forget these important grooming tasks
Make sure that when you groom your pet, that brushing and bathing are a part of the routine.
Nail trimming
Long nails can become uncomfortable and may even affect the way your pet walks.
If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, it’s usually time for a trim.
Ear care
Check your pet’s ears regularly for redness, swelling, unpleasant smells or excessive wax.
If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to speak to your veterinarian before cleaning them.
Dental care
Healthy teeth are just as important as a healthy coat.
Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly with pet-friendly toothpaste can help prevent plaque build-up and support their overall health.
Discover how to improve your pet’s bad breath.
Coat checks
Every grooming session is an opportunity to look for:
- Fleas or ticks.
- Cuts or wounds.
- Lumps or bumps.
- Dry or irritated skin.
- Changes in your pet’s coat.
Spotting these changes early can make a big difference.
Discover flea prevention tips.
Signs your pet may be overdue for a grooming session
Not sure if it’s time to reach for the brush?
Some common signs on when you need to groom your pet include:
- Matted or tangled fur.
- Excessive shedding.
- Long nails.
- Dirty ears.
- An unpleasant smell.
- Hair covering their eyes.
- Your pet scratching more than usual.
Keeping up with regular grooming helps prevent these small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Home grooming or professional grooming?
Many pet parents choose a combination of both.
Regular brushing, bathing and coat checks can easily be done at home, while professional groomers are great for breed-specific cuts, de-shedding treatments and pets with coats that require more specialised care.
Having the right grooming tools at home also makes it much easier to keep your pet comfortable between professional appointments.
Everything you need to groom your pet, all in one place
Whether you’re brushing out loose fur, trimming nails or giving your pet a bath, having the right products makes grooming easier for both you and your furry friend.
From brushes and combs to shampoos and everyday grooming essentials, the Onepet Premium Pet Store has everything you need to help keep your pet looking and feeling their best.
Because when you groom your pet regularly it isn’t just about appearances. It’s one of the simplest ways to support your pet’s health, comfort and happiness.
Your Pet Product Family,