5 Signs your Dog is in need of Professional Grooming

There are many signs that your dog is in need of professional dog grooming, these include but are not necessarily limited to having matted fur, a persistent bad odour, overgrown nails, they are scratching often or if they have overgrown fur in sensitive areas such as over their eyes and ears. 

Here’s why these signs matter, and how we can deal with them for you and your pooch.
 

1. Matted, Tangled or Thickened Fur

Not only is this one of the most obvious signs, but matted fur can also be among the most urgent signs that your dog needs a groom. 

Whilst the causes of tangled fur can be playing outdoors or even friction from their collar, matted fur can trap dirt, moisture and bacteria close to your dog’s skin. 

It is imperative to get it sorted. If matted fur is left unattended to, it can cause irritation and even infections for your dog. In severe cases, it can also restrict movement and circulation in areas such as the pits under their legs, leading to significant pain and discomfort. 

At Paws Grooming Empire, we take the time to assess the level of matting that your dog has. We will always aim to gently detangle the fur wherever possible, but we have the expertise needed to safely clip the coat to relieve any discomfort. Whilst we will always prioritise the dog’s welfare over the aesthetic, we will make sure your dog looks as great as is safely possible.

2. Persistent Odour

Whilst all dogs have a scent, you will be able to smell the difference between their natural odour and one that is problematic. 

A strong odour that lingers even after a bath could indicate potential skin conditions such as a yeast build-up or clogged hair follicles. 

These issues require more attention than a simple bath and should be dealt with by a professional to ensure they are properly addressed. If the smell is musky and sour, it could be an underlying sign of an infection. 

Our team are all trained to be able to spot and treat issues, and we use vet-approved shampoos that are chosen specifically for your dog’s skin and coat type rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. 

In our spa-style bath, we can help to clean your dog right down to the skin, removing build-up and leaving your pooch feeling and smelling fresh.

3. Overgrown Nails

Some breeds’ nails grow quicker than others, and some dogs can go years without needing a nail trim. This is especially true for dogs that walk over rough surfaces such as pavements. 

However, if you spot that your dog’s nails are overgrowing, it is time to act. You might even hear the issue as your dog walks across a hard floor.

Overgrown nails can cause your dog to awkwardly shift their weight around when walking. This can cause joint pain, poor posture and lead to broken claws. Amongst the most serious issues would be the nail curling back into their paw pad, something that is very painful for the dog.

Our groomers have specialist nail trimming training to ensure that they trim the nail to a safe length and avoid any harm. There is an incredibly sensitive nerve within a dog’s claw, so it is highly recommended that only professional dog groomers attempt the nail trimming.

4. Excessive Scratching

If your dog is excessively scratching, licking or chewing their skin, it could be a sign that is time to go to the groomers. 

Causes of this could include fleas, allergies, a build-up of dirt, dead skin or a build-up of residue in the coat that is causing the itching and discomfort. If left untreated, this can lead to inflamed skin, hair loss or secondary infections.

We begin our grooming with a thorough inspection to examine the condition of your dog’s coat. From there, we tailor our services to ensure we get to the root cause of any issue. If we spot anything that needs attention, we can tell you the warning signs that you should be escalating with your vet.

5. Overgrown Fur

Dogs with long or curly fur are sometimes prone to overgrowth around sensitive areas such as their ears and eyes. 

With overgrown fur around their eyes, you might be able to spot your dog blinking more often. 

They might try and scratch away at their ears if it is getting overgrown.

Overgrown fur around the eyes can restrict vision, whilst overgrown fur near the ears can trap moisture and bacteria, creating a perfect breeding ground for infection. 

Our specialist grooming services trim these sensitive areas carefully, helping to keep your dog clean, comfortable and healthy - from nose to tail and everything in between.
 

At Paws Grooming Empire, we treat your dog like royalty. We provide a full range of dog grooming services, from customised stylings through to Kennel Club adhering grooms. All of our team are City & Guild certified, as well as being complete and utter dog lovers. We’re situated between Hampstead and East Finchley, in North London. To see how we can help your dog, get in contact.