New dog owners, or prospective dog owners, often wonder how often their dog needs to visit the dog groomer. This is a good point to consider because taking a dog to a groomer is not always cheap, and doing it yourself may not be as easy as you think. So, how often does a dog need to go to the groomer?

Reasons Why Dogs go to the Dog Groomer

There are many reasons why a dog might need to visit the dog groomer. These include having their nails trimmed, anal glands cleaned, or to help with seasonal shedding (spring and fall). Dogs who have been sprayed by a skunk, or who have fleas (and need a flea bath) may be taken to a groomer rather than the owner dealing with the problem. Mostly though, dogs go to groomers because the dog needs a bath and haircut.

Breed of Dog

Some dogs do not require going to the groomer and may never set foot inside a groomer at all. Most short haired dogs do not require specific attention from a groomer, their owners can bath them if needed. It is usually only the longer haired dogs that visit groomers, and specifically the non-shedding dogs who have coats that grow continuously, much like our human hair.

Here is a list of how frequent certain breeds of dogs tend to require haircuts.

• Bichon Frise – every 4 to 6 weeks
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – every 6 weeks
• Cocker Spaniel – every 4 to 6 weeks
• Golden Retriever – twice yearly, spring and fall
• Pomeranian – every 8 to 10 weeks
• Poodles- every 4 to 8 weeks
• Poodle crosses – every 6 weeks
• Shih Tzu – every 4 to 6 weeks
• Yorkshire Terrier – every 4 to 6 weeks

When Should a Puppy First See a Groomer

Puppies should not see a groomer until they are fully vaccinated, this is usually around 12 weeks of age. At that time it is important they get into a groomer soon so they can have their first puppy cut which helps get them use to the grooming experience. They should be taken to a groomer where they can be clipped and leave soon after – not one that requires all dogs to arrive in the morning and be picked up at the end of the day.

Keeping Your Dog in Good Shape for Grooming

Many dog owners fail to recognize the importance of regular grooming. They do not brush the dog's hair often enough and it forms painful mats. These people often show up at the groomer and the groomer has no choice but to shave the dog completely short. If you own a dog that is considered non-shedding, it should be brushed daily; consider how often you brush your own hair. Other long haired dogs, such as Pomeranian dogs, should be brushed at least once a week, and the same goes for the short haired dogs, noting the more brushing will reduce shedding and improve the dog's skin and coat overall.