How often should you groom your dog?

How often you should groom your dog depends on three factors: breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Here's a breakdown for Austin dog owners.

Short-coat breeds (Labs, Beagles, Boxers)

Short-coat breeds need professional grooming every 8–12 weeks. Monthly bath and brush at home is usually enough in between. Austin summers can make short-coat dogs sweat — a bath every 6–8 weeks keeps them fresh.

Medium-coat breeds (Golden Retrievers, Aussies, Collies)

Medium to long coats need professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Brush at home 2–3 times per week to prevent tangles and remove loose fur. During Austin's spring coat-blow season, a de-shedding treatment every 4–6 weeks reduces indoor shedding dramatically.

Curly and wavy coats (Doodles, Poodles, Spaniels)

These coats mat quickly. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is the minimum. Many Doodle owners book every 4–6 weeks to avoid mat buildup that requires shaving. Regular brushing at home (daily if possible) extends time between appointments.

Double-coat breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds, Corgis)

Double-coat breeds should NEVER be shaved — it disrupts the coat's natural insulation and doesn't actually keep them cooler. Instead, de-shedding treatments every 4–8 weeks, especially during spring and fall coat blows, remove loose undercoat without damaging the top coat.

Signs your dog needs a groom sooner

• Matted or tangled fur
• Nails clicking on hard floors
• Smell that doesn't go away after a home bath
• Excessive scratching due to coat buildup
• Visible dirt or debris in the coat

Austin-specific tips

Austin's heat and humidity speed up coat issues. Dogs that spend time at Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs, or other outdoor spots may need grooming more frequently. If your dog swims regularly, dry their ears thoroughly to prevent infections — or add an ear flush to their next grooming appointment.