How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

Every dog is different, but one thing they all have in common? They require regular grooming! Whether you have a fluffy golden retriever, a sleek beagle, or a wrinkly dog like an English bulldog, French bulldog, or pug, dog grooming is a big part of keeping your pup happy and healthy. In this blog post, we’ll share helpful dog care tips and talk about how often you should groom your dog, including what tools and products you might need—like Squishface Ear wipes, Nose Balm, Wrinkle Wipes, and Wrinkle Paste.

Let’s dive into the world of dog grooming and learn all about what your pup needs!

Why Is Grooming Important?

Grooming isn’t just about making your dog look cute (although that’s a nice bonus!). It helps prevent health problems like ear infections, hyperkeratosis (dry, crusty noses), matted fur, and even skin infections. Grooming also gives you a chance to check your dog’s body for any lumps, bumps, or boo-boos you might not notice otherwise.

Now let’s break it down: how often should you groom your dog?

1. Daily Brushing

Yep, we said daily! Whether your pup has long or short hair, daily brushing helps keep their coat clean, spreads natural oils, and reduces shedding. It’s also a great way to bond with your pet.

• Short-haired dogs like boxers or dachshunds: Brush once a day or every other day.

• Long-haired dogs like collies or golden retrievers: Brush daily to prevent tangles and mats.

• Wrinkly dogs like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs: Brush regularly, but also pay extra attention to their skin folds (more on that below!).

Not sure which brush is best for your dog’s coat type? Check out this helpful guide on the best dog brushes!

2. Weekly to Monthly Baths

How often your dog needs a bath depends on their dog breed, skin type, and how messy their adventures get. Bathing is a core part of dog grooming that helps remove dirt, allergens, and loose fur while helping to keep the skin healthy. Here’s how to tell what your pup needs:

• Active dogs who love mud puddles?
  -Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, go hiking often, or love to roll in dirt should be bathed once a week. Regular baths help prevent skin issues and keep their coat free of dirt and debris. Using gentle dog shampoos is beneficial to maintain a healthy, shiny coat and prevent dryness.

• Indoor cuddle bugs?
  -If your dog mostly lounges around the house, a bath every 4 to 6 weeks is usually enough. Less exposure to dirt and allergens means less need for frequent washing, but regular grooming is still essential. A solid dog grooming routine, even for low-activity pups, helps avoid the buildup of oils and skin flakes.

• Wrinkly dogs like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, and pugs?
  These wrinkly dog breeds need extra attention during bath time due to their adorable but deep skin folds. Bathe every 2 to 4 weeks using a mild dog shampoo, and always follow up with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Wrinkle Paste to clean and protect the folds. Keeping a wrinkly dog clean helps prevent skin infections, odor, and discomfort—especially in breeds like pugs, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs.

3. Clean Those Ears!

Dogs with floppy ears or a lot of fur around their ears can be prone to ear infections. To keep dog ears clean and healthy, use Squishface Ear Wipes once a day to keep those ears clean! These gentle wipes help remove dirt and wax without irritation. It's an easy and effective way to prevent stinky ears and keep your pup comfortable.

4. Don’t Forget the Nose

Some dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds (those with flat faces), can get dry, crusty noses. This is known as hyperkeratosis, and it can be painful if left untreated. That’s where Squishface Nose Balm comes in! Apply it regularly to soothe and moisturize your dog’s nose, especially for those cute wrinkly faces.

5. Wrinkle Care for Brachycephalic Breeds

Now let’s talk wrinkles! If you have a wrinkly dog like an English bulldog, French bulldog, Shar Peis or Pug, you know how cute those folds are—but they can trap moisture, dirt, and harmful bacteria. That’s why Squishface wrinkle wipes and Squishface wrinkle paste are must-haves!

Use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes daily to clean out the folds gently. Then, apply the Wrinkle Paste to create a water-repellent barrier that keeps moisture out and protects the skin. This combo is great for preventing infections, redness, and that funky “face fold” smell.

Wrinkly dogs need a little extra love, but their sweet snuggles are worth it!

6. Nail Trimming Every 3-4 Weeks

Trimming your dog’s nails every 3 to 4 weeks is an important part of regular dog grooming. Long nails can lead to pain, joint problems, and even posture issues, especially if they start curling under the paw. One of the best dog care tips is to listen for that “click-clack” sound on the floor—if you hear it, it’s time for a trim.

Dogs that walk on hard surfaces naturally wear their nails down a bit, but indoor or less active pups may need trims more often. For safety and ease, use dog-specific nail clippers or grinders, and if you're unsure, a groomer can trim them professionally during a routine dog grooming visit.

7. Tooth Brushing 2-3 Times a Week (or More!)

Dental care is one of the most overlooked but essential parts of dog care. Brushing your dog’s teeth 2 to 3 times a week helps prevent plaque buildup, bad breath, and serious health issues like gum disease. One of the best dog care tips is to use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs—never use human toothpaste, as it can be harmful.

For added support, you can incorporate dental chews and water additives, but brushing remains the most effective method. According to the American Kennel Club, regular brushing can even help extend your dog’s life by preventing bacteria from spreading through the bloodstream.

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The Bottom Line:

How often should you groom your dog? The answer is: it depends on your dog’s breed, coat, and lifestyle. With these dog care tips, you’re well on your way to keeping your pup clean, comfy, and healthy.

To recap:

• Brush your dog daily

• Bathe every 1-6 weeks

• Clean ears regularly with Squishface Ear Wipes

• Use Squishface nose balm to fight nasal hyperkeratosis

• Clean and protect skin folds on English and French bulldogs, pugs, and other wrinkly dogs with Squishface wrinkle wipes and wrinkle paste

• Trim nails and brush teeth regularly

Grooming isn’t just about appearance—it’s about love and care. Grab your brush, your dog wipes, and your pup, and make grooming a fun, relaxing routine!

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