We don’t know who needs to hear this, but getting your dog groomed should not be an afterthought.
Think about it: We regularly trim our nails and get our hair cut — and that’s mostly just for looks.
But for your pet, regular grooming is about more than just keeping up appearances. Failing to groom your pet can have serious health consequences.
According to experts at the ASPCA, there are several reasons scheduled grooming is as important as bringing your pet in for regular checkups with the vet.
Let’s break them down:
1. Identify Underlying Health Issues
If you go too long between grooming sessions, your dog’s hair can become matted — a problem that can not only be uncomfortable to correct but can also mask underlying health issues like cysts, skin conditions, fleas/ticks, ear infections, and poor circulation.
2. Relieve Discomfort & Overheating
Many people avoid brushing their dogs because they think it’s uncomfortable, but brushing actually feels good to most dogs. Plush, regular brushing removes dead hair, stimulates new growth, and brings your dog’s natural oils to the surface. Brushing and trimming your dog’s coat when necessary also helps to keep him cool and comfortable year-round.
3. Protect Feet & Joints
Long nails on your dog not only look bad and scratch up your floors, but they’re unhealthy and uncomfortable for your dog as well. Nails that have gotten too long can cause your dog to start walking on the sides of their feet, a problem that can lead to bone deformations and arthritis if left untreated. Some dogs even have nails that grow into their footpads, which is extremely painful.
4. Keep Teeth Healthy
When we neglect to take care of our dog’s teeth, they can develop dental problems and bad breath, just like humans. The best way to prevent dental disease is regular brushing to prevent plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can grow inside your dog’s mouth and cause much bigger problems down the road.
5. Minimize Anxiety
If you don’t take them to the groomer regularly, your dog may develop a fear of the grooming process, which can cause unnecessary anxiety for your pet — and for you. By making the groomer part of their routine, they’ll not only become more comfortable, but may actually start to look forward to the experience.
So, now that you know why you should groom your dog, make sure to get it done regularly by sticking to a schedule.
Our #1 tip? Rebook your appointments when you’re at the groomer so that it’s on your calendar.
Typically pets that require haircuts need to be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks. Work with your groomer to determine how often you need to groom your dog based on:
- Specific hygienic needs
- Coat condition
- Trim style
- Activity level
By getting into the habit of rebooking your appointments, you’ll not only keep your pet consistently looking, smelling, and feeling great, but you’ll reduce shedding and maintain their health, too.
Plus, getting those appointments scheduled ahead of time means you can plan your groomings around major holidays, vacations, and events instead of trying to squeeze them in at the last minute. It’s a win-win!
So, are you ready to start booking?
At Woofie's, we make those regular grooming sessions even easier by bringing all of the comforts and amenities of an upscale grooming salon right to your front door. Better yet, signing up for our Woof Pack ensures that your pup gets groomed at regularly scheduled intervals so you don’t have to worry about booking that next appointment – we do it for you!
Woofie's offers a variety of grooming options, de-matting services, paw pad treatments, mani-pedis — even a Healthy Breath Bundle to keep those teeth clean and eliminate doggy breath!
Check out our complete list of Mobile Pet Spa services or contact us any time to discuss your pet’s particular needs. We’re here to make your grooming experience as easy and enjoyable as possible