Do Dogs Groom Themselves As Often As Cats?

While our cats self-groom on a daily basis, usually after eating or napping (we love this about cats!), do dogs groom themselves? We invariably have seen our dogs licking various parts of their bodies, but is this really grooming? It certainly seems that way. And while dogs don’t groom themselves as often or as methodically as cats, they do have their own ways of keeping clean.

Dogs Lick Themselves to Clean – Just Not as Often as Cats

Dogs aren’t clean freaks like cats, but they do use their tongues for a little self-grooming from time to time. Licking might not be their primary cleaning method, but it helps them remove dirt, debris, or even dead skin from their fur. If your dog isn’t licking too excessively, it’s likely just a bit of cleaning up. However, licking can also have other purposes such as soothing irritated skin, or even calming themselves when they're anxious.

Dogs Roll on the Ground to Clean and Shed Dead Fur

Unlike cats, who rely on their tongues to groom their entire body, dogs often engage in what might seem like random behavior to us—rolling around on the ground. While this might look like they’re just having fun, it's actually one of their natural grooming methods.

Rolling on the grass, carpet, or even in dirt helps them slough off dead skin and loose fur, particularly during shedding season. It’s a quick and easy way for them to scratch those hard-to-reach places, too!

Dogs Will Groom Their Own Wounds

There are times when licking represents more than just grooming; it’s also a form of wound cleaning. Dogs have natural healing enzymes in their saliva that may help disinfect and promote healing in small cuts or scrapes.

Licking can also have an anesthetic effect, briefly numbing the area until their saliva dries. However, be cautious—while occasional licking of minor wounds can be beneficial, excessive licking can prevent healing or cause infection.

The Body Shake: Dogs’ Built-In Dust-Off

Every dog owner has seen it: the dramatic full-body shake after waking up from a nap or after a bath. This movement is more than just a reaction to being wet or waking up—it’s a natural way for dogs to rid themselves of debris, loose fur, or even parasites like fleas.

When a dog feels something "off" in their fur, a shake is often enough to dislodge whatever's bothering them. And it also is a great way to vent some energy at the same time!

A Dog’s Grooming Also Stimulates their Oil Glands with Paws and Teeth

Dogs groom themselves by scratching or nibbling at their fur, which does more than just scratch an itch. By doing this, they’re stimulating the oil glands in their skin to release natural oils. These oils are essential in keeping their coats shiny and healthy. When a dog uses their teeth to nibble at their fur, it acts almost like a comb, removing dirt and untangling small knots in the process.

Nail Chewing: A Doggy Manicure

While dogs typically wear down their nails naturally through daily activities like walking on pavement, sometimes they resort to chewing on their nails. This behavior can be a self-grooming tactic, helping them keep their nails in check, especially when they feel sharp or uncomfortable.

Of course, you might need to trim your dog’s nails if his nail chewing doesn’t do the job.

Rolling to Remove Loose Fur

Beyond the typical body shake, some dogs roll on the ground, rubbing against furniture, or even wiggling around on their backs to help dislodge loose fur. This is particularly common during heavy shedding periods. Rolling also offers a bit of massage, which can feel great for a dog who’s trying to remove that itchy, dead fur.

When Your Dog’s Licking Becomes a Problem

If you notice your dog licking excessively, it’s important to understand that this might indicate something more serious than grooming. Excessive licking can be a sign of skin irritation, allergies, dry skin, or even anxiety. If this behavior becomes persistent, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Other Grooming Needs: Human Help is Still Important

While dogs do engage in self-grooming to some extent, they still rely heavily on their humans for regular grooming routines. Regular brushing helps to remove dead fur, prevent matting, and distribute the natural oils in their coat. Bathing, nail trims, and ear cleaning are also essential parts of a dog's hygiene that they can't manage on their own.

While cats can do an overall deep clean and groom, a dog does some daily grooming maintenance.