You booked the groom. Your dog has no idea what’s coming. The next 24 hours decide whether this goes smoothly or turns into a tug-of-war over paws.

The good news? A great grooming appointment takes about 15 minutes of prep from you. This dog grooming appointment checklist walks you through exactly what to do the day before, what to tell your groomer on the day, and how to keep that fresh-groomed look going for weeks.

The 30-second version

Before the groom: brush gently, check for mats, look over ears, paws, nails and skin, and decide what you want. On the day: keep your dog calm and tell the groomer about health, behavior and sensitive spots. After: check your dog over, skip the extra bath, and keep up light brushing at home.

Your dog grooming appointment checklist at a glance

Before the Appointment: How to Prepare Your Dog for Grooming

1. Give the coat a gentle brush

A quick brush the day before removes loose hair and small tangles. More importantly, it shows you where the trouble spots are.

Keep it gentle. This is a check-up, not a dematting session. If a tangle is tight against the skin or your dog flinches, stop and make a note for the groomer. Our guide to dealing with minor and severe mats explains which tangles you can handle and which you should leave alone.

2. Put the scissors down

An uneven coat the night before a groom is tempting to “tidy up.” Don’t. A dog’s skin is easy to mistake for a mat, and household scissors near the skin are one of the most common causes of accidental cuts. It sits near the top of our list of grooming mistakes to avoid. Point out the problem and let the professional decide whether to brush it out or trim it.

3. Do a head-to-tail check

Take two minutes to look your dog over. You’re not diagnosing anything, just collecting notes for the groomer.

• Ears: redness, discharge, a strong smell, or lots of head-shaking.
• Paws: debris or irritation between the pads, or a paw your dog pulls away.
• Nails: loud clicking on hard floors usually means they’re due. If they’re very long, read how to handle overgrown dog nails.
• Skin: bumps, sores, flaky patches or parasites. If you find one, see what to do when you find a tick. For flakes and itch, our guide to dog dry skin and dandruff can help.

Anything that looks medical, rather than cosmetic, is a question for your veterinarian.

4. Decide what “done” looks like

The clearer your request, the happier you’ll be with the result. Before the appointment, pick from options like these:

• Full haircut, or bath and brush-out only
• A short maintenance trim, or keep the length
• Face, paw and sanitary trims
• Nail trim and ear cleaning
• De-shedding help (more on reducing shedding)

A photo of a cut you like is worth a hundred words. If you want to keep more length than usual, say so up front.

5. Skip the extra bath

If your package already includes a bath, there’s no need to bathe your dog beforehand unless your groomer asks you to. Professional grooming typically covers bathing, drying and brushing. You can check Groomit’s current grooming packages to see what’s included.

On Grooming Day: Set Your Dog Up for Success

6. Keep the routine boring

The best grooming-day routine is a normal one. A regular walk earlier in the day can help an energetic dog settle. There’s no need to tire your dog out or change feeding times unless your groomer or vet has told you to.

7. Be honest about behavior

Groomers see nervous dogs every day. What helps them most is knowing in advance. Tell your groomer if your dog:

• Is scared of clippers, dryers or loud sounds
• Dislikes having paws, ears, face or tail handled
• Has had a bad grooming experience before
• Struggles to stand for long periods

If grooming is a known stress point, our guide to grooming an anxious dog has practical ways to make it easier over time.

8. Share health notes

Mention allergies, skin sensitivities, recent injuries, surgery, medications, or anything your vet has flagged. If your dog has an open wound or active skin problem, ask your vet whether grooming should go ahead.

9. Get ready for a mobile groomer

Using a mobile service? Keep your dog safely indoors until the groomer arrives, especially if your dog gets excited by vehicles or visitors. Make sure the van can park close by and that your dog is ready to hand over. New to this? Here’s how mobile pet grooming works, step by step.

10. Use this 60-second handoff

When the groomer arrives, cover these six points:

1. The haircut or services you want
2. Mats or sensitive spots you found
3. Health or skin concerns
4. Behavior or handling concerns
5. Anything to preserve, such as coat length
6. Any questions about the services

What happens during the groom?

Every appointment varies by coat, temperament and package, but most include a coat assessment, brushing or de-shedding, a bath, drying, trimming or styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and a final check. Duration depends on size, coat condition and services, so ask for an estimate when you book.

After the Groom: What to Check and How to Make It Last

11. Do a quick once-over

Look at the coat length and finish, the nails, the paws, and how your dog is moving. A tired dog after a long session is normal. Give them a quiet spot to relax.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice bleeding, swelling, persistent scratching, breathing trouble, or signs of significant discomfort.

12. Don’t undo the results

Hold off on bathing a freshly groomed dog unless there’s a specific reason. Let the coat settle and follow any brushing schedule your groomer recommends.

13. Build a five-minute home routine

Professional grooming lasts longer with a little help at home:

• Brush to suit your dog’s coat type
• Check for new tangles behind the ears, under the collar, on the legs and around the tail
• Keep an eye on nail length, ears and paws
• Watch for changes in the skin

For a fuller routine, see our tips on caring for your dog between grooming appointments.

14. Book the next one now

The easiest way to avoid severe matting is to schedule the next groom while the coat still looks good. How soon depends on breed, coat and lifestyle; our guide to how often you should groom your dog breaks it down by coat type.

Common Mistakes Pet Parents Make Before Grooming

• Cutting out mats with household scissors
• Bathing the dog right before a groom that includes a bath
• Keeping quiet about sensitive areas or past bad experiences
• Waiting until the coat is badly matted to book
• Giving vague haircut instructions
• Ignoring unusual skin, ear or paw changes
• Skipping brushing between appointments

Groomer or Vet? Know the Difference

Groomers keep the coat and hygiene in shape, but they don’t diagnose. Call your veterinarian for open wounds, persistent itching, swelling, ear discharge or a strong ear smell, sudden pain when touched, sudden behavior changes, or a suspected infection. When in doubt, ask the vet.

What Can You Do at Home vs. Leave to a Pro?

Why Mobile Grooming Makes Appointments Easier

For many pet parents, the hardest part of grooming is the car ride and the busy salon. Mobile and in-home grooming bring the service to your door, which means less travel, no waiting room, and a quieter, more private session. That can make a real difference for nervous dogs. Read more about the benefits of mobile dog grooming.

Still deciding who to book? Use our checklist for choosing the best dog groomer near you. After a great groom, you may also wonder how much to tip your pet groomer.

Dog Grooming Appointment FAQs

Should I brush my dog before a grooming appointment?

Yes. A gentle brush removes loose hair and helps you find mats. Don’t work on tight mats yourself; point them out to the groomer instead.

Should I bathe my dog before going to the groomer?

Usually not, if bathing is part of the service you booked. Follow your groomer’s instructions.

Should I feed my dog before grooming?

Keep your dog’s normal feeding routine unless your vet or groomer advises otherwise.

What should I tell my dog groomer?

Your preferred haircut and length, any mats or sensitive spots, behavior concerns, allergies, skin problems, and relevant medical information.

How do I prepare a nervous dog for grooming?

Keep the day calm and familiar, and tell the groomer about your dog’s fears and past experiences. A quieter setting, such as mobile or in-home grooming, can also help.

How long does a dog grooming appointment take?

It depends on your dog’s size, coat condition, temperament and the services chosen. Ask for an estimate when you book.

What should I check after my dog is groomed?

The coat, haircut length, paws, nails, ears and overall comfort. Contact your vet if you notice significant discomfort or other worrying symptoms.

How often should I book professional grooming?

It varies by coat type, breed and lifestyle. Your groomer can recommend a schedule, and our grooming frequency guide gives a starting point.

Ready for a Stress-Free Groom?

A great grooming appointment starts before the groomer arrives. Brush gently, check for mats and anything unusual, decide what you want, and talk openly with your groomer. Afterward, check your dog over, keep up light brushing, and book the next visit before the coat gets away from you.

Check Groomit availability and book your dog’s next grooming appointment →

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Quick answer: Most dogs need professional grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. Long-haired and curly-coated breeds such as Poodles, Shih Tzus and Yorkies usually need a groom every 4 to 6 weeks, while short-coated breeds such as Labradors and Beagles can often go 8 to 12 weeks. Brushing at home should happen anywhere from weekly to daily, depending on the coat.

That’s the short version. The right schedule for your dog depends on coat type, breed, lifestyle and skin health. This guide breaks down how often you should groom your dog, what to do between appointments, and the signs that mean it’s time to book.

Dog Grooming Frequency by Coat Type

Use this table as a starting point. Your groomer can fine-tune it once they’ve seen your dog’s coat.

One rule applies across the board: nails usually need trimming every 3 to 6 weeks, and ears should be checked weekly. Read why nail trimming matters for more on that.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Most dogs do well with a bath every 4 to 8 weeks. Bathing too often can strip the natural oils that protect the skin and lead to dryness or itching. Bathing too rarely lets dirt, oil and odor build up. Dogs that swim, roll in things or live with allergies may need a different schedule, so ask your groomer or vet. If skipping baths is tempting, here’s what happens if you don’t bathe your dog.

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?

Brushing is the single most useful thing you can do at home. It removes loose hair, spreads natural oils, and stops small tangles from turning into mats. Long, silky and curly coats need daily attention; short coats need only a weekly once-over. Double-coated dogs shed heavily twice a year, so brush more during those weeks. Our guide on how to reduce dog shedding covers the tools that help.

Breed-Specific Grooming Guides

Some breeds have coats that need extra care. These guides go deeper:

• Yorkie grooming and skin care
• Shih Tzu grooming and coat care
• Maltese grooming and tear-stain care
• Five dog breeds that need professional grooming

What Affects How Often Your Dog Needs Grooming?

• Coat type: coats that keep growing, like a Poodle’s or Shih Tzu’s, need regular cuts. Coats that shed need de-shedding instead.
• Lifestyle: dogs that hike, swim or dig need baths more often.
• Skin health: dogs with allergies or dry skin may need a medicated routine your vet recommends.
• Season: spring and fall shedding means more brushing; winter salt and slush mean more paw care.
• Age: puppies benefit from short, frequent sessions to get used to handling, and senior dogs may need gentler, shorter visits.

Signs Your Dog Needs Grooming Now

• A noticeable smell, even soon after a bath (see why dogs smell)
• Mats or tangles behind the ears, under the legs or around the collar
• Nails clicking on hard floors
• Hair growing over the eyes or between the paw pads
• Heavy shedding around the house
• Frequent scratching or a dull, greasy coat

Matting is the sign not to ignore. Mats pull on the skin and can hide irritation underneath. Learn how to deal with minor and severe mats.

How to Build a Grooming Schedule That Sticks

1. Identify your dog’s coat type using the table above.
2. Set a brushing routine you can keep, even if it’s five minutes a day.
3. Book professional grooms on a recurring schedule so you don’t fall behind.
4. Check ears, paws and nails once a week.
5. Adjust with the seasons and as your dog ages.

When your next appointment is booked, use our dog grooming appointment checklist to prepare your dog and get the most out of the visit.

Home Grooming vs. Professional Grooming

Most dogs do best with both. For home basics, see our tips for safe dog grooming at home. If getting to a salon is the hard part, mobile pet grooming brings the groomer to your door.

Common Grooming Schedule Mistakes

• Waiting until the coat is matted before booking
• Bathing too often with human shampoo
• Shaving a double-coated breed, which can damage how the coat regrows
• Skipping nail trims between grooms

See the full list of grooming mistakes to avoid.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a dog be professionally groomed?

Most dogs need a professional groom every 4 to 8 weeks. Long-haired and curly breeds need it every 4 to 6 weeks; short-coated breeds can often go 8 to 12 weeks.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Every 4 to 8 weeks suits most dogs. Bathing more often can dry out the skin unless your vet recommends a medicated routine.

How often should I brush my dog?

Daily for long, silky or curly coats, 2 to 3 times a week for medium coats, and weekly for short coats.

Can you groom a dog too often?

Yes. Too many baths can strip natural oils and irritate the skin. Brushing often is fine as long as you’re gentle.

How often should a puppy be groomed?

Start short, gentle sessions early so your puppy gets used to handling. See our guide to new puppy grooming.

Should I shave my double-coated dog in summer?

Generally no. A double coat helps regulate temperature, and shaving can affect how it grows back. A professional de-shed is usually the better option.

The Bottom Line

Book a professional groom every 4 to 8 weeks, brush to suit your dog’s coat, and check ears, paws and nails weekly. A steady routine prevents mats, keeps skin healthy and makes every groom easier for your dog.

Book your dog’s next groom with Groomit →

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Quick answer: A Yorkie in a long coat needs daily brushing, a bath every 3 to 4 weeks, and a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Shorter “puppy cut” styles can be brushed every other day. Check eyes daily for tear stains, clean ears weekly, and trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks.

Yorkshire Terriers have a silky, fine coat that grows continuously, much like human hair. They have no undercoat, so they shed very little, but that fine hair tangles easily. This Yorkie grooming guide covers the at-home routine, the right tools, and when to call in a professional.

Yorkie Grooming Schedule at a Glance

How to Brush a Yorkie

1. Start with a wide-tooth comb to find and gently loosen tangles.
2. Follow with a pin brush or soft slicker brush to smooth the coat and spread natural oils.
3. Work in small sections from the skin outward, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar.
4. Never pull on a mat. Hold the hair near the skin and tease it apart slowly. Tight mats should be left to a groomer.

A light, dog-safe detangling spray can make brushing easier. If mats are already a problem, read how to deal with minor and severe mats.

How Often Should You Bathe a Yorkie?

Every 3 to 4 weeks, or when visibly dirty. Bathing more often can dry out a Yorkie’s sensitive skin. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and a lightweight conditioner to keep the silky coat soft and manageable. Always brush out tangles before the bath, because water tightens mats. Dry thoroughly; small dogs chill quickly. For more on coat shine, see our guide to keeping your pet’s fur clean and shiny.

Yorkie Skin Care

Because the coat is fine and the skin is close to the surface, Yorkies can be prone to dryness and irritation. Watch for flaking, redness, constant scratching or bald patches. Gentle products, a steady bathing schedule and regular brushing help. If problems persist, see your vet; our guide to dog dry skin and dandruff explains common causes.

Eyes, Ears, Teeth and Nails

• Eyes: wipe the corners daily with a soft, damp cloth to limit tear stains, and keep hair trimmed away from the eyes. See 5 ways to keep your dog’s eyes clean.
• Ears: check weekly and clean with a vet-approved solution. Redness, odor or discharge needs a vet visit.
• Teeth: small breeds like Yorkies are prone to dental problems, so daily brushing is ideal. Read our guide to brushing your dog’s teeth.
• Nails: trim every 3 to 4 weeks. Here’s why nail trimming matters.

Popular Yorkie Haircuts

Many owners choose a short “puppy cut” for easy care, while others keep the classic floor-length show coat. Teddy bear and schnauzer-style cuts are also popular. Compare the options in our guide to Yorkshire Terrier haircuts.

When to Book a Professional Yorkie Groom

Plan a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks for a long coat, or every 6 to 8 weeks for a short cut. A Groomit groom covers a bath, haircut, brush-out, nail trim and ear cleaning, tailored to your Yorkie, and your groomer can recommend brushes and products for your dog’s coat. Groomit brings the groomer to your home or to a mobile van outside, so your small dog skips the noisy salon. Before the visit, run through our dog grooming appointment checklist.

Yorkie Grooming FAQs

How often should a Yorkie be groomed?

Professionally every 4 to 6 weeks for a long coat and every 6 to 8 weeks for a short cut, with brushing at home daily or every other day.

Do Yorkies shed?

Very little. Yorkies have a single coat of fine hair with no undercoat, but that hair tangles easily without regular brushing.

What brush is best for a Yorkie?

A wide-tooth comb for detangling plus a pin brush or soft slicker brush for smoothing works well for most Yorkies.

How do I get rid of Yorkie tear stains?

Wipe the eye area daily with a soft, damp cloth and keep hair trimmed away from the eyes. Heavy or sudden tearing should be checked by a vet.

Keep Your Yorkie Looking Its Best

Daily brushing, gentle baths, and regular eye, ear, teeth and nail care keep a Yorkie’s coat silky and skin healthy. Pair that with a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Book your Yorkie’s groom with Groomit.

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Quick answer: A Maltese in a long coat needs daily brushing, a bath every 3 to 4 weeks, and a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. The two Maltese-specific jobs are keeping the white coat bright and managing tear stains: wipe the eyes and mouth daily, keep facial hair trimmed, and use a gentle dog shampoo made for white coats.

The Maltese has a single coat of long, silky, pure white hair with no undercoat. It sheds very little, but it tangles easily and shows every stain. This Maltese grooming guide covers brushing, bathing, stain care and when to book a professional.

Maltese Grooming Schedule at a Glance

How to Keep a Maltese Coat White

• Wipe daily. Saliva, food and tears cause most discoloration. A quick wipe of the eyes, muzzle and paws stops stains from setting.
• Dry the face after meals and drinking. A damp beard stains faster. Some owners find stainless steel or ceramic bowls easier to keep clean.
• Use the right shampoo. Choose a gentle, dog-specific shampoo; a whitening formula made for dogs can brighten the coat when used as directed.
• Keep the coat clean between baths. Brushing removes the dust and debris that dull white hair.

Maltese Tear Stains: What Helps

Reddish-brown tear stains are very common in Maltese because their white hair shows the pigment in tears. To reduce them, wipe the corners of the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth, keep hair trimmed away from the eyes, and dry the area well. If tearing is heavy, sudden, or comes with redness, squinting or discharge, see your vet, as allergies or eye problems can be the cause. More tips: 5 ways to keep your dog’s eyes clean.

How to Brush a Maltese

1. Lightly mist the coat with a dog-safe detangling spray; brushing dry hair causes breakage.
2. Use a wide-tooth comb to find and loosen tangles.
3. Smooth with a pin brush, working in small sections from the skin outward.
4. Pay extra attention behind the ears, in the armpits and around the collar.
5. Never pull on a mat. Leave tight mats to a groomer; here’s how to deal with minor and severe mats.

Bathing a Maltese

Bathe every 3 to 4 weeks, or when visibly dirty. Brush out all tangles first, since water tightens mats. Follow the shampoo with a lightweight conditioner to keep the coat soft, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely so the skin stays healthy. Overbathing can strip natural oils and dry the skin; if you notice flakes or itching, read about dog dry skin and dandruff.

Ears, Teeth and Nails

• Ears: Maltese ears are covered in long hair, which traps moisture. Check and clean weekly with a vet-approved solution.
• Teeth: small breeds are prone to dental disease, so aim for daily brushing. See our guide to brushing your dog’s teeth.
• Nails: trim every 3 to 4 weeks, or ask your groomer.

Long Coat or Puppy Cut?

A floor-length coat is beautiful but takes daily work. Many owners choose a shorter puppy or teddy bear cut that is far easier to keep clean and tangle-free. Your groomer can suggest a style that suits your lifestyle.

Professional Maltese Grooming With Groomit

Book a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. A Groomit groom includes a bath, haircut, brush-out, nail trim and ear cleaning, tailored to your Maltese, and your groomer can recommend brushes and products for home care. Groomit comes to your home or parks a mobile van outside, which many small, sensitive dogs find calmer than a salon. Prepare with our dog grooming appointment checklist, and see how often to groom other coat types.

Maltese Grooming FAQs

How often should a Maltese be groomed?

Professionally every 4 to 6 weeks, with daily brushing at home for a long coat or every 2 to 3 days for a short cut.

Do Maltese dogs shed?

Very little. They have a single coat with no undercoat, but the hair mats quickly without regular brushing.

How do I stop Maltese tear stains?

Wipe the eyes daily, keep facial hair trimmed and the area dry. Ask your vet about heavy or sudden tearing, which can signal allergies or an eye problem.

How do I keep my Maltese white?

Wipe the face and paws daily, dry the beard after meals, brush regularly, and bathe every 3 to 4 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo, such as a whitening formula made for dogs.

Book your Maltese’s next groom with Groomit →

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Quick answer: A Shih Tzu needs brushing daily (or at least several times a week), a bath every 3 to 4 weeks, a daily face and eye wipe, and a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Keep hair out of the eyes with a trim or topknot, and dry gently on low heat, because Shih Tzus are sensitive to overheating.

The Shih Tzu’s long, flowing double coat is gorgeous, but it mats quickly and hides skin problems if it isn’t cared for. This Shih Tzu grooming guide covers the tools, the routine, face care and the warning signs to watch for.

Shih Tzu Grooming Schedule at a Glance

How to Brush a Shih Tzu

1. Gather the right tools: a slicker brush for detangling, a pin brush for smoothing, and a metal comb to check you’ve reached the skin.
2. Work in sections, lifting the top layer so you can brush the hair underneath, down to the skin.
3. Start at the ends of each tangle and work toward the skin to avoid pulling.
4. Check the hot spots: behind the ears, armpits, belly, legs and tail.
5. Stop at tight mats. A mat breaker can help with small ones, but leave tight or large mats to a groomer. See how to deal with minor and severe mats.

Bathing and Drying a Shih Tzu

• Frequency: every 3 to 4 weeks. Over-bathing can dry out the skin.
• Products: a gentle, dog-specific shampoo for sensitive skin, followed by a dog conditioner. Never use human shampoo or harsh soap.
• Technique: brush out tangles first, massage the shampoo in gently while avoiding the eyes and ears, and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• Drying: towel-dry, then blow-dry on a low or cool setting. Shih Tzus are a flat-faced breed and can overheat, so take breaks and keep the air comfortable.

Shih Tzu Face and Eye Care

Shih Tzus have prominent eyes and facial hair that grows toward them, so daily face care matters. Wipe around the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove discharge and limit tear stains. Keep hair out of the eyes with a short face trim or a topknot. Redness, squinting, cloudiness or heavy discharge needs a vet visit. More tips: 5 ways to keep your dog’s eyes clean.

Shih Tzu Skin Care

• Watch for warning signs: redness, itching, flaking or hair loss can point to allergies, fleas or other issues. See your vet if they persist. Our guides to dog dry skin and protecting your pet from fleas and ticks can help.
• Diet: a balanced diet supports skin and coat. Ask your vet before adding supplements such as fish oil.
• Sun: short summer cuts can expose skin. Limit midday sun, and if you use sunscreen on the nose or ears, choose one made for dogs, as some human sunscreens contain ingredients that are toxic to pets.
• Dry winter air: a humidifier at home can help skin that gets flaky in winter.

Popular Shih Tzu Haircuts

A short puppy cut or teddy bear cut is the easiest to maintain and keeps the coat tangle-free. A full-length coat looks stunning but needs daily brushing. Whatever you choose, a professional trim every 4 to 6 weeks keeps it neat and keeps hair away from the eyes.

Professional Shih Tzu Grooming With Groomit

Groomit groomers handle the bath, gentle low-heat drying, haircut, brush-out, nail trim and ear cleaning, and you can ask about facial add-ons for tear stains. Choose in-home or mobile van grooming, so your Shih Tzu stays close to home and away from a noisy salon. Before booking, see how often to groom your dog and prepare with our dog grooming appointment checklist. Small-breed owners may also like our Yorkie grooming guide.

Shih Tzu Grooming FAQs

How often should a Shih Tzu be groomed?

Professionally every 4 to 6 weeks, with brushing daily or several times a week at home.

How often should I bathe my Shih Tzu?

Every 3 to 4 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. More often can dry out the skin.

Do Shih Tzus shed?

Very little, but loose hair gets trapped in the long coat and forms mats, which is why regular brushing matters.

What is the easiest Shih Tzu haircut?

A short puppy cut or teddy bear cut is the easiest to maintain and keeps hair out of the eyes.

Book your Shih Tzu’s next groom with Groomit →

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Quick answer: Professional grooming does far more than make your pet look good. It prevents painful mats, keeps skin and coat healthy, keeps nails at a safe length, cleans ears, reduces shedding, and gives a trained eye a regular look at your pet’s skin, ears, paws and teeth, which often catches problems early. Most dogs benefit from a professional groom every 4 to 8 weeks, alongside brushing at home.

Here are the benefits of professional pet grooming, what a groom includes, and how to get the most from it.

The 10 Biggest Benefits of Professional Grooming

1. Prevents mats and tangles

Mats pull on the skin, trap moisture and can hide sores. Groomers have the tools and techniques to remove tangles safely and keep the coat manageable. See how to deal with mats.

2. Healthier skin and coat

Proper bathing, conditioning and thorough drying remove dirt, dead hair and excess oil, and spread natural oils for a shinier coat.

3. Early detection of health problems

Groomers handle your pet from nose to tail and often spot lumps, skin irritation, parasites, ear problems or sore spots before you would. They can’t diagnose, but they can tell you when it’s time to see the vet.

4. Safe, comfortable nails

Overgrown nails change how a dog stands and walks and can crack or curl into the pad. Here’s why nail trimming is important.

5. Clean ears

Gentle ear cleaning removes wax and debris, and the groomer can flag redness or odor that may point to an infection.

6. Less shedding at home

Professional de-shedding removes loose undercoat that would otherwise end up on your floors and furniture. More tips: how to reduce dog shedding.

7. Fewer parasites

A thorough bath and brush-out make fleas and ticks easier to spot. See how to protect your pet from fleas and ticks.

8. Better hygiene and a fresher smell

Sanitary trims, paw-pad trims and a proper bath keep your pet cleaner and stop odors building up. If your dog still smells, read why dogs smell.

9. Comfort in every season

A clean, mat-free coat insulates better in winter and lets air circulate in summer. Double-coated breeds benefit from a de-shed rather than a shave.

10. Less stress and risk than doing it all yourself

Professionals know how to handle nervous pets, work safely around eyes, ears and quick, and use the right tools for each coat. That means fewer nicks, less struggle and a calmer pet.

What’s Included in a Professional Groom?

Professional Grooming vs. Grooming at Home

Home care, such as brushing, checking ears and paws, and wiping eyes, keeps your pet comfortable between visits. A professional groom handles the jobs that need skill and equipment: haircuts, mat removal, nail trims and deep de-shedding. Most pets do best with both. Start with our tips for grooming your dog at home.

How Often Should Your Pet Be Professionally Groomed?

Most dogs need a groom every 4 to 8 weeks; long-haired and curly breeds every 4 to 6 weeks, and short-coated breeds every 8 to 12 weeks. See the full schedule in how often should you groom your dog.

Getting the Most From a Professional Groom

• Prepare with our dog grooming appointment checklist.
• Tell your groomer about health issues, sensitive spots and behavior.
• Choose a setting that suits your pet. Anxious or senior pets often do better with mobile or in-home grooming.
• Book on a regular schedule so problems never build up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is professional grooming important for dogs?

It prevents mats, keeps skin, coat, nails and ears healthy, reduces shedding and parasites, and helps catch health problems early.

Is professional grooming worth the cost?

For most pets, yes. Regular grooming prevents painful mats and overgrown nails, saves you time, and can spot issues before they need costly vet care.

Can I groom my dog myself instead?

You can handle brushing and basic care, but haircuts, nail trims and mat removal are safer with a professional, especially for long or curly coats.

Do cats need professional grooming?

Many do, especially long-haired, senior or overweight cats that can’t groom themselves well. See our cat grooming tips.

Book a professional groom at home with Groomit →

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Quick answer: A simple dog care routine covers a few minutes a day (feeding, fresh water, exercise, a quick brush and a check for anything unusual), a weekly check of ears, paws, teeth and skin, and monthly tasks such as nail trims, a bath for most dogs, and parasite prevention. Add a professional groom every 4 to 8 weeks and yearly vet checkups.

Daily Dog Care

• Fresh water and measured meals
• Walks and play suited to your dog’s age and breed
• A quick brush, especially for long or curly coats
• Teeth brushing, or at least 3 times a week (how to brush your dog’s teeth)
• A glance at eyes, coat and energy level

Weekly Dog Care

• Ears: check for redness, odor or discharge, and clean if needed
• Paws: inspect pads and between the toes (dog paw care)
• Skin and coat: feel for lumps, mats, fleas or ticks
• Eyes: wipe away discharge (keeping your dog’s eyes clean)
• Bedding and bowls: wash to keep bacteria and odors down

Monthly Dog Care

• Nail trim every 3 to 6 weeks (why it matters)
• Bath every 4 to 8 weeks for most dogs
• Flea, tick and heartworm prevention as your vet recommends (protecting against fleas and ticks)
• Weigh-in to catch weight gain early

Every 4 to 8 Weeks: Professional Grooming

A professional groom handles the haircut, de-shedding, mat removal, nail trim, ear cleaning and sanitary trim, and gives an expert a chance to spot problems early. See how often to groom by breed and coat and the benefits of professional grooming.

Every Year: Vet Care

• A wellness exam (twice a year for senior dogs)
• Vaccines as recommended (dog vaccination guide)
• A dental check

Dog Care Checklist at a Glance

For step-by-step home grooming, see our dog grooming at home guide. New to dogs? Start with our new dog owner guide.

FAQs

What does basic dog maintenance include?

Daily food, water, exercise and brushing; weekly ear, paw and skin checks; monthly nail trims, baths and parasite prevention; regular professional grooms and yearly vet visits.

How often should I clean my dog’s ears?

Check them weekly and clean only when dirty, using a vet-approved cleaner.

How often does a dog need a professional groom?

Most dogs every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on coat type.

Book your dog’s next groom with Groomit →

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Quick answer: To groom your dog at home, brush to suit the coat type (daily for long or curly coats, weekly for short ones), bathe every 4 to 8 weeks with dog shampoo, check and clean ears weekly, trim nails every 3 to 6 weeks, and brush teeth several times a week. Leave haircuts, tight mats and anything your dog strongly resists to a professional groomer.

Tools You Need for Home Grooming

Step-by-Step Home Grooming Routine

1. Brush first

Always brush before bathing, because water tightens tangles into mats. Work in sections from the skin outward and go gently around ears, armpits and the tail. Never cut out mats with scissors; see how to deal with mats.

2. Bathe

Use lukewarm water and a dog shampoo, keep water out of the ears and eyes, and rinse thoroughly, since leftover shampoo causes itching. Most dogs need a bath every 4 to 8 weeks; see how often to groom by coat type.

3. Dry completely

Towel-dry, then use a pet dryer or a human dryer on the coolest setting, keeping it moving. Damp coats can lead to skin problems.

4. Check and clean ears

Wipe the visible part of the ear with a cotton pad and ear cleaner. Never push anything into the ear canal. Redness, odor or discharge needs a vet.

5. Trim nails

Clip a little at a time and avoid the pink quick inside the nail. If you’re unsure, ask a groomer. See how to trim overgrown nails.

6. Clean eyes and teeth

Wipe around the eyes with a soft, damp cloth and brush teeth with pet toothpaste. Follow our guide to brushing your dog’s teeth.

Tips to Keep Home Grooming Calm

• Keep sessions short, especially at first, and end on a good note.
• Use treats and praise throughout.
• Groom after exercise, when your dog is calmer.
• Use a non-slip mat in the tub or on the table.
• Start young; see new puppy grooming and how to teach your pet to love grooming.

When to Leave It to a Professional

• Haircuts and breed-specific styles
• Tight or widespread mats
• Nail trims if your dog panics or has dark nails where the quick is hard to see
• Heavy de-shedding of double coats
• Anxious or aggressive dogs; see grooming an anxious dog

Avoid the most common slip-ups with our list of grooming mistakes to avoid.

Home Grooming FAQs

How often should I groom my dog at home?

Brush daily to weekly depending on the coat, bathe every 4 to 8 weeks, check ears weekly and trim nails every 3 to 6 weeks.

Can I use human shampoo on my dog?

No. Human shampoo isn’t balanced for a dog’s skin and can cause dryness and irritation. Use a dog shampoo.

Should I cut my dog’s hair myself?

Small tidy-ups around the eyes and paws are fine with blunt-tipped scissors, but full haircuts are safer with a professional.

What if my dog hates being groomed?

Go slowly with short, rewarded sessions. For stressful jobs, a calm, one-on-one in-home groomer can help.

Need a hand? Book in-home grooming with Groomit →

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