Will missing a groom hurt my dog? What every owner should know
Skipping the groomer might seem harmless. After all, wolves don’t book spa appointments, right? But here’s the dirty truth: not grooming your dog doesn’t just mean they look a little scruffy. It can actually hurt them, causing discomfort, health issues, and stress you might not even notice until it’s too late.
And don’t worry — this isn’t about guilt-tripping you. Life gets busy. Coats get tangled. Walks get muddy. We’ve all been there. This is simply about giving you the knowledge to keep your dog as healthy and happy as possible.
Grooming isn’t vanity. It’s essential care. Here’s what happens when grooming gets skipped.
1. Matting = Pain You Can’t See
Matted fur isn’t just messy. It pulls on the skin, traps dirt, and creates hot, airless pockets where bacteria thrive. Severe matting can:
Cut off blood flow.
Hide skin infections.
Cause constant, tugging pain.
👉 One UK grooming survey found mats were the number one problem groomers see in neglected coats — and they’re far more painful than most owners realise.
2. Nails Don’t Stop Growing
Skip nail trims and nails can curl into paw pads, making walking painful. Overgrown nails also change your dog’s posture, which can lead to joint strain.
👉 Vets warn that long nails are one of the most common and preventable causes of chronic pain in dogs.
3. Hidden Health Problems Stay Hidden
Every groom is a mini health check. Groomers spot:
Lumps and bumps.
Ear infections.
Fleas and ticks.
Skin irritations you can’t see under the coat.
👉 In one UK study, professional groomers were more likely than owners to notice early signs of ear disease and skin infections. Regular grooming can literally save you a vet bill (and save your dog from suffering).
4. Skin & Coat Go Downhill
Without grooming, dead hair, dirt, and skin build up. That means:
Itchy, irritated skin.
Dull coats with no shine.
An increased risk of hot spots and bacterial infections.
👉 Grooming stimulates natural oils and circulation. It keeps coats healthy in the same way brushing your own hair keeps your scalp happy. (manypets.com)
5. Stress Increases, Not Decreases
Some owners avoid grooming because they think it’s stressful for their dog. But the opposite is true:
Regular grooming helps dogs get used to handling.
The gentle touch of brushing actually reduces stress hormones like cortisol.
Nervous dogs become less anxious with consistent, positive grooming experiences.
👉 Research on social grooming in animals shows it increases oxytocin (the “feel-good” hormone) and lowers stress. (en.wikipedia.org)
FAQs: Skipping Grooming
What happens if I don’t groom my dog?
You risk mats, skin infections, overgrown nails, parasites, and missed health issues.
How often should I groom my dog?
Long-haired breeds: every 3–4 weeks
Dense-coated breeds: every 6–8 weeks
Short-haired dogs: every 8–10 weeks
Can grooming really improve my dog’s health?
Yes. Grooming is like preventative healthcare — it keeps your dog comfortable, reduces risks, and helps spot problems early.
The Dirty Dog Washes Difference
At Dirty Dog Washes, we make grooming feel like a spa retreat, not a battle.
✨ Gentle, stress-free handling
✨ Pro-trained eyes spotting early health issues
✨ Non-toxic products for skin & coat health
Because skipping grooming hurts more than it helps.
👉 Book your dog’s wellness groom today — and keep them happy, healthy, and wagging.