Signs Your Dog Needs a Professional Grooming Session

If you've just found a mat behind your dog's ear and felt a pang of guilt, please don't. It happens to the most devoted owners. You see your dog every day, so the changes creep up slowly and are easy to miss. Noticing now is what matters.

Here are the signs I'd look for, grouped by what you'll notice first.

Smell

All dogs smell a little like dogs, especially after exercise. It's time for a groom when the smell lingers after they're dry, comes back quickly after a bath, or their bed smells soon after you wash it.

A strong or unusual smell from the ears, mouth, skin, or rear end can point to a problem a bath won't fix. Have your vet take a look.

Touch

Next time your dog curls up next to you, run your hands through their coat, all the way to the skin. Signs of trouble:

• Clumps or felt-like patches, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the back legs
• You can't get your fingers or a comb through to the skin
• The coat feels greasy, sticky, or crunchy
• The coat feels rough and brittle

Mats matter because they pull on the skin, which is uncomfortable and can be painful, and they can hide skin problems underneath. Mats close to the skin usually can't be brushed out safely and often need to be shaved out. That can feel sad, but it's the kind choice. The coat grows back, and most dogs are visibly more comfortable once the mats are gone.

What you can see

• Hair covering the eyes. It can irritate the eyes and make it harder for your dog to see.
• Long nails. Nails that touch the ground when your dog is standing, or that curl, are overdue.
• Fur dragging on the ground or collecting debris.
• A dull or discolored coat. A white dog that looks gray is often just dirty.

Behavior

Dogs can't tell you they need a groom, but they're good at showing you when something bothers them, and you know your dog's normal better than anyone:

• Scratching, licking, or rubbing against furniture more than usual
• Scooting on the floor
• Pulling away when you touch a particular spot

Some of these are grooming problems and some aren't. Mats behind the ears can cause a lot of scratching, but so can allergies, fleas, and skin infections. Scooting can be related to anal glands or other issues. If the behavior is new, persistent, or your dog seems uncomfortable, check with your vet.

Movement

Nails clicking on hard floors are a good reminder that a trim is due. Long nails change how a dog stands and walks and can make it harder to grip smooth floors. Watch for slipping, reluctance to walk or jump, or favoring a paw. Long nails are one possible reason; if the problem doesn't improve after a trim, see your vet.

Skin

Grooming is often when skin problems get noticed, because the coat is parted and handled all over. Look for:

• Red or inflamed patches
• Flaking or scaling
• Lumps or bumps you haven't felt before
• Patches of hair loss
• Fleas, flea dirt, or ticks

A groomer can point these out, but they can't diagnose them. Anything new or unusual on the skin is worth showing your vet.

Seasonal signs

In summer, watch for a heavy shed, overheating in thick coats, foxtails caught in the fur, and ears that stay damp after swimming. In winter, damp weather and sweaters cause mats, and indoor heating can dry out skin.

When not to wait

Some situations are worth booking a groom soon rather than at the next regular appointment:

• Mats covering a large part of the body
• Feces stuck in the fur around the rear
• Gum, paint, or other sticky substances in the coat. Don't try to cut these out with scissors; it's very easy to cut the skin.

Anything that involves injury, pain, or signs of illness is a vet visit first.

Staying ahead of it

• Book grooms on a regular schedule instead of waiting for problems
• Do a quick check during everyday petting: coat, ears, eyes, nails
• Brush between appointments, even a few minutes at a time
• Tell your groomer about anything you've noticed

A little regular care keeps your dog comfortable and lets you enjoy the cuddles without finding surprises.

If you're in the East Bay and your dog is showing some of these signs, get in touch.