Why Grooming Matters

Regular grooming helps maintain healthy skin and coat, prevents painful mats and tangles, and allows for early detection of issues such as lumps, skin conditions, or parasites. Beyond the physical benefits, grooming sessions also give your dog a chance to bond with humans in a calm, caring environment. For anxious pets, this routine interaction with a professional groomer can provide structure and reassurance.

In addition to brushing and bathing, grooming includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, gland expression, and dental care — all of which contribute to your dog’s health and comfort. Long nails can affect how your dog walks and may even lead to joint problems. Dirty ears can lead to infections. And neglected teeth? That can result in costly dental issues down the line.

At our veterinarian Birmingham, AL location, grooming is also a valuable tool in preventative care. During grooming sessions, it’s common for professionals to discover early signs of illness or injury that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether it’s a hidden sore, a patch of irritated skin, or an unusual lump, early detection can be the key to prompt treatment and a better prognosis.

Grooming also supports your pet’s mental health. Dogs that are regularly groomed often become more comfortable being handled, making them less anxious during veterinary visits or other necessary appointments. It helps to desensitize them to touch, loud noises (like clippers and dryers), and being around new people. When grooming becomes a consistent part of a dog’s routine, it can ease anxiety and lead to better overall behavior.

Understanding Coat Types and Grooming Frequency

To better understand how often your dog should be groomed, it’s important to look at coat types. Dogs are generally categorized into a few primary coat types: short-haired, medium to long-haired, curly or wavy-coated, double-coated, and wire-haired. Each type comes with its own grooming needs and maintenance schedule.

Short-Haired Breeds

Breeds like Boxers, Beagles, and Doberman Pinschers have short, sleek coats that lie close to the skin. These coats are relatively low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean grooming should be skipped. Even short-haired dogs shed, and regular brushing — about once a week — helps distribute natural oils and reduce loose hair around the house.

Bathing can be done every 6–8 weeks, or as needed if your dog gets into something dirty. Nail trims, ear checks, and dental care should be part of a regular monthly grooming routine regardless of coat length.

It’s also worth noting that short-haired breeds tend to show skin issues more visibly, meaning that grooming offers an important opportunity to check for rashes, dry patches, fleas, or ticks. Just because the coat is short doesn’t mean problems are less likely.

Medium to Long-Haired Breeds

Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, and Cocker Spaniels fall into this category. These breeds typically have coats that are prone to tangling and matting if not maintained properly. Brushing should occur several times per week, if not daily, to prevent knots from forming — especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.

Bathing is recommended every 4–6 weeks, depending on lifestyle. Dogs that love the outdoors or swimming may need baths more frequently. Regular trims are often necessary to keep their coats manageable and to avoid overgrowth that can trap dirt and debris.

At our veterinarian Birmingham, AL facility, we also provide sanitary trims and care for sensitive areas that can improve hygiene and reduce the risk of infection.

Curly or Wavy-Coated Breeds

Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Portuguese Water Dogs have dense, curly coats that grow continuously. These coats don’t shed like others, which makes them appealing to allergy sufferers, but they require high-maintenance grooming.

Without frequent brushing and trimming, curly coats can mat easily and become painful for your dog. These breeds typically need to be brushed several times a week and professionally groomed every 4–6 weeks. That includes full-body haircuts, nail trims, ear cleaning, and more.

It’s also common for curly-coated breeds to have sensitive skin. At Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort, your go-to veterinarian Birmingham, AL, we use only pet-safe products to ensure your dog’s comfort during every grooming session.

Double-Coated Breeds

Huskies, German Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs have double coats — a dense undercoat beneath a topcoat. These dogs shed seasonally, often referred to as “blowing their coat,” and need extra grooming during those times.

Brushing should occur at least two to three times per week year-round, and daily during shedding seasons. Using a deshedding tool can help remove the undercoat efficiently. Baths can be given every 6–8 weeks, but make sure the coat is thoroughly dried to prevent skin irritation.

Shaving these breeds is discouraged unless recommended by a veterinarian Birmingham, AL, as it may permanently damage their coat and disrupt their natural ability to regulate temperature.

Wire-Haired Breeds

Terriers and Schnauzers typically have coarse, bristly coats that require a unique grooming process called hand-stripping or specialized clipping. This maintains the texture and keeps the coat healthy.

Wire-haired dogs need brushing once or twice a week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to maintain coat texture. As with all breeds, regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are necessary for health and comfort.

Our grooming team at Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort, a trusted veterinarian Birmingham, AL, offers both traditional and show-style grooming for wire-haired breeds depending on your preferences.

Lifestyle Considerations

Beyond breed and coat type, your dog’s lifestyle plays a major role in grooming needs. Active dogs who spend time outdoors, roll in the grass, or swim frequently will naturally need more frequent baths and coat maintenance. Similarly, dogs with allergies or skin sensitivities may need medicated baths or special grooming routines to keep them comfortable.

If your dog frequently visits dog parks or daycare, it’s even more important to maintain a consistent grooming schedule. Our veterinarian Birmingham, AL team recommends bi-weekly grooming for socially active dogs to prevent skin issues and maintain hygiene.

Senior dogs or dogs with mobility issues often benefit from more frequent grooming, as it can help them stay clean and comfortable when self-care becomes more difficult.

Recognizing When It’s Time for Grooming

Some dogs make it obvious when they need grooming. You might notice a musty odor, oily skin, or tangles forming in their coat. Overgrown nails may cause clicking on floors or discomfort when walking. Dirty ears may emit a smell or cause your dog to scratch excessively. Matted fur, especially around joints and underarms, can even restrict movement or lead to skin sores.

Behavioral changes like irritability or reluctance to play or walk may also signal discomfort due to grooming-related issues. At Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort, our veterinarian Birmingham, AL team encourages pet owners to bring their dogs in for evaluation if they notice any of these signs.

The Role of Professional Grooming

At Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort, we tailor each grooming session to your dog’s unique needs. Our team is trained to work with a variety of breeds and coat types, and we use only high-quality tools and products designed for pet safety. More than just a “bath and brush,” our grooming services are comprehensive wellness check-ins that support your dog’s comfort, hygiene, and overall health.

Our veterinarian Birmingham, AL staff also creates a calm, stress-free environment for even the most anxious pets. We take our time, use gentle techniques, and ensure each dog leaves feeling — and looking — their best.

Whether your dog needs breed-specific styling, mat removal, or skin-sensitive grooming care, our experienced professionals are ready to help. We’ll also walk you through at-home maintenance tips to extend the benefits of each grooming session.

Keeping Up With the Grooming Routine

Grooming isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for your dog’s health. By establishing a consistent grooming schedule based on breed, coat, and lifestyle, you can prevent common problems and help your pet live a healthier, more comfortable life. If you’re ever unsure how often your dog needs to be groomed, a professional groomer or veterinarian Birmingham, AL can assess your pet and make a recommendation tailored specifically to them.

At Birmingham Animal Hospital + Resort, we’re more than just a pet care facility — we’re your full-service veterinarian Birmingham, AL partner in wellness, grooming, and long-term health. Whether it’s your dog’s first groom or a regular appointment, our goal is to make it a positive, stress-free experience every time.

If you’re ready to schedule your dog’s grooming appointment or want to learn more about what makes our grooming services exceptional, give us a call today. We’re proud to be the trusted choice for grooming and veterinary care in Birmingham, AL.