When grooming a dog, there are several factors to consider. Because yes, just like people, every dog is different: some enjoy bathing like a duck, while others see it as a punishment.
In this article, we will review the essentials of canine grooming. First, you need to identify how much maintenance your furry friend requires: Frequent baths or a mud-scented type? Fancy haircuts or a ‘wild and free’ style? Short, neat nails or claws worthy of a velociraptor? Clean ears or more mysterious than an unexplored cave? And of course, let’s not forget the expression of the glands… a matter as necessary as it is unglamorous.
Bathing and Haircuts
Once you’re clear on all this, you can establish a grooming routine that works for both you and your pet. And, who knows, you might even enjoy the process! (Well, you might… your dog is another story).
Shorthair

It may sound obvious, but short-haired dogs require less maintenance than their XL-length furry cousins. In fact, they’ll never need a haircut (unless it’s warranted, like surgery, for example…).
As for baths, these dogs are not exactly candidates for the water-lovers’ club. An occasional bath will suffice. If your dog has skin greasier than a pizza fresh from the oven, a bath every 4–6 weeks is fine. If not, you can space the baths out to 6–12 weeks without a problem.
But don’t be overconfident. Even if they don’t go to the groomer, they require regular brushing. Brushing with a rubber or curry brush will help remove loose hairs, distribute natural oils and keep their coat shiny and healthy. Plus, you’ll avoid finding their hairs on your clothes, sofa and, mysteriously, in your food.
Examples of breeds with this coat: Boxer, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Great Dane, Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher, Weimaraner.
Short Hair & Double Coat

Double-coated short-haired dogs have a special ability: they shed seasonally and redecorate their home with a fine layer of fluff. Brushing them about four times a year will help get rid of that undercoat of dead hair, allowing their fur to breathe without compromising their elegant natural coat. Plus, your home will look less like it’s been snowed in… with fur.
Example breeds: Beagles, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd
Long Hair

If you’ve decided to give your dog a shampoo commercial-worthy mane, get ready: the brush will be your dog’s best friend. Most groomers agree that a good comb is the best tool for taming long coats, untangling knots and preventing your dog from ending up looking like a mop with legs. To maintain that fluffy, glamorous look, brushing or combing twice a day (yes, like a Hollywood star) is recommended.
Long-haired dogs also need a bath every 4–6 weeks and a haircut every 8–12 weeks. The good news is that, if you brush them frequently at home, you will be able to space out the visits to the groomer more… and your pocket will notice it.
Some stylish dogs with great manes: Akita, Husky, Australian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, Golden Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Havanese and Pomeranian (also known as “living cotton ball”).
Silky Hair

Silky-haired dogs are the true divas of the canine world: their manes grow long and require maintenance worthy of a movie star. A haircut is recommended every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on whether you prefer your dog to have a windblown mane or something more manageable (and less prone to tangles).
Also, daily brushing and combing are not optional, they are part of the grooming contract! Because these dogs tend to have little or no undercoat and slightly oilier skin, they need more frequent baths to keep their manes from going from ‘silky and shiny’ to ‘I’m smeared in butter’.
Examples of these canines: Yorkshire Terrier, Afghan Hound, Irish Setter and Silky Terrier (yes, their name says it all).
Curly or Wavy Hair

These dogs are what we would call **”high maintenance**, at least when it comes to grooming. If they were human, they would probably have a personal stylist and a standing appointment at the spa. They require more attention than other breeds, so be prepared to make daily brushing part of their routine (or their new hobby).
Also, a visit to the groomer every 3 to 4 weeks for a bath is practically mandatory, and every 6 to 8 weeks for a haircut. But look on the bright side: with so much care, your dog will always look ready for a social networking session.
Examples of these luxurious furries: Portuguese Water Dogs, Airedale Terriers and Poodles .
Nails
Trimming your dog’s nails is not just a matter of aesthetics, but an essential grooming task. Nails that are too long can cause your dog to walk like he’s on stilts or assume a contortionist’s stance, which can eventually lead to spinal problems (and probably a ‘help’ face every time he tries to move).

If you start to hear a **”tac-tac-tac-tac ’** on the floor as if you have a little tap dancer in the house, it’s time for a trim. Ideally, it should be done every two weeks to prevent the nails from turning into eagle claws and to keep your dog’s paws comfortable and healthy.
Ears

Keeping your dog’s ears clean is a key part of his grooming routine (and avoiding unpleasant scratching surprises). Now, cleaning those ears can become a challenge if your dog isn’t used to it.
Be prepared for evasive manoeuvres, looks of betrayal and possible escape attempts. But with patience and positive reinforcement (also known as treats), you’ll make ear cleaning a little less dramatic… or at least make your dog sympathetic and forgiving more quickly.
The frequency of cleaning your dog’s ears depends on the breed. Some are born with pristine ears worthy of a cotton wool advert, while others look like dirt magnets and need regular maintenance.
Breeds with long, floppy ears — the ones that look like stuffed wings — are at a higher risk of infection, but no dog is completely safe from hearing problems. But beware of over-enthusiasm! Over-cleaning those little ears can cause irritation and infection, and your dog may start to suspect you have a hygiene-obsessed sufferer in the house.
Learn what a healthy, clean ear looks like and smells like. Clean ears should look pink, clean and not red and irritated. The ears should be odorless. If they smell yeasty or stink in any way, then it’s time to clean the ears or get them checked by your groomer or vet.
Gland Expression
Your dog’s anal glands play a key role in his social life (yes, that rear sniffing is more than just a greeting). When pressed, they release an oily substance that not only reflects his hormonal state, but also helps him mark territory.
However, these glands can become impacted and become a considerable nuisance to your dog. They can be affected by everything from food allergies to bacteria to hormonal changes. If your dog starts walking funny, he’s probably not practising new choreography… and it’s time to pay attention to those glands.
How to notice when your dog has impacted anal glands:
- Wiggling his bottom on the carpet.
- Exaggerated straining or small cries when pooping. Blood and/or pus in the poo.
- Excessive licking or guarding of the anal area as if it were the best kept secret.
- Fishy smell of another level, as if your dog has a hidden seafood market.
- Swelling in the gland area.
Most groomers will include gland expression as a part of their traditional services. Be sure to ask and make sure that the gland expression is included. If not, it’s definitely worth the extra cost to be sure your dog stays healthy.
Other Things to Consider
Environment
While knowing your dog’s breed will give you a clue as to his grooming needs, environment also plays a key role. A dog who spends the day on the couch enjoying life won’t get as dirty as one who thinks mud is his second skin.

When dogs are outdoors, they inevitably find a way to roll around in grass, dirt and, if they’re lucky (for them, not for you), something even stinkier. If your dog comes home smelling like he’s had an adventure in a dumpster… you know what to do: mandatory bath.
Skin Conditions and Allergies
If your dog’s allergies are wreaking havoc on its skin or coat, you might want to tweak its grooming routine—because who wouldn’t want to pamper their furry friend even more?. Some allergies require more brushing to keep the skin in good condition, while others can be made worse by too much brushing… so it’s not just a matter of ‘more is better’ or ‘less is more’, but finding the right fit.

It is best to consult with your vet and groomer to establish a suitable programme. After all, they know exactly how to keep your dog clean, comfortable and, most importantly, free of itchiness and doggy drama.
Budget
Keeping your dog always looking presentable can be expensive, especially if your furry friend is the type that requires a stylist more often than you do. While professional grooming is a must for many breeds, you can reduce the frequency (and the impact on your wallet) with a little effort at home.

The more consistent you are with brushing and basic grooming, the fewer visits to the salon you’ll need. Plus, learning tricks like nail trimming and ear checks will not only save you money, but also make you a true dog grooming expert – your dog and your wallet will thank you!
Let us help
Got questions about keeping your dog’s coat clean and shiny? No worries—we’ve got you covered! Our team is happy to give you tips and answer any questions about your furry friend’s grooming routine.
Send us a message or reach out on WhatsApp at +584242733620. We promise to give you non-judgmental advice if your dog looks like a tousled rocker… for now!