24 Oct The Top 5 Signs Your Dog Needs a Grooming Session Now
Dog grooming is essential to pet care beyond making your furry friend look good—it helps maintain their health and well-being. Many dog owners struggle to recognise when their pet needs professional grooming, especially if they’re not familiar with the specific signs. This blog’ll explore the top 5 tell-tale signs your dog needs grooming.
1. Matted or Tangled Fur
Matted fur is not just unsightly; it can be harmful to your dog’s health. When your dog’s fur becomes tangled, it can lead to discomfort, skin irritations, and even infections. Mats form when your dog’s hair gets knotted, usually from a lack of brushing or outdoor activities that involve rolling in grass or dirt. Mats tend to worsen over time, and in severe cases, they can pull on your dog’s skin, causing pain or restricting movement.
If you notice that your dog’s fur is clumping together or has dense patches that are difficult to brush out, it’s time for professional help. A groomer can remove these mats safely without hurting your pet, using tools and techniques designed to detangle even the most stubborn fur. Regular grooming sessions can prevent mats from forming in the first place.
2. Foul Odour Despite Regular Bathing
Dogs naturally produce odours, but if you find that your dog has a persistent, foul smell even after a bath, it’s time to get them professionally groomed. This odour could be a sign of various issues, including:
- Skin infections: Bacteria or yeast infections can cause solid and unpleasant smells.
- Dirty fur: Sometimes, regular baths aren’t enough to remove deep dirt and oils embedded in your dog’s coat.
- Dental problems: Bad breath could indicate that your dog needs a dental cleaning or has other oral health issues.
A professional grooming session will include deep cleaning, skin treatments, and an overall check of areas like ears and paws where odours can linger. The groomer can also detect signs of skin conditions early, allowing you to seek treatment before they worsen.
3. Overgrown Nails
One of the most overlooked aspects of dog grooming is nail trimming. Long nails can cause your dog discomfort, making it difficult or painful for them to walk. In extreme cases, nails can grow so long that they curl into the paw pads, causing infections or even permanent damage to your dog’s paws.
Some common signs that your dog’s nails are too long include:
- Clicking noises when walking on hard floors
- Difficulty walking or limping
- Swollen, red paw pads
Regular nail trimming is crucial, but it can be tricky at home, especially if your dog is anxious or resistant. Professional groomers are trained to handle nail trims safely and painlessly, ensuring your dog’s paws stay healthy.
Regular nail trimming will improve your Akita’s comfort and prevent potential health problems.
Read More About Nail Trimming:
Mastering the Art of Trimming Black Dog Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide
Interactive Play and Nail Maintenance: The Relationship Between Playtime and Nail Health in Dogs
The Importance of Nail Trimming for Dogs: How to Do It Safely
4. Excessive Shedding
All dogs shed to some extent, but if your dog is shedding excessively or if its fur is falling out in clumps, it’s a sign that it needs grooming. Shedding can be seasonal or triggered by stress, poor diet, or underlying health conditions. Regular grooming helps manage shedding by removing dead fur and reducing the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture, clothes, and floors.
A professional grooming session typically includes:
- Brushing and de-shedding treatments to remove loose fur
- Checking for signs of allergies or skin conditions
- Advice on managing your dog’s coat health between grooming sessions
If you’re struggling to keep up with your dog’s shedding, regular visits to the groomer will help keep it under control while ensuring your dog’s coat remains healthy.
5. Dirty Ears or Eye Discharge
Your dog’s ears and eyes are sensitive areas that can become infected if not cleaned regularly. If you notice a build-up of wax, dirt, or a bad smell coming from your dog’s ears, it could be a sign of an ear infection. Similarly, excessive tear staining or eye discharge may indicate an eye infection or allergies.
During a grooming session, a professional will carefully clean your dog’s ears and check for signs of infection. They will also clean around the eyes and trim any overgrown fur that might irritate them. Groomers can spot early signs of problems, helping to prevent more serious conditions from developing.
Bonus Tip: Signs of Stress or Discomfort
Beyond the physical signs, your dog’s behaviour can also indicate when they need grooming. If your dog seems unusually agitated, constantly scratching or biting at their fur, it could be due to discomfort from a dirty or tangled coat, long nails, or an infection.
Why Regular Grooming is Essential
Many pet owners think grooming is purely aesthetic, but it’s a vital aspect of your dog’s health. Regular grooming sessions can:
- Prevent skin conditions
- Keep your dog’s coat in top condition
- Help detect health issues early
- Ensure your dog stays comfortable and pain-free
Ideally, dogs should be groomed every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Dogs with long or curly fur may need more frequent grooming, while short-haired dogs may only need grooming a few times a year. Your groomer can advise you on the best schedule for your pet.
Mishka Professional Dog Grooming Service
At Mishka Professional Dog Grooming Service in West Hampstead, London, we specialise in providing the highest quality grooming care for your dog. Our experienced groomers are trained to handle everything from detangling matted fur to trimming overgrown nails, ensuring your dog receives the best treatment possible. Whether it’s a routine grooming session or a more complex task like de-shedding or ear cleaning, we’ve got you covered.
Regular grooming is not just about keeping your dog looking neat; it’s about their overall health and happiness. At Mishka, we believe in personalised care, and we work closely with each dog to make sure they’re comfortable and relaxed throughout the grooming process.
Don’t wait for the signs to worsen—book a grooming appointment with Mishka Professional Dog Grooming Service today to keep your dog looking and feeling its best.
No Comments