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If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably heard all sorts of things about grooming—some true, some not so much. Maybe you’ve wondered, “Does my dog really need regular haircuts?” or “Why does my groomer insist on brushing at home?” “Why should I pay more to groom my dog than my own haircut” The truth is, dog grooming is about much more than just making your dog look cute. It plays a crucial role in their overall health and well being.
Let’s break down some common grooming myths and what every pet parent should know about keeping their dog looking and feeling their best.
🐶 Myth #1: “Dogs Don’t Need Grooming If They Don’t Have Long Hair”
The Truth: Every dog, regardless of coat type, needs regular grooming.
Even short-haired breeds shed, and regular brushing helps keep their skin and coat healthy by removing loose fur, dirt, and dander. Dogs with longer or curly coats (like doodles, poodles, or spaniels) need consistent brushing to prevent painful matting.
✂️ Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what kind of grooming your dog needs, ask your groomer! They can recommend a schedule based on your dog’s coat type.
🚿 Myth #2: “I Can Just Bathe My Dog Instead of Taking Them to the Groomer”
The Truth: Bathing at home is great—but it’s only part of the grooming process.
Groomers don’t just wash your dog. They also:✅ Trim nails (to prevent painful overgrowth and joint issues)✅ Clean ears (to help prevent infections)✅ Check for skin issues (hot spots, lumps, parasites, abnormalities )✅ Brush out tangles and mats
✅Condition the coat (seals the hair cuticle, restoring and retaining the dogs natural oils in the coat and skin)✅ Give professional haircuts (for dogs that require regular trimming. Doing this at home can cause injury to yourself or your dog- it may seem easy but trust us, we have seen first hand the medical emergencies that can occur from a pet parent cutting out a mat with scissors- the mats behind the ear being the most dangerously to remove at home)
✂️ Pro Tip: If your dog hates baths, turn them into a calm, rewarding experience. Save their dinner for rewarding them while behaving in a calm, relaxed way while in the bath. Make sure the temperature is luke warm- not too cold, not too hot. Make sure the dog has an anti slip mat so they aren’t slipping all over the tub. Close the bathroom door so they aren’t as tempted to bolt out the room.
🖤 Myth #3: “Shaving My Dog Will Keep Them Cooler in the Summer”
The Truth: Not always! For some breeds, shaving can actually make things worse.
Double-coated dogs (like huskies, golden retrievers, and German shepherds) should never be shaved unless medically necessary. Their fur acts as insulation, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Shaving can damage their coat and even make them more susceptible to sunburn.
There are ALWAYS exceptions to this rule- and it is only true if the coat has been properly maintained and groomed. A matted, or impacted coat will NOT keep the dog cool in summer. The only double coat that will do its job properly is one that is brushed weekly, bathed every 4-8 weeks, undercoat regularly removed, a clean, conditioned coat/skin, as well as overall good health and diet. If the dog is on an inappropriate diet, or has health issues, this can cause coat changes to interfere with coat and skin health. Coat health starts from the inside out.
✂️ Pro Tip: Instead of shaving, ask your groomer about deshedding treatments to help your dog stay cool and comfortable.
If your dog’s coat is at a position where your groomer recommends shaving- it’s better to start fresh and maintain the coat on a regular schedule once the dog is free of painful matting. A matted dog, double coated or single coated- is a miserable dog.
🪮 Myth #4: “My Dog Hates Grooming, So We Should Avoid It”
The Truth: Skipping grooming will only make things worse in the long run.
If your dog is nervous at the groomer, the best thing you can do is help them get used to it early on. Puppies should start with short, positive grooming experiences to build confidence.
Even older dogs can learn to tolerate grooming with patience and positive reinforcement. The more regularly they go, the more comfortable they’ll become! You must treat the groomers the same way you treat them when you’re taking them to their favourite place. Don’t reinforce negative emotions when going to the groomer.
✂️ Pro Tip: Try brushing your dog at home a few times a week to get them used to being handled. Lots of treats and praise can turn grooming into a positive experience. Keep sessions short and sweet- don’t use too much pressure, use the brush in a pulling motion, rather than a scraping against the skin motion. Their skin is much more sensitive than humans.
Does the dog hate brushing- or do you hate doing it? Your dog feeds off your energy and will sense something must be bad if you’re so reluctant to perform this necessary task. Your dog is a mirror of you.
📝 What You Can Do as a Pet Parent
1️⃣ Brush your dog regularly – Even 5 minutes a day can prevent mats and keep their coat healthy. Finish up with a comb! Your comb must be able to pull through the entire length of the coat- from skin to the tip of the hair. If it is getting stuck- the coat is matted. The only way to safely remove severe matting is to shave underneath where the mat is formed.2️⃣ Keep up with nail trims – Long nails can cause pain and posture issues. If you’re unsure, bring them to your groomer every 2-4 weeks to have them checked.3️⃣ Find a groomer you trust – Look for a professional who is experienced, patient, and willing to work with your dog’s unique needs.4️⃣ Stick to a schedule – Most dogs need grooming every 4-8 weeks, depending on their coat type and lifestyle. This applies to short coat dogs as well! Even as humans- we bathe everyday, even if we don’t cut our hair everyday!
🐾 Final Thoughts
Grooming isn’t just about making your dog look cute—it’s an essential part of their health, comfort, and happiness. Whether your pup has a long, curly coat or a short, sleek one, regular grooming keeps them feeling their best.
Want to make your dog’s grooming experience even smoother? Start small, be consistent, and work with a groomer who understands their needs. Your pup (and your groomer!) will thank you!
Thank you for making it this far!
Nikki Carruthers
Co-Owner of The Neon Dragon Ltd
Certified Pet stylist