10 Signs Your Dog Needs Professional Grooming

Every pet parent wants their dog to look and feel their best. While occasional brushing and bathing at home are great, there are times when your furry friend needs more than a quick rinse or a snip with the scissors. Knowing when to take your pup to a professional dog groomer can make all the difference in their health, comfort, and overall happiness.

At Dashing Dawgs, we specialize in providing top-tier dog grooming services tailored to your pet’s needs. Whether it’s a trim, a deep clean, or a pawdicure, we help your dog look amazing and stay healthy.

Let’s explore 10 common signs that your dog needs professional grooming, and how Dashing Dawgs can help.

1. Matted Fur That You Can’t Brush Out

Matted fur is more than just a cosmetic problem. It can:

• Pull tightly on your dog's skin
  

• Cause painful sores or infections
  

• Limit airflow to the skin, leading to irritation or hotspots
  

If your dog’s coat has tangled patches you can’t comb through, it’s time to book with a dog grooming professional. At Dashing Dawgs, we utilize specialized dematting tools and techniques to gently remove mats without causing your pup any discomfort.

2. Persistent Bad Odor

Does your dog still smell even after a bath? If the odor returns quickly or never goes away, it could be due to:

• Dirty ears
  

• Dental issues
  

• Skin infections
  

• Anal gland buildup
  

Our pet grooming services include full-body bathing with premium natural shampoos, ear cleaning, and checks for odor-causing issues. We help your dog smell great for longer—and identify if something more serious is going on. Each dog grooming or even cat grooming service is followed up with a report card, so you always know what’s going on with your pet. 

3. Overgrown Nails

Overgrown nails are more than just annoying; they can lead to:

• Joint discomfort and posture issues
  

• Painful splits or breaks
  

• Accidental scratches (for you and them!)
  

If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Trimming nails can be nerve-wracking, especially with dark nails or anxious pets. A professional dog groomer near you, like Dashing Dawgs, can safely clip your pup’s nails and avoid hitting the quick.

4. Excessive Shedding

All dogs shed, but if you find yourself vacuuming fur daily or noticing bald patches, it may be time for a deshedding treatment.

At Dashing Dawgs, we use:

• High-velocity dryers
  

• Deshedding shampoos and conditioners
  

• Undercoat rakes and brushes
  

Our goal is to remove loose fur before it lands on your furniture—keeping your pup cooler and your home cleaner.

5. Dirty or Irritated Ears

Ear care is an often-overlooked part of dog grooming. Signs your dog’s ears need attention include:

• Redness or inflammation
  

• A strong, musty smell
  

• Excessive head shaking or scratching
  

Our groomers gently clean your dog’s ears, removing wax and buildup that can lead to infections. This not only improves hygiene but also keeps your pup more comfortable. Please note we do not pluck dog ears unless otherwise requested. 

6. Tear Stains and Eye Discharge

Some dogs, especially white or flat-faced breeds, develop dark tear stains or discharge around their eyes. If left untreated, this buildup can cause skin irritation or bacterial infections.

Our grooming sessions include:

• Gentle cleaning around the eyes
  

• Facial fur trimming to prevent moisture buildup
  

• Use of tear stain removers (where appropriate)
  

Proper grooming keeps your dog’s face clean, healthy, and adorable.

7. Cracked, Dry, or Dirty Paws

Your dog walks on all types of surfaces: hot pavement, gravel, grass, or dirt. Over time, this causes:

• Cracked paw pads

• Embedded debris or tar
  

• Irritation between the toes
  

At Dashing Dawgs, our dog pawdicures conducted during the grooming process include trimming fur between paw pads and cleaning debris, perfect for dogs who love the outdoors.

8. A Greasy or Dull Coat

A dog’s coat reflects their overall health. If it starts to look greasy, flaky, or dull, it may be time for:

• A thorough deep-clean
  

• Coat-specific conditioning
  

• Brushing and blow-drying for volume and shine
  

Our groomers tailor your dog’s bath products based on their coat type (e.g., short-haired, double-coated, curly, wire-haired). Yes, we have a specialized shampoo for that! Regular professional dog grooming helps restore shine and softness.

9. Itching, Licking, or Constant Scratching

Chronic scratching or licking may indicate:

• Fleas or ticks
  

• Dry, flaky skin
  

• Allergies
  

• Skin infections
  

We often catch early signs of skin conditions during grooming appointments. Our dog and cat groomers use hypoallergenic products and recommend treatments if your pup shows signs of irritation.

10. Difficulty Grooming at Home

Does your dog:

• Run and hide at the sight of the bathtub?
  

• Growl when you try to clip their nails?
  

• Wiggle uncontrollably during brushing?

Some dogs simply don’t tolerate home grooming, and that’s okay! Our groomers are trained in canine behavior, using calming techniques to make the experience stress-free. Whether you need a mobile dog groomer or prefer in-salon visits, Dashing Dawgs offers solutions that work for every temperament.

Why Professional Dog Grooming Matters

Aside from keeping your dog looking sharp, professional grooming plays a critical role in:

• Early detection of health problems – Groomers often notice lumps, rashes, or infections before they become serious.
  

• Preventive care – Regular grooming reduces the risk of parasites, ear infections, and paw injuries.
  

• Comfort and mobility –Trimming fur and nails helps dogs move freely and stay cool.
  

• Bonding and behavior – Dogs feel more confident and relaxed after grooming, especially with consistent care.
  

Why Choose Dashing Dawgs?

At Dashing Dawgs, we believe grooming should be gentle, customized, and fun. Here’s what sets us apart:

✅ Breed-Specific Cuts: From Poodles to Pugs, we tailor grooming to your pup’s breed and lifestyle.
✅ Fear-Free Approach: Our groomers use positive reinforcement, gentle handling, and calming environments.
✅ Premium Products: We use only high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and coat treatments.
✅ Flexible Services: Choose from in-salon appointments or mobile grooming for your convenience.
✅ Local Love: Serving our [City/Region], we’re your go-to groomers who treat every dog like family.

Book Your Dog’s Grooming Today!

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, don’t wait! A professional grooming session can make a huge difference in your dog’s well-being.

Let Dashing Dawgs Grooming and Boutique pamper your pup, because a clean dog is a happy dog!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I take my dog to the groomer?

Most dogs benefit from professional grooming every 4–8 weeks, depending on their breed, coat type, and activity level.

What’s included in a full grooming session at Dashing Dawgs?

Our full groom includes:

Bath and blow-dry
Brush out
Nail trimming
Ear cleaning
Haircut or trim
Paw and sanitary cleaning
Finishing touch - bandana

Can I stay with my dog during the appointment?

We want your dog to feel calm and secure. For safety and focus, we typically ask pet parents to wait until pick-up time while we pamper your pup.

Do you offer mobile dog grooming?

Yes! Our No Sedation Dog and Cat Teeth Cleaning services visit other groom salons and pet stores. Our grooming services are only available at our Downtown Vancouver location. 

Is grooming safe for puppies or senior dogs?

Absolutely. We tailor each session based on age and health. Our groomers are experienced with puppies, seniors, and dogs with special needs.