Many owners only take their dog to the groomer when its coat has already lost its neat appearance. But professional grooming is about more than just looks. Regular visits to the groomer help maintain the health of your pet’s skin, coat, ears, and nails, as well as its overall comfort.
Sometimes the dog itself gives signs that it’s time for another grooming session. The key is to notice them in time.
1. The coat has started to mat
At first, mats may seem like nothing more than a minor cosmetic issue. However, over time, they can pull on the skin, causing discomfort and even pain when the dog moves.
Mats form particularly quickly in Maltese, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Bichons, Cockapoo, and other breeds with soft or curly coats. They most often appear behind the ears, under the armpits, on the paws, and on the belly. If, after brushing, you find tangled patches more and more often, this is one of the first signs that you shouldn’t put off a visit to the groomer any longer.
2. Your dog has started scratching more often
Not every itch indicates an allergy or parasites. Sometimes the cause is a buildup of dead hair, dust, and skin oils. When the coat goes without proper care for a long time, the skin can no longer breathe properly. This results in irritation, discomfort, and a constant urge to scratch. During grooming, a professional not only cleans the coat but may also notice redness, irritation, or other changes that the owner often misses beneath a thick coat.
3. The dog has developed an unpleasant odor
Many people believe that a dog’s characteristic odor is normal. In reality, a sudden increase in odor often indicates that the coat has accumulated dirt or needs professional cleaning. This is especially true for breeds with a thick undercoat. Moisture, dirt, and skin oils can remain close to the skin even when the coat appears relatively clean on the outside.
If the odor returns quickly after a bath at home, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional grooming appointment.
4. Their claws have started tapping on the floor
This sign is easy to spot. If you hear a distinctive clicking sound from your cat’s claws on laminate or tile flooring as it walks, its claws have grown too long.
Overly long claws alter the way the paws are positioned, put extra strain on the joints, and can cause discomfort when walking.
Many dogs get nervous when having their nails trimmed at home, so having the procedure done at a groomer’s is often a simpler and safer option.
5. The dog has started to look “off”
This is the most telling sign, one that owners notice intuitively.
It seems like everything is fine with the dog, but its face isn’t as expressive as it used to be, its eyes are hidden behind its fur, its paws look unkempt, and its silhouette has lost its breed-specific features.
This is especially noticeable in toy breeds. Due to excessively long fur, a dog may look completely different than it did a few weeks ago.
Experienced owners often say that at this point, their pet starts to resemble a “little furry house spirit.” That’s usually when it’s time to make an appointment with the groomer.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Too Long
When the coat has become severely matted or has lost its well-groomed appearance, grooming sessions can take longer and be less comfortable for the dog. Additionally, it’s harder to spot irritation, scratches, ticks, or other skin problems in a neglected coat.
Regular grooming is neither a luxury nor a whim of the owner. It’s part of caring for your dog’s health and happiness, whether your dog competes in shows or is simply a beloved family pet.
So if you recognize your dog in at least two or three items on this list, perhaps they’ve been hinting to you for a while now that it’s time to visit the groomer.
Don’t wait until the problem becomes serious.
