The short answer
Match the tool and the schedule to the coat. Veterinary and humane society sources agree on the basics: brush often enough to prevent mats, trim nails in small amounts, clean healthy ears only when dirty, and never cut a mat with scissors. The ASPCA (U.S.) gives weekly brushing for smooth coats and for short, dense coats prone to matting, and daily brushing for long coats. We found no vet or humane society schedule for curly doodle coats. A mat that will not brush out needs a groomer or a vet. We found no Canadian humane society or vet source that sets a bathing interval, so this guide shows the two published ranges and leaves the choice to you and your vet.
PawTrace is not a vet. This guide shares what we found in the sources listed below; ask your vet about your own dog.
Quick highlights
- Never cut a mat with scissors: the Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.) and the ASPCA (U.S.) both warn against it.
- A mat that will not brush out easily needs a groomer or a vet (ASPCA, U.S.).
- Trim small amounts of nail more often (Ontario SPCA).
- Clean healthy ears only when you see dirt or debris, never with cotton swabs (Cornell, U.S.).
Key takeaways
- The Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.) says to brush regularly to prevent mats, especially in thick or long fur. Mats irritate the skin and can lead to infection (Merck Veterinary Manual, July 2025).
- For a smooth coat, the ASPCA (U.S.) advises a weekly rubber brush and bristle brush. For short, dense fur that is prone to matting (its example is a retriever), it advises a weekly slicker and bristle brush. For a long coat, it advises a daily slicker brush (ASPCA (U.S.), April 9 2020).
- Bathing advice differs: Merck suggests pet shampoo once a month depending on season or when very dirty or smelly, and the ASPCA (U.S.) says at least every 3 months.
- Do not cut a mat with scissors. Merck says to use electric clippers made for pets, and the ASPCA says a mat that will not brush out needs a groomer or a vet (ASPCA (U.S.), March 11 2015).
- The Ontario SPCA advises trimming small amounts of nail more often (Ontario SPCA, June 3 2025).
- Cornell (U.S.) says to avoid cotton swabs, to clean only as deep as one knuckle and to see a vet for redness, head shaking, odour or discharge (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, October 21 2025).
Match the routine to the coat
Coat type decides the brush and the schedule. The table below gives the intervals published by the ASPCA (U.S.) and the brushes named by the Ontario SPCA, which publishes no interval. Where we found no veterinary or humane society guidance, the table says so.
| Coat type | Brush | Schedule published by |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth or short | Rubber brush, then a bristle brush. The Ontario SPCA names a curry brush for short hair. | ASPCA: weekly |
| Double coat (dense under layer) | The Ontario SPCA names a detangling comb for double-coated or longer hair. The ASPCA names a slicker and a bristle brush for short, dense fur prone to matting. | ASPCA: weekly for short, dense fur prone to matting (its example is a retriever) |
| Curly or wool (many doodles) | The Ontario SPCA’s general advice: a slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb for problem areas, combing from the bottom of a tangle up. | Not found. No vet or humane society source we found sets a schedule for curly or wool coats. |
| Wire | No veterinary or humane society source on wire coats or hand-stripping found. | Not confirmed |
| Long and silky | Slicker brush. | ASPCA: daily for a long coat |
The ASPCA lists these schedules for general coat types and does not name doodles. Its dense-coat entry is for short, dense fur, so we do not apply it to curly coats. Ask your groomer or vet how often to brush a curly coat.
Doodle coats first
A study of more than 1,000 dogs from 80 breeds found that three genes explain most of the coat variation: RSPO2 for furnishings (the longer facial hair), FGF5 for length and KRT71 for curl, and that together they account for most coat types in U.S. purebred dogs (Cadieu et al., Science, 2009).
We found no vet or humane society brushing schedule for doodle coats. Merck (U.S.) says brushing prevents mats and matters most for thick or long fur, and the ASPCA (U.S.) says a mat that cannot be easily brushed out needs a groomer or a vet. Check for tangles each time you brush, and ask your groomer how often your dog’s coat needs it. Our doodle buyer’s guide explains how coats and generations differ.
Brushing tools
- Rubber or curry brush: for short hair (Ontario SPCA).
- Slicker brush: the ASPCA names it for dense and long coats, and the Ontario SPCA uses it with a comb on problem areas.
- Bristle brush: the ASPCA pairs it with the rubber brush for smooth coats and with the slicker brush for dense and long coats.
- Detangling or wide-toothed comb: the Ontario SPCA names a detangling comb for double-coated or longer hair and a wide-toothed comb for problem areas. Comb from the bottom of the tangle up.
Brushing also lets you check the skin. The Ontario SPCA says it helps you spot lumps, fleas and ticks (Ontario SPCA, July 26 2021). Our parasite prevention guide covers what to do if you find one.
Bathing: two published ranges
| Source | Bathing interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.) (July 2025) | Pet shampoo once a month, depending on season or when the dog is very dirty or smelly | Dog owner section |
| ASPCA (U.S.) (April 9 2020) | At least every 3 months, more often for outdoor dogs or dogs with skin problems | U.S. source |
| Canadian humane society or vet association | Not found | No interval found |
The two sources differ, so do not treat either number as a rule. Ask your vet if your dog has itchy, flaky or red skin, since a skin problem changes the answer (see our itchy dog guide). Merck specifies pet shampoo.
Nail trims
- The ASPCA advises trimming when the nails nearly touch the ground.
- The Ontario SPCA advises trimming small amounts more often, with clippers or grinders, and finding the quick. Its guide introduces the tool in seven steps, and it says to contact your vet if the process is stressful (Ontario SPCA, June 3 2025).
- The Toronto Humane Society advises a trim every 2 to 3 weeks for dogs used to trims and says not to forget the dewclaw (Toronto Humane Society).
- For dark nails, the Ontario SPCA says to check the underside, clip small amounts and look for a shiny dot, and to keep a styptic pencil or cornstarch on hand (Ontario SPCA, May 15 2026). The Toronto Humane Society says to trim until a circle appears.
Ears
Cornell University’s veterinary college (U.S.) advises these steps for ear care (Cornell, October 21 2025). We found no Canadian vet or humane society ear-cleaning guide.
- Avoid cotton swabs.
- Clean only as deep as one knuckle.
- Avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
- For healthy ears, clean only when you see dirt or debris, since overcleaning can irritate the ear. Clean after swimming or a bath. Where your vet advises maintenance cleaning, Cornell says it could be every 1 to 2 weeks.
- Stop if your dog shows pain.
- See a vet for redness, head shaking, odour or discharge.
Cornell (U.S.) says dogs with floppy ears, allergies or repeated ear infections may need more frequent cleaning. Merck (U.S.) says hair in the ear canal can be removed under anaesthesia in some dogs, that you should consult a vet before plucking, and that you should use an ear-cleaning solution your vet recommends, avoid vinegar mixtures in inflamed ears and avoid powders after plucking (Merck Veterinary Manual, April 2026).
Mats: when home care ends
The ASPCA (U.S.) says even mild mats can cause skin irritation and progress to infected sores, and severe mats can cut off blood supply. A wound left unattended can attract maggots, and fleas and ticks can live deep in a mat (ASPCA (U.S.), March 11 2015). A mat that will not brush out needs a groomer or a vet. Severe cases may need sedation and full clipping. Merck says not to cut mats with scissors and to use electric clippers made for pets.
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| A small tangle at the surface | Work it with a wide-toothed comb from the bottom of the tangle up (Ontario SPCA). |
| A mat that will not brush out | Book a groomer or a vet. Do not cut it with scissors. |
| Red, sore, smelly or bleeding skin under or near a mat | See a vet. |
| Matting across most of the coat | Ask a groomer or vet. The ASPCA says severe cases may need sedation and full clipping. |
Our guide to choosing a groomer lists the questions to ask and the red flags to watch for.
Winter: salt and paws
The Ontario SPCA’s winter grooming advice is to keep nails trimmed, to wash and dry paws including between the toes, and, for long-haired dogs, to trim the fur between the pads. It also suggests boots and balm (Ontario SPCA, January 19 2026). Our winter guide covers paws, salt and cold in more detail.
Myth vs fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Shaving a doodle in summer is the safe way to keep it cool. | The ASPCA (U.S.) advises against shaving. It suggests a light trim of dry, clean fur around the face, feet and tail. |
| A mat is just a tangle you can cut out. | Merck and the ASPCA both say not to cut mats with scissors. A mat that will not brush out needs a groomer or a vet. |
| A healthy dog needs a bath every week. | The two sources we found say once a month (Merck) or at least every 3 months (ASPCA). Skin problems change the answer, so ask your vet. |
| Cotton swabs are the best ear tool. | Cornell (U.S.) says to avoid cotton swabs and to clean only as deep as one knuckle. |
| Dark nails cannot be trimmed safely at home. | The Ontario SPCA gives a method: check the underside, clip small amounts and look for a shiny dot. |
Frequently asked questions
How often should I brush a doodle?
We found no doodle-specific schedule from a vet or humane society. The ASPCA (U.S.) gives weekly brushing for short, dense fur prone to matting and daily brushing for a long coat, but neither entry describes a curly coat. Check the skin each time and ask your groomer how often your dog’s coat needs brushing.
How often should I bathe my dog?
Merck suggests pet shampoo once a month, depending on season or when the dog is very dirty or smelly. The ASPCA (U.S.) says at least every 3 months. We found no Canadian interval. Ask your vet if your dog has a skin problem.
Can I cut a mat out with scissors?
No. Merck and the ASPCA both say not to. Use electric clippers made for pets if you try at home, or book a groomer. A mat that will not brush out needs a groomer or a vet.
How often should I trim my dog’s nails?
The Toronto Humane Society advises every 2 to 3 weeks for dogs used to trims. The ASPCA advises trimming when the nails nearly touch the ground. The Ontario SPCA advises small trims more often.
How do I clean my dog’s ears?
Cornell (U.S.) says to avoid cotton swabs, to clean only as deep as one knuckle and to avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. For healthy ears, clean only when you see dirt or debris. See a vet for redness, head shaking, odour or discharge.
Should I shave my dog in summer?
The ASPCA (U.S.) advises against shaving and suggests a light trim of dry, clean fur around the face, feet and tail. Ask your groomer or vet which trim suits your dog’s coat.
When does matting need a vet?
The ASPCA says to see a groomer or a vet when a mat will not brush out, and severe cases may need sedation. See a vet when the skin under or near a mat is red, sore, smelly or bleeding.
To find a groomer, use our Dog services directory. For skin or ear problems, or a dog that is painful when you brush, use our Find a vet directory. A listing is not a recommendation, and PawTrace does not rate groomers or clinics.
Keep reading
- Doodle buyer’s guide: generations, coats and health testing
- Choosing a groomer: questions to ask and red flags
- Winter with a dog: paws, salt, cold and dark walks
- Dental care for dogs: brushing, chews and cleanings
- Parasite prevention through the Canadian seasons
Sources
All links were checked on October 23 2026. Sources marked (U.S.) are not Canadian.
- Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.), dog owners: Routine health care of dogs (July 2025)
- Merck Veterinary Manual (U.S.), dog owners: Ear infections and otitis externa in dogs (April 2026)
- ASPCA (U.S.): At-home pet grooming, top tips and recommendations (April 9 2020)
- ASPCA (U.S.): A haircut could save a life, preventing your pet’s coat from matting (March 11 2015)
- Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: The benefits of brushing your furry friend (July 26 2021)
- Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: Tips for trimming your pet’s nails (June 3 2025)
- Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: How to trim your dog’s dark nails safely and efficiently (May 15 2026)
- Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: Winter grooming tips for your dog (January 19 2026)
- Toronto Humane Society: Trimming your dog’s nails (undated PDF)
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (U.S.): How to clean your dog’s ears (October 21 2025)
- Cadieu E et al. Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes. Science, 2009
General information only. This guide is not veterinary advice. Ask your vet if your dog has skin, ear or nail problems. Written by the PawTrace Team.
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