How often should your pet be groomed? It depends on the coat

I get asked this every week, and the honest answer is "it depends." Here's how I think about it.

Curly and fluffy coats

Poodles, doodles, Maltese, shih tzus: these coats tangle fast. Every 4 to 6 weeks keeps them manageable. Go past 8 weeks and you'll probably be dealing with mats, especially behind the ears and under the legs.

Double coats

Goldens and huskies don't need haircuts. They need baths and de-shedding, about every 8 to 12 weeks, and more often in spring and fall when they blow their coats.

Short coats

Labs and beagles can wait longer, with a bath every couple of months. Nails keep growing, though, so don't skip those.

Cats

Short-haired cats mostly keep themselves tidy. Long-haired and fluffy cats are another story. Many need a visit every 6 to 8 weeks, plus brushing at home.

Keeping mats away between visits

• Brush a few times a week, all the way down to the skin. Brushing only the top layer leaves tangles underneath.
• Check behind the ears, under the legs, and anywhere a collar or harness rubs.
• Run a metal comb through after brushing. If it catches, there's still a tangle.
• Don't bathe a matted pet at home. Water tightens mats.

Humid Triangle air and spring pollen make coats clump and hold onto dirt. If you find a mat you can't work out gently, call me instead of pulling at it. Pulling hurts, and it makes the mat worse.

These are general ranges. Every pet is different, and I'll suggest a schedule once I've seen your pet's coat.