We don't limit the budget when it comes to getting a nice haircut for ourselves. We visit nail salon every month, and we even get eyelash extensions every 2 weeks. Let's be honest here. There are many dogs that get shaved down every 6 months and sometimes the owner doesn't take the dog for a grooming for longer periods.
However, if you are not a professional groomer, your dog is most likely to have mats and tangles if you do not take the dog to grooming frequently. It is always good to make regular appointments with a professional groomer.
For dogs with coats that keeps growing, we call them groom-able dogs. They have longer coat for a very good reason which is to protect their skins. So, shaving down your dog is a bad idea as it can give your dog numerous skin problems including sunburns. However, when the coat is too long, it can easily get matted and will result in pulling of the skin, which can hurt your dog. This is why you can spot bruises and hematoma on your dog's skin after the dog is shaved down. Mats will hurt your dog.
Then, how often should you bring your dog for grooming?
Can you trim your dog's nails and paw pads? Do you have a good habit of brushing your dog often? Are you able to brush your dog with a slicker brush without giving him/her brush burns?
It really depends on your knowledge on basic care for your dog and time you spend on brushing your dog. If you don't know how to use a slicker brush properly, you can always ask your groomer to give you a quick lesson. Your groomer will be more than happy to teach you knowing that when you bring your dog for the next groom, your dog will be mat-free.
On the other hand, if you don't know how to trim nails and pads, you can swing by at a grooming salon just for trimming nails and pads. It won't cost you much. It is very important for you to give your dog frequent nails and pads trimming as your dog can get hurt by walking and running on hard wood floor with long nails and pads covered with fur.
- For nails and pads trimming : Every 2-4 weeks
- If you cannot brush your dog or you want your dog to have nice look all the time: Visit salon every 4-6 weeks
- If you know how to brush your dog complete mat free: Usually recommended salon visit 8-16 weeks
Of course, if you have a natural dog that does not require grooming regularly, you can decided when you should visit the salon. However, I believe every breed needs professional care as there are dogs that need de-shedding and hand-stripping.
As a dog owner, you have a choice to bring your dog to salon whenever you want to. However, I'd strongly suggest to avoid shaving down your dog. Your dog need a loving care.