How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Guide by Coat Type

There's no single answer: a Shih Tzu, a Labrador and a Husky need very different care. Here's how often to bathe, brush and trim by coat type, adjusted for Indian heat and monsoon.

Short coats (Labrador, Beagle, Pug, Indie dogs)

Brush once or twice a week with a rubber brush to remove loose hair and spread natural oils. A bath every 4 to 6 weeks is enough for most short-coated dogs, or sooner if they've rolled in something. Too many baths dry out the skin.

Double coats (Husky, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Pomeranian)

These dogs have a soft undercoat under longer guard hairs. Brush two to three times a week, and daily during shedding season, with an undercoat rake or slicker brush. Bathe every 4 to 8 weeks and dry them completely, right down to the skin, because damp undercoat in Indian humidity leads to hot spots and fungal infections.

Please don't shave a double-coated dog for summer. The coat insulates against heat and protects the skin from sunburn, and after a shave it can grow back patchy or not at all. Regular brushing to remove the dead undercoat keeps them cooler than a shave does.

Long and growing coats (Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Maltese)

These coats keep growing and tangle quickly. Brush every day or two, right to the skin, to prevent mats. They usually need a professional groom with a haircut every 4 to 6 weeks. A shorter "puppy cut" is fine for these breeds and makes the hot months much more comfortable.

Nails, ears, teeth and eyes

• Nails: trim every 3 to 4 weeks, or when you hear them clicking on the floor
• Ears: check weekly; clean with a vet-recommended ear cleaner if dirty, especially in floppy-eared breeds and after baths
• Teeth: brush with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste) a few times a week
• Eyes: wipe tear stains daily in flat-faced and white-coated breeds
• Paws: check between the toes after walks, especially in the monsoon

Grooming in the Indian monsoon

Wet fur that stays damp is the main cause of skin problems in the rainy season. Towel-dry your dog after every walk, dry between the toes and in skin folds, and use a dryer on a cool setting for thick coats. Check for ticks after every walk, because tick numbers peak around this time.

When to book a professional groomer

Book a groomer for haircuts, de-shedding, mats you can't brush out, or if your dog won't let you trim their nails. Choose a groomer who asks for your dog's vaccination record, uses dog-safe products, never sedates without a vet, and tells you about any skin problems or lumps they notice. Many groomers now offer home visits, which is calmer for anxious dogs.