5 Signs Your Dog Is Overdue for Grooming
Regular grooming isn’t just about making your dog look adorable (though that’s a nice bonus!) — it’s about keeping their skin, coat, and overall health in great shape. Whether your pup has a short, sleek coat or a fluffy, high-maintenance one, skipping grooms for too long can lead to discomfort and even health issues.
Not sure when it’s time to book their next appointment? Here are five clear signs your dog is overdue for grooming.
1. Matted or Tangled Fur
Mats start small — usually behind the ears, under the legs, or around the tail — but they can tighten over time, pulling on your dog’s skin and causing pain. Severe matting can trap moisture and dirt, leading to hot spots, skin irritation, or infections.
If you run your fingers through your dog’s coat and feel knots or clumps, it’s time for a professional groom. Regular brushing at home helps, but routine grooming appointments are the best way to prevent mats from forming in the first place.
👉 Common in: Doodles, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Maltese, Bichons, and other curly or long-coated breeds.
2. Overgrown Nails or Clicking Sounds
You might notice a “click click click” on your floors — that’s often your dog telling you it’s nail-trim time. Overgrown nails can:
- Affect how your dog walks
- Cause joint or posture problems over time
- Split or break, leading to pain and bleeding
Even indoor dogs need their nails trimmed regularly, typically every 3–4 weeks. A professional groomer can keep them at a healthy length and check for any nail-related issues.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re not confident trimming nails at home, let us handle it. It’s quick, safe, and stress-free for your pup.
3. Strong Odors or a Greasy Coat
Dogs have their own natural scent, but a strong “doggy smell” or greasy coat is a clear sign they’re due for a bath. Excess oils, dirt, and buildup on the skin can trap odor and lead to irritation or dandruff.
Regular Bath & Tidy or Full Groom appointments help keep their skin healthy, their coat shiny, and your house smelling fresh. If you notice their fur feels tacky or they smell even after a quick rinse at home, it’s time for a professional wash and blow dry.
👉 Common in: Double-coated breeds (like Labs or Huskies), active dogs, or pups that love the outdoors.
4. Hair Covering the Eyes, Paws, or Sanitary Areas
When fur starts covering your dog’s eyes, paw pads, or sanitary areas, it’s more than a cosmetic issue:
- Hair over the eyes can cause irritation or block their vision
- Hair between paw pads can collect debris and make walking uncomfortable
- Overgrown fur around sanitary areas can lead to hygiene problems
A Full Groom tidies up these sensitive spots, keeping your pup comfortable and clean between appointments.
👉 Pro Tip: If you notice them squinting or pawing at their face, check for overgrown facial hair.
5. Your Dog Seems Uncomfortable or Itchy
If your pup is scratching, licking, or chewing at their coat more than usual, it may be due to:
- Dirty fur or buildup on the skin
- Mats pulling on sensitive spots
- Overgrown nails causing discomfort
- Blocked ear canals that need cleaning
Regular grooming helps catch these issues early. A professional groomer will clean ears, trim nails, brush out loose fur, and alert you to any skin changes we notice during the session.
👉 Bonus: Consistent grooming often makes vet visits easier, since your dog’s skin, nails, and coat are regularly checked.
Final Thoughts
Grooming is about more than keeping your dog cute — it’s about keeping them comfortable, clean, and healthy. If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to schedule their next appointment.
At Gordie’s Grooming, we tailor each service to your dog’s coat type and needs, whether they need a Bath & Tidy or a full transformation.
👉 Book your pup’s next appointment online or give us a call — their tail (and your floors) will thank you!