Ask ten dog owners how often they book a groom and you’ll get ten different answers. Some people go monthly. Others wait until their dog looks like it’s wearing a jumper made of its own fur. So, how often should you groom a dog professionally? The honest answer depends on coat type, not the calendar. Here’s the actual breakdown, from the team at Royal Paws Pet Grooming.
The Quick Answer, By Coat Type
Coat type drives grooming frequency more than breed name, age, or how muddy your backyard gets. Here’s the one-line answer to how often should you groom a dog: every 4 to 12 weeks. The exact number depends entirely on what kind of coat they carry. As a general guide:
- Short, smooth coats (Beagles, Staffies, Boxers): every 8 to 10 weeks, mostly for a bath, nails, and ear clean
- Double coats (Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Border Collies): every 8 to 12 weeks for a proper de-shed
- Curly coats (Poodles, Cavoodles, Labradoodles): every 4 to 6 weeks to stay ahead of matting
- Long, silky coats (Shih Tzus, Maltese): every 4 to 6 weeks, with daily brushing at home in between
- Wiry coats (Terriers): every 6 to 8 weeks
None of these numbers are fixed. A muddy weekend hiker needs more frequent visits than a dog who mostly naps on the couch.
Dog Grooming Melbourne Cost: What to Actually Expect
Dog grooming Melbourne cost sits higher than the national average, mostly because rent and wages in the city push prices up across the board. A full groom typically runs $55 to $85 for a small dog, $75 to $130 for a medium breed, and $95 to $165 for a large or heavily coated dog.
A few things move the price beyond size. A matted coat adds $15 to $60, depending on how bad it is. Curly-coated breeds like Labradoodles take longer to clip and dry, so they usually sit at the top of the range. If a groomer quotes well under $50 for a full service on a medium dog, it’s worth asking exactly what’s included before you book.
Double Coated Breed Grooming Tips
If you own a Husky, German Shepherd, or Golden Retriever, this section matters more than any other. Double coated breed grooming tips almost always start with one rule: never shave a double coat. The undercoat actually helps regulate body temperature in both summer and winter, and shaving it can permanently damage how it grows back.
Instead, stick to this rhythm:
- Brush two to three times a week, and daily during shedding season (spring and autumn are the big ones)
- Book a professional de-shed every 8 to 12 weeks, which pulls out loose undercoat before it turns into mats
- Skip frequent full baths. Over-bathing strips the natural oils double coats rely on
The RSPCA’s guidance on why and how to groom your dog backs this up specifically for double-coated breeds like Samoyeds and Australian Shepherds, which need real care beyond a quick brush.
Cat Grooming Melbourne: A Different Routine Entirely
Dogs aren’t the only pets that need a grooming routine, and it’s worth a quick mention here. Cat grooming Melbourne owners book for is usually far less frequent than dog grooming, simply because cats do most of the work themselves.
Short-haired cats typically only need a professional groom occasionally, mostly for nail trims and the odd bath. Long-haired breeds like Persians and Ragdolls need more regular attention, since their coats mat faster and self-grooming alone isn’t enough. The RSPCA recommends daily brushing for long and medium-haired cats, with weekly brushing usually sufficient for short-haired cats.
Mobile Pet Grooming Melbourne: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
Mobile pet grooming Melbourne services have grown fast over the last few years, and it’s easy to see why. A groomer comes to your home. Your dog skips the stressful car ride and the wait in an unfamiliar salon, and the whole thing gets done without leaving the driveway.
Expect to pay $15 to $30 more than a salon visits for the same service. For an anxious dog, an elderly dog, or a household with more than one pet to groom, that extra cost often earns itself back in reduced stress alone.
Finding the Best Dog Groomer Near Me
Typing best dog groomer near me into a search bar gets you a long list and very little useful information. A few things actually separate a good groomer from an average one.
Ask how they handle nervous or reactive dogs. Ask whether your dog gets rushed through alongside three others, or given proper one-on-one time and pacing. That second point matters more than most people realise. This is exactly the approach Royal Paws Pet Grooming takes with every dog that comes through the door. It applies whether you’re in Strathtulloh, Manor Lakes, Wyndham Vale, or Rockbank. A calm, unhurried session isn’t a luxury add-on. It’s often the difference between a dog who tolerates grooming and one who genuinely doesn’t mind it.
Signs Your Dog Needs a Groom Sooner Than Planned
Schedules are a guide, not a rule. Book an earlier visit if you notice:
- Matting that a home brush can’t get through
- A strong odour that wasn’t there last week
- Nails clicking loudly on hard floors
- Constant scratching or head-shaking
- Visible debris or grass seeds caught in the coat
Ready to Book a Pet Grooming Appointment?
Every dog’s coat is different, so how often should you groom a dog really comes down to breed, lifestyle, and how they’re tracking between visits. Royal Paws Pet Grooming offers unhurried, one-on-one appointments across Strathtulloh and the surrounding Wyndham suburbs. Get in touch to work out a schedule that actually fits your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you groom a dog with a double coat? Every 8 to 12 weeks professionally, with brushing two to three times a week at home, more often during shedding season.
Is dog grooming more expensive in Melbourne than other cities? Generally yes, by roughly 15 to 25 percent compared to regional areas, mainly due to higher rent and wages.
How much extra does mobile grooming cost? Usually $15 to $30 more than an equivalent salon visit, depending on your location and the service booked.
Do cats need professional grooming as often as dogs? No. Short-haired cats rarely need more than occasional grooming, while long-haired breeds benefit from more regular attention.
What’s the single biggest mistake owners make with double-coated dogs? Shaving the coat. It doesn’t grow back the same and removes the insulation the dog relies on in both hot and cold weather.