Our dogs explore the world with their whole body which can leave them dirty and matted. But how often should we have them groomed? Our Eastham vets share some of the signs that your dog needs grooming and how often it should be done.
Why are grooming visits important for dogs?
It can be difficult to tell when your furry friend needs a grooming appointment, after all, they can't let us know when their fur is in their eyes or they have a tangle. Dog grooming is one of the most critical parts of keeping our canine companions healthy and happy. Not only does routinely bringing your furry pet for a professional grooming session keep them from smelling bad, but it also provides your groomer with the opportunity to keep ticks, fleas, and other pests from taking hold of your pooch.
Pet grooming will also help keep your dogs fur in tip-top shape and you'll love cuddling with a pup that smells good with soft clean fur.
What are some signs that a dog needs a grooming appointment?
Here are some of the signs that your pup requires dog grooming services:
You're noticing that your dog has dirty, oily or matted fur
One of the first — and most easily recognizable — signs your dog needs to see a pet groomer is the visibility of dirt or matts on their fur. While all of their outside activities such as playing and running help to keep them in shape, dirt, mud, and debris can build on their skin and fur, making them dirty. You might even notice an unpleasant odor.
Matted fur makes your dog more than just uncomfortable. It can be a detriment to their health as pests, debris, and dirt can get trapped in their coat, which could lead to skin damage, bacterial infections, and diseases.
You can hear your dog's nails clicking as they walk
Does your dog spend most of its days running around on soft surfaces or the grass? While some dogs can trim their nails naturally by strolling on roads, sidewalks, and other hard and paved surfaces, if they spend a lot of their time on grass their nails will eventually grow too long, which could make it painful for them your dog to walk. If you have hardwood or laminate floors and hear clicking sounds when your dog walks it's time for a trim.
Nails should be kept neat and trimmed. In a grooming session, our dog groomer will designate time to examine your dog's nails and trim them if needed.
There are signs that your dog has pests living on them
Pests and parasites will love to make a home in your dog's fur and survive on your dog's blood. This could cause skin damage and negatively impact their overall health. In addition to checking your dog every day for parasites and other pests, keep an eye out for signs like excessive scratching, irritated skin, or sores.
Parasites can gradually get worse, feed off your dog, and even spread to other pets or members of your home if they aren't found and treated as quickly as possible. As their condition gets worse and the parasites feed on your dog's blood and nutrients, your pooch could gradually become more fatigued and weak. Diseases contracted via parasites could also be deadly. This makes it imperative to spot and treat pests as early as possible.
You notice a smell coming from their ears
Dogs' ears are self-cleaning, but wax can sometimes build up in the ear canal or an infection can occur. If this is the case, you may notice an odor if you go to smell your dog's neck.
Your dog has been scooting around the house
Clogged anal sacs can be unpleasant for both you and your dog — and painful for your pup. On either side of their behind, dogs have two small anal sacs that contain a fishy-smelling, foul liquid that's normally released when they poop.
Usually, a bowel movement triggers the anal sacs to empty. But fluid can build up if the sacs aren't working properly, and the glands can become inflamed. The liquid could solidify, hindering its release. This can lead to pain and discomfort for your dog.
At a professional grooming appointment, the groomer will gently express the glands to release the contents, bringing relief to your dog. The procedure will be followed by a thorough bath.
How often will your dog need to be groomed?
If you're wondering how often you should groom your dog (or take the easy route and have a professional do it), Your dog's breed, coat type, hair length, and lifestyle will largely dictate their grooming needs. Long-haired dogs will likely need more grooming than short-haired pups.
Dogs who spend lots of time outside will also need more grooming than couch potatoes or pooches that spend time lounging inside. In most cases, regular grooming should be done about once a month.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.