How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?

Most dogs should be brushed 2 to 3 times a week. Dogs with long, thick, or double coats need brushing every day or two, while short-haired dogs can often get by with once a week. Regular brushing keeps your dog's coat healthy, cuts down on shedding around the house, and gives you a chance to spot skin problems early.

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog?

The right brushing schedule depends on your dog's coat type:

• Short, smooth coats (like Boxers or Beagles): once a week is usually enough. A soft bristle brush or a rubber curry brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat shiny.
• Medium and double coats (like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds): brush 2 to 3 times a week, and daily during heavy shedding season in spring and fall.
• Long, silky coats (like Shih Tzus or Yorkshire Terriers): brush every day or two to prevent tangles and mats. Work through the coat gently, section by section.
• Curly or wiry coats (like Poodles or Terriers): brush 2 to 3 times a week to prevent matting, and plan on professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks.

If you are unsure, start with 3 times a week and adjust. More brushing is almost never a problem — less brushing is how mats form.

What Is the Best Brush for Your Dog?

Match the tool to the coat:

• Slicker brush: the everyday workhorse for medium and long coats. The fine wire pins pull out loose hair and light tangles.
• DeShedding tool: for heavy shedders with double coats, a deShedding tool reaches the dense undercoat that a slicker brush misses. Use it once a week during shedding season, and always follow the tool's directions — too much pressure can irritate the skin.
• Bristle brush: best for short coats. It smooths the topcoat and spreads natural oils.
• Rubber curry brush: great for short-haired dogs and for bath time. The soft nubs massage the skin while lifting loose hair.

One tool that pet owners love for heavy shedders is the FURminator deShedding Tool. It is designed to reach deep into the undercoat and reduce loose hair, which means less fur on your couch and clothes. Use it gently and stop if your dog's skin looks red.

How Do You Brush a Dog Without a Fight?

Many dogs learn to love brushing if you make the first sessions short and positive:

1. Pick a calm moment. Brush after a walk, when your dog is relaxed — not when they are wound up and ready to play.
2. Start with 2 minutes. Brush a few strokes down the back, praise your dog, and stop while they are still happy. Build up to a full session over a week or two.
3. Go with the grain. Always brush in the direction the hair grows, and work tangles out from the ends toward the skin. Never yank through a mat — hold the base of the mat with one hand so it doesn't pull the skin.
4. Reward calm behavior. A small treat or a quiet "good dog" after each section teaches your dog that brushing means good things.
5. Check the skin as you go. While you brush, look for redness, bumps, dry patches, or fleas. Catching a skin problem early can save you a vet visit later.

If your dog growls, snaps, or tries to bite the brush, stop and try again another day with shorter sessions. Painful mats or sore skin are the most common reasons dogs hate brushing — if brushing always seems to hurt, ask your vet to take a look.

When Should You See a Groomer or Vet?

Brushing at home covers everyday coat care, but some situations call for a professional:

• Tight mats that you cannot work through gently — a groomer can remove them safely.
• Sudden hair loss, bald patches, or a coat that feels greasy or smells bad — these can be signs of a skin condition worth a vet visit.
• Nail trims and ear cleaning — many groomers bundle these with a bath and brush-out.

A good routine is a brush at home 2 to 3 times a week, a bath every 4 to 6 weeks (or when your dog gets dirty), and a professional groom every couple of months for dogs with coats that need it.

Shop Our Picks

Keeping up with brushing is easier with the right tool. The FURminator deShedding Tool is a top-rated pick for cutting down on loose hair in heavy shedders, and Zesty Paws 11-in-1 Bites are a well-reviewed daily supplement pet owners use to support skin and coat health from the inside out.

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