9 Signs Your Pet Needs Grooming
Pet grooming is more than just a beauty or cosmetic treatment; it’s about the health and happiness of your pet. Grooming helps prevent skin issues, discomfort, or behavioral changes, and grooming your pet regularly keeps them clean, happy, and comfortable.
While we usually know it’s time to visit our hairdresser, how do you know it’s time to take your pet for a grooming session? Whether you’re a cat or dog parent, the following are signs your pet needs grooming.
Let’s check them out!
Why Pet Grooming Matters?
Before we look at signs your pet needs to be groomed, let’s see why regular pet grooming is important for you and your pet.
- Helps Prevent Skin Issues – Grooming removes debris, dirt, and excess oils that can cause infections.
- Helps Detect Health Issues Early – Professional pet groomers can spot bumps, lumps, rashes, or parasites that you might not see when grooming your pet.
- Reduces Shedding – Regularly grooming helps reduce hair shedding, thus reducing hair around your home.
- Improves Comfort and Hygiene – Clean nails, fur, and ears help prevent odors and infections and keep your pet comfortable.
Signs Your Pet Needs Grooming
Here are some of the most common signs your pet needs grooming, so you need to schedule a grooming session with your pet groomer.
Unpleasant Odor
The most common sign your pet needs to be groomed is an unpleasant odor. While pets have their natural scents, an unpleasant smell can indicate your pet needs a grooming session.
Naturally, pets produce oil on their skin, and when these oils build up, they can cause a foul smell. Dirt, yeast infection, and bacteria can also cause an unpleasant odor. This is common in dogs with floppy ears and long hair.
At our pet salon, we provide thorough baths that leave furry friends smelling fresh, happy, and comfortable.
Overgrown Nails
If you notice your cat’s claw getting stuck on the carpet or furniture, or hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, it’s a sign that your pet’s nails are long or overgrown. Indoor pets have limited movement and thus are prone to this problem.
Overgrown nails cause your pet’s walking to be painful and alter their posture. This can cause mobility problems in the long run. Our professional groomers will help cut your pet’s nails safely and efficiently. We know how to handle nervous pets who are scared of nail cutting.
Tangled or Matted Fur
Mats form when hairs tangle, forming dense clumps. This is common in long-haired breeds such as Persians and Golden Retrievers. Mats often form under the legs, around the tail, or behind the ears.
Mats or tangled fur can cause pain to your pet by pulling on the skin, and can trap moisture, which can cause infections. If you see tight tangles on your pet’s coat, it’s time for grooming. At The Noble Veterinary Surgeons, we are professional pet groomers who use specialized tools to gently remove mats.
Dirty or Smelly Ears
Ears are breeding grounds for wax and dirt, especially for breeds with hairy or floppy ears. If you notice ear scratching, head shaking, bad smell, or brownish discharge, your furry companion needs cleaning.
Dirty ears can cause infections or even hearing loss. Regular cleaning can help prevent this. Here at The Noble Veterinary Surgeons, our pet groomers perform gentle ear cleaning, and our in-house veterinarians can also diagnose and treat ear problems if any.
Dirty or Greasy Coat
A dirty or greasy coat is a sign your pet needs grooming. Dirt and oil can accumulate over time, affecting the appearance of your pet. A dirty coat can harbour bacteria and parasites, causing infections and irritation.
At the Noble Veterinary Surgeons, our experienced pet groomers will give your pet thorough coat baths with pet-approved shampoos and conditioners, leaving your pet’s coat clean and shiny.
Excessive Shedding
While shedding is normal for pets, excessive shedding could be a sign that your pet needs to be groomed.
Furthermore, it can also be a sign of allergies, poor nutrition, or underlying health issues. Excess shedding can lead to hairballs in cats, and it can be difficult to keep your home clean. Regular brushing and grooming can remove loose fur and reduce shedding.
We use premium products tailored to your pet’s coat type during our grooming sessions that help reduce shedding.
Bad Breath
If your furry friend has bad breath or yellowing of teeth, it is not only a sign of poor dental hygiene but also a sign your pet needs grooming. Note that dental issues can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.
At our pet salon, we offer teeth brushing services for cats. We use premium tools and products to ensure your pet’s dental hygiene is on top. And in case we notice any dental issues, our veterinarians on-site will offer diagnosis and treatment.
Excessive Scratching or Licking
Another sign your pet needs grooming is excessive scratching and licking. If you notice your cat or dog is constantly biting or scratching a specific area, this could be a sign of an allergy, infestation, or irritation.
We work with experienced pet groomers who are keen when grooming and will notice any problems with your pet. In case of pest infestation, we offer external parasite prevention and treatment.
Eye Discharge or Tear Stains
Your pet’s eyes are a delicate area that can be infected if not cleaned. Some eye discharge is normal, but excess tearing or sticky buildup can be a sign of infection or irritation.
Our professional pet groomers will carefully clean around your pet’s eyes and trim any overgrown hair that might be causing irritation. Our groomers are trained and will spot any underlying health issues, and veterinarians on-site will diagnose and treat immediately.
The Noble Veterinary Surgeons Pet Grooming Services
At The Noble Veterinary Surgeons, we provide specialized and premium grooming services for both cats and dogs. Our pet groomers are trained and experienced to handle every aspect of grooming, from haircuts, nail trimming, brushing, to complex tasks like ear cleaning, sanitary trimming, and de-matting. Don’t wait for unpleasant odors, a greasy coat, or matted fur to worsen; bring your pet to us.
Summing Up
Your pet might not tell you they need grooming, but their body will give signs. So, look out for the above nine signs and design a grooming routine that best fits your pet.
Have you noticed any signs your pet needs grooming? Contact us now for personalized pet grooming services either at home or at our pet salon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Pets Be Groomed?
Dogs need grooming every one to two months, while cats may need to be groomed every two to three months. However, this depends on coat type and lifestyle. Regular brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming can be done frequently to prevent odors and maintain hygiene.
Are Dogs Happier After Grooming?
Yes, dogs are happier after grooming because grooming helps remove mats, dirt, and oil buildup, which can cause skin irritation and discomfort. After grooming, most dogs feel comfortable and more relaxed.
Is Pet Grooming Necessary?
Yes, pet grooming is necessary. Regular pet grooming helps reduce odor, overgrown nails, skin infections, pest infestation, and even detect health issues early.
