How often should my dog see a groomer?

It is one of the questions I hear most often at the salon. The short answer: it depends on the coat. Here is the longer one.

Coats that keep growing: every 6–8 weeks

Yorkies, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Poodles and Bichons have hair that keeps growing and does not shed on its own. Without regular clipping it falls into their eyes, tangles, and keeps the air from the skin. For them a full groom every 6–8 weeks usually works well.

Wire-haired terriers: every 2–3 months

Westies, Schnauzers and other wire-haired breeds grow more slowly, but their shape needs regular tidying, or they lose their typical neat outline.

Short coats: in the shedding season

Short-haired dogs need no haircut, but in spring and autumn, when they shed, a thorough bath and brush-out helps a lot. Less hair on the sofa, and the skin can breathe.

Nails: every 4–6 weeks

If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they are too long. A nail trim takes a few minutes and can be booked on its own.

At home, between grooms

• Brush at least twice a week, and long coats every day.
• Tangles start behind the ears, under the legs and on the inner thighs: check there first.
• Wipe the paws after walks, especially in winter, when the pavements are salted.

If you are not sure what suits your dog, call me and we’ll talk it through.