How often should you brush a dog?

A brush left unused in a drawer can quickly cost you a filter, extra hair on the sofa, and a dog that doesn't find grooming very pleasant. The question of how often to brush your dog therefore arises for many dog owners – and the short answer is that it depends on the coat, season, and the individual dog's lifestyle.

Some dogs do fine with a thorough brushing a couple of times a week, while others need to be combed almost daily. It's not about doing as much as possible, but about doing the right thing with the right rhythm. When brushing matches the dog's coat, it becomes easier to keep the skin healthy, reduce shedding in the home, and spot small changes in time.

How often should you brush your dog based on coat type?

The coat type is the most important place to start. A short-haired dog with a dense coat does not have the same needs as a long-haired dog with soft undercoat. Therefore, there is no single fixed answer that fits all.

Short-haired breeds can often get by with brushing 1-2 times a week. Here, it's mostly about removing loose hairs, distributing the skin's natural oils, and keeping the coat neat. Many are surprised by how much a short-haired dog actually sheds, and a regular routine can make a big difference in everyday life.

Medium-length coats typically require brushing 2-4 times a week. The coat can start to collect small mats behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail, especially if the dog loves forest walks, rainy weather, and long naps in the basket afterward.

Long-haired dogs should generally be brushed daily or at least 4-6 times a week. Here, a small knot quickly turns into mats that pull on the skin and become uncomfortable. If you discover them late, it often ends up with more extensive clipping than you would have liked.

Wiry-haired dogs often need brushing a couple of times a week, but they may also need stripping, depending on the breed. Curly and woolly coats, as seen in many doodle and poodle types, usually require frequent brushing – often daily – because the hairs easily tangle.

It's not just the coat – the season also plays a role

If you feel your dog suddenly sheds twice as much in spring or autumn, you're not alone. Many dogs change their coat significantly during transition periods, and here the brushing routine often needs to be stepped up.

During shedding periods, even a dog that is normally only brushed a couple of times a week can benefit from daily brushing for a period. It helps to remove the loose undercoat before it lands on the floor, in the car, and on your clothes. At the same time, it gives the skin better air circulation and can reduce the risk of loose hairs matting together.

In winter and during wet months, the coat can also collect more dirt, moisture, and small debris from nature. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to bathe the dog more often, but an extra round with the brush can keep the coat cleaner and more comfortable.

Signs that you are not brushing often enough

Many only realize the need when the coat has already become difficult to manage. If brushing is postponed for too long, it often becomes quite clear.

The coat can start to look dull and heavy, or you find small knots in the same places again and again. The dog may also start to scratch more, not necessarily due to allergies, but because old undercoat, dirt, or mats irritate the skin. With some dogs, brushing suddenly becomes a struggle simply because it hurts when the tool hits matted areas.

Furthermore, you miss an important opportunity to check the dog's skin. When you brush regularly, you'll sooner notice redness, dryness, small sores, ticks, or areas of abnormal shedding. It's a small routine with great value.

Can you brush too much?

Yes, you actually can. Too frequent or too harsh brushing can irritate the skin, especially if you use a tool that is not suitable for the coat. This applies particularly to dogs with short, fine coats or sensitive skin, where an aggressive brush can cause redness and discomfort.

If the skin looks irritated after brushing, or if the dog seems sore, it's worth adjusting both technique and frequency. Brushing should be thorough, but not violent. The best results usually come from short, calm sessions rather than rare and overly extensive projects.

How to find the right routine

The best routine is the one you can actually maintain. Five minutes several times a week is often better than a long session every other Sunday, where both you and the dog lose patience.

Start by looking at how quickly your dog's coat mats, how much it sheds, and how much time it spends outdoors. An active dog that runs in the forest, meadow, and wet grass will often need more grooming than a dog with the same coat type that mostly goes on short walks in the city.

It also makes sense to integrate brushing as a calm part of everyday life. After the evening walk, before bedtime, or on the weekend at a fixed time works well for many. Dogs love predictability, and when the routine becomes recognizable, it often becomes much easier.

Which areas should you pay extra attention to?

Even when the rest of the coat looks fine, there are some areas where mats appear first. Behind the ears, under the armpits, on the chest, near the collar or harness, and around the hindquarters are classic problem areas. For long-haired dogs, you should also keep an eye on feathers on the legs and tail.

This is precisely where a quick daily check can make a big difference. You don't always need to groom the entire dog from nose to tail. Some days it's enough to attend to the exposed areas and save the more thorough brushing for later in the week.

Make brushing a good experience

If your dog associates the brush with stress, even the best plan will be difficult to implement. Therefore, the experience is almost as important as the grooming itself.

Start calmly, especially if you have a puppy or an adult dog that is not used to being brushed. Let the dog sniff the tool, use a calm voice, and stop before it loses patience. Small breaks and a treat can be enough to create a much better association.

It's also perfectly fair to divide the brushing. A dog doesn't have to be perfectly groomed all at once if the alternative is a bad experience. Two short sessions can be much more effective than one long one where the dog becomes restless.

When brushing isn't enough

Some coats require more than regular brushing. Dense undercoat, heavy shedding, or beginning mats may necessitate special tools or professional help. If the coat is very matted close to the skin, it's rarely a good idea to just pull further. It can hurt and create an aversion to grooming in the future.

Here, it's better to stop and choose a gentler solution. The right brush, comb, or a grooming product adapted to the coat type can make a big difference, and quality products usually last longer and work more gently. For many dog owners, it makes good sense to choose solutions developed with a focus on durability, animal welfare, and materials they can feel good about.

How often should you brush a puppy?

Even if a puppy doesn't have much fur yet, it's a good idea to start early. Not because the coat necessarily requires it, but because the habit makes the rest of the dog's life easier.

A short brushing a couple of times a week is often sufficient in the beginning. The goal is to teach the puppy that handling, calmness, and grooming are a normal part of life. This will pay off later when the coat becomes denser, longer, or more demanding.

The simple rule of thumb

If you're in doubt, look less at the calendar and more at the dog. A coat that feels airy, looks clean, and is free of knots often tells you that the routine is working. If, on the other hand, you find loose tufts, small mats, or a dog that scratches more, it's time to adjust.

For most dogs, somewhere between once a week and daily brushing will be the right level. The crucial thing is not to hit a perfect number, but to give the dog grooming that suits its needs, season, and daily life. At FjeldgaardShop.dk, we believe that good care starts with thoughtfulness - and the best brushing is the one that keeps your dog healthy, safe, and comfortable ❤️