How Often Should You Groom Your Dog in Perth?

Perth's warm climate means dogs shed more, need more frequent baths after beach or bush walks, and can develop matting faster than in cooler cities. How often you groom depends mainly on your dog's breed and coat type.

Grooming Frequency by Coat Type

Short, smooth coats (Labradors, Beagles, Boxers): Professional groom every 8–12 weeks. Weekly brush at home to manage shedding, which can be heavy in Perth's warmer months. Double coats (Border Collies, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies): Professional de-shed every 6–8 weeks, particularly before summer. Daily brushing during shedding season. Curly/wavy coats (Poodles, Cavoodles, Labradoodles): Professional groom every 6–8 weeks to prevent matting. Daily brushing essential — matted coats often require shaving off, which is uncomfortable for the dog. Wire/terrier coats (Schnauzers, West Highland Terriers): Professional groom every 8 weeks. These coats don't shed much but need stripping or trimming to maintain texture. Long, silky coats (Maltese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier): Every 4–6 weeks professional groom. Daily brushing non-negotiable — tangles form quickly in Perth's heat and humidity.

Between Grooms: Home Maintenance

Regular home brushing between professional grooms keeps coats tangle-free and reduces the time (and cost) of professional appointments. Invest in the right brush for your dog's coat type — a slicker brush for curly coats, an undercoat rake for double coats, and a fine-tooth comb for silky coats.