Getting your dog to the groomer isn’t just about having a pretty pooch—it’s essential to their nail, fur, and skin health. Of course, canine companions can’t communicate when they need some touching up, so it’s up to you to keep them clean on a regular basis. As a general rule of thumb, Clippet Pet Salon recommends making appointments about every six to eight weeks to cover basic needs. However, since needs can vary for every dog, this pet groomer of Elizabethtown, KY, explores a few other things you might need to consider when figuring out your hound’s hygiene schedule.  

Factors Impacting Your Dog’s Grooming Schedule

Breed

The fur coat your dog has—and how it is cared for—will depend on their breed. For example, short-hair breeds, such as Beagles, may require routine brushing at home, but will otherwise stick to the standard recommended grooming schedule. Dogs with more continuously-growing coats, like curly-haired Poodles, will require more frequent visits at about four to six weeks.

Activity Level

When your dog is kept mostly indoors, bathing every six weeks may be enough to keep the dirt and debris at bay. However, pups playing in the yard all the time should get a deep clean whenever they start to smell or their fur begins to mat.

Active dogs that regularly walk on hard surfaces may not need regular nail trimming, as the friction can maintain a proper length. Pets that walk on softer surfaces, on the other hand, will need their nails clipped every one to two months—or as soon as the nail starts to touch the ground.

Environment

While dog bathing and nail clipping should remain consistent, owners might adjust their fur-trimming needs based on weather conditions. For example, a double-coated German Shepherd may need clipping every month during the summer to stay cool and comfortable. But once cold weather arrives, it may be more appropriate to let the fur grow out, as long as it’s regularly brushed to prevent matting.     

If you’re a puppy parent in Elizabethtown, KY, the experts at Clippet Pet Salon can offer insight into your dog’s grooming needs. Offering more than 30 years of experience, this pet groomer can accommodate all breeds with a wide range of services, including sensitive skin dog baths, full-service pedicures, deep conditioning, and coat detangling. You can find more details about these services online, or call (270) 765­-6894 to schedule a convenient, comfortable salon experience for your furry friend.