How to Groom a Dog at Home, by Coat Type
Smooth, double, long, curly, wire or hairless: each coat needs something different. How often to brush and bathe each one, which tools to use, why double coats shouldn’t be shaved, and the checks to do every session.
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Groom your dog at home by coat type: brush long, silky and curly coats daily, double coats often daily, and most other coats a few times a week, using the tool that suits the coat. Bathe as often as the coat needs and no more, brush out tangles before the bath, never shave a double coat, and check nails, ears and skin every session. That’s the guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals and the American Kennel Club.
Grooming is also a weekly health check. It’s when you notice lumps, fleas, ticks and sore ears early.
By coat type
Smooth or short coats. A few times a week is usually enough. The AKC suggests a rubber curry brush, and VCA suggests a grooming glove or short-bristle brush. Bathing: the AKC says many medium and large dogs do well with a bath anywhere from weekly to every 4–6 weeks, and that over-bathing strips the coat’s oils.
Double coats. VCA says double-coated dogs shed heavily twice a year, in late spring and late fall, and often need daily brushing. A slicker brush pulls dead hair and a long-toothed comb gets through the undercoat. VCA suggests bathing heavy-undercoat breeds around those spring and fall sheds. Don’t shave it (more below).
Long, silky coats. VCA advises daily brushing, paying attention to the ears, armpits and backs of the legs. The AKC suggests a pin brush for many longhaired dogs, and VCA a long-toothed comb.
Curly, non-shedding coats. Daily brushing with a slicker brush (VCA). VCA suggests a bath about every 6–8 weeks.
Wire coats. The AKC explains that wire coats are traditionally hand-stripped, by you or a groomer, and that clipping softens a wire coat and can change its color and texture over time.
Hairless dogs. No brushing needed; the AKC suggests bathing about weekly.
The free grooming by coat type chart puts all six on one page with a grooming log.
Why not to shave a double coat
The AKC explains that a double coat insulates the dog and protects the skin from sunburn. Shaving can increase the risk of heatstroke, and the coat may grow back patchy. VCA advises never shaving a dog down to the skin unless your vet recommends it. Regular brushing through the shedding seasons is the alternative.
Bath time
- Dog shampoo only. VCA advises against human and baby shampoo; a hypoallergenic, unscented dog shampoo is the gentlest choice.
- Brush first. VCA suggests brushing out tangles before the bath.
- Mats: VCA says to use clippers, never scissors. Severe mats need a professional.
Every session: the quick health check
- Nails: if they click on the floor, they’re too long (AKC). How to trim a dog’s nails without a fight covers the step-by-step method.
- Ears: the AKC suggests cleaning the visible outer ear about monthly, and never pushing anything deep into the ear.
- Skin: lumps, fleas, ticks, and red or sore patches are all reasons to call your vet.
When to call the vet
VCA lists the signs of an ear infection: head shaking, scratching at the ears, red ears, a bad smell, and black or yellow discharge. Floppy, hairy ears are more prone, and VCA notes allergies are involved in many cases. Recurring ear infections, severe mats, and new lumps or sores all deserve a vet visit. If you’re not sure what’s normal for your dog’s breed, the breed guides cover coat care breed by breed.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should I brush my dog?
- It depends on the coat. VCA advises daily brushing for long, silky and curly coats, focusing on the ears, armpits and backs of the legs, and often daily for double coats. Most other dogs do well with brushing several times a week.
- Should I shave my double-coated dog in summer?
- No. The AKC explains that a double coat insulates and protects from sunburn, and that shaving can raise heatstroke risk and grow back patchy. VCA advises never shaving to the skin unless your vet recommends it.
- How often should I bathe my dog?
- VCA suggests about every 6–8 weeks for non-shedding coats and bathing heavy-undercoat breeds around their spring and fall sheds. The AKC says many medium and large dogs do well with a bath weekly to every 4–6 weeks, hairless dogs weekly, and that over-bathing strips natural oils.
- How do I get mats out of my dog’s fur?
- VCA advises using clippers, never scissors. Severe mats are a job for a professional groomer or your vet.
Educational content only — not veterinary or professional behavior advice. Consult your vet, or a certified trainer or behaviorist, for your pet. Read the full disclaimer →