Tangled or Matted Fur Appears More Often
When a dog’s coat begins to tangle quickly between grooming sessions, it’s a clear signal that something needs to change. Mats often form behind the ears, around the legs, and under the collar. These tight knots pull on the skin, causing discomfort and even pain during movement or rest.
Some dogs are more prone to matting due to their coat type. Breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels need consistent brushing to keep their fur healthy. If mats are appearing within days of grooming, it may be time to schedule sessions more often.
Tangled fur also traps moisture and dirt, which can lead to skin irritation or infection. By brushing and bathing more frequently, the coat stays clean, and the skin can breathe better—both important for overall comfort and hygiene.
That Dog Smell Shows Up Quickly
A clean dog should smell fresh for a while after grooming. If that “doggy odor” creeps back just a few days later, it could mean that dirt, oils, or bacteria are building up faster than expected. This might happen because of a dog’s skin type, activity level, or outdoor habits.
Dogs who love to roll in grass, dig in dirt, or explore muddy areas can carry those smells home. Even regular indoor dogs can develop an odor if their natural oils build up or if they drool a lot. A mild, musky scent that lingers often means it’s time for another bath.
Addressing this early helps prevent deeper skin issues and keeps the home smelling clean, too. For many owners, regular grooming becomes part of keeping both the dog and the living space fresh and welcoming.
Skin Looks Red, Greasy, or Flaky
Healthy skin should be smooth, soft, and free of bumps. If a dog’s skin starts to look red, greasy, or dry and flaky, it’s often a grooming-related issue. When brushing is too infrequent, oils and dead skin can build up, clogging pores and irritating the skin.
Red patches may signal inflammation, while greasy spots might point to an overproduction of oil. On the flip side, flaky areas can result from dry skin that isn’t being exfoliated through brushing. These signs often go unnoticed until they cause scratching or licking.
Regular grooming promotes blood flow to the skin, evenly distributes natural oils, and helps spot problems before they grow. If skin issues appear between visits to the groomer, adjusting the grooming routine may bring lasting relief.
Itching, Scratching, or Licking Becomes Constant
Occasional scratching is normal, but when it becomes frequent, it might be a grooming issue rather than a medical one. Dirt, pollen, or even leftover shampoo residue can irritate the skin if not washed off regularly. These irritants often collect in the coat without a proper bath.
Some dogs also lick themselves as a way to soothe itchy or dirty areas. This can become a habit and lead to hotspots—painful areas of raw skin. Frequent licking or biting at the paws or tail is especially common in dogs needing more frequent coat maintenance.
Increased grooming can reduce buildup, soothe irritated skin, and help prevent these behaviors from becoming chronic. A routine that keeps the coat clean is often all it takes to stop the itch cycle.
Hair Is Shedding More Than Usual
Shedding is natural, but there’s a difference between a seasonal coat change and constant hair everywhere. If fur is showing up on furniture, clothes, and every corner of the house, it might mean the dog’s grooming schedule needs adjustment.
Frequent brushing helps control loose fur before it ends up around the home. For double-coated breeds, undercoat shedding can become overwhelming without proper care. A lack of grooming not only makes the house messier—it also clogs the dog’s coat and traps heat near the skin.
By brushing more often, especially during high-shedding seasons, owners can manage the mess and keep their dog feeling cooler and lighter. Grooming isn’t just about neatness—it supports comfort, especially in warmer months.
Eyes, Ears, or Paws Look Dirty
During grooming, it’s not just the coat that needs attention. If a dog’s ears are waxy, eyes are crusty, or paws carry debris, they might not be getting cleaned as often as they need. These areas are easy to overlook but can lead to problems if ignored.
Dirty ears can develop infections. Crusty tear stains under the eyes can irritate the skin. And paws—especially in long-haired dogs—can gather mud, salt, or sharp debris. These parts need gentle, regular cleaning between full grooming sessions.
Groomers often clean these areas during visits, but if buildup returns quickly, home care may need to happen more often. By checking and cleaning these spots regularly, many common issues can be avoided altogether.
Coat Loses Its Shine or Looks Uneven
A healthy coat should look bright, smooth, and uniform. When the coat starts to look dull, patchy, or uneven, it’s often a sign of infrequent grooming. Dirt, dander, and broken hairs can make the fur appear lifeless and coarse.
Dogs that aren’t brushed regularly might develop uneven patches from scratching, matting, or excessive shedding. The coat can take on a rough texture or develop subtle color changes due to poor oil distribution.
More frequent grooming helps revive the coat’s natural sheen. It removes buildup, massages the skin, and allows new healthy fur to grow evenly. When the coat looks tired, it often just needs more regular care to bounce back.
Nails Clicking Loudly on Hard Floors
When a dog walks across a tile or wood floor and clicks with every step, it’s usually a sign that their nails are too long. Long nails not only affect comfort—they can also change the way a dog walks, leading to joint issues over time.
Nail trimming is a part of grooming that sometimes gets delayed, but it shouldn’t be ignored. If nails grow too long, they can split, crack, or curl under into the paw. Some dogs even start to limp or avoid walking due to pain.
A grooming schedule that includes regular nail checks helps prevent discomfort and long-term damage. If the clicking is constant, it’s time for a trim, and maybe a reminder to shorten the gap between grooming sessions.
Grooming Appointments Are Becoming Stressful
If a dog begins to dread grooming—trembling, resisting, or hiding—it might be because sessions are happening too far apart. The longer the wait, the more work there is to do, and the harder it is on the dog physically and emotionally.
Long nails, mats, and dirty skin make grooming uncomfortable. When these issues pile up, dogs start associating the process with pain or stress. They may grow fearful of baths, brushes, or even the car ride to the groomer.
Frequent, gentle grooming helps ease that fear. Dogs remember routines. When sessions are regular and low-stress, they learn to relax. For anxious dogs, more frequent, shorter sessions may be the best path forward.
A Clean Dog Is a Comfortable Dog
Dogs thrive when they feel clean, comfortable, and well-cared for. If any of these signs are showing up between grooming sessions, it’s likely time to increase the frequency. It’s not just about looks—it’s about health, trust, and the bond between dog and human.
By listening to what the coat, skin, and behavior are saying, owners can fine-tune a grooming routine that truly fits. More frequent care can make a world of difference—for both dog and home.