Five Signs Your Dog Needs A Visit To The Groomer

Letting your dog's toenails get too long can lead to problems bigger than scratched floors. Long nails can force your dog's toes apart from one another, leading to excess strain on the joints. It's perfectly possible to trim most dogs' nails at home, but many dog owners do rely on their groomer for this service because holding the dog still while trimming the nails can be difficult.

Here are some signs that your dog's nails are too long and a prompt visit to the groomer is in order:

• His toes or pads seem to be spreading apart.
  
• You hear tapping and scratching noises as he runs across the floor.
  
• He is having trouble running across hard floors without skidding.
  
• You're getting scratches and scrapes when you pick him up.
  

If you don't want to continue going to the groomer each time your dog needs his nails trimmed, ask your groomer or vet to show you how to properly trim the nails during your next appointment.

Mats are like big, tough tangles in your dog's coat. They're most likely to occur in dogs with longer, finer-textured hair. When they are very small, you may be able to comb them out, but as they grow larger, they really need to be cut out of the coat to avoid causing pain.

Mats are not just a cosmetic issue. They can cause the skin beneath them to get red and itchy, and they can perpetuate infections. Your groomer can remove any mats that have begun to form and also trim your dog's coat so he is less likely to develop new ones. After the grooming appointment, regularly brushing your dog's coat with a slick wire brush will also help prevent mats.

If your dog's odor is starting to bother you, then it's either time for a good bath or to have his anal glands expressed. Your groomer can handle both of these things. If the problem is an odor coming from his skin and coat, they can use a specialized deodorizing shampoo.

The anal glands are two sacs located to either side of the anus. The liquid they secrete should be expressed when your dog passes a bowel movement, but sometimes the glands become impacted and need to be manually expressed.

If a trip to the groomer does not eliminate your dog's odor, then make an appointment with a veterinarian like those at Alta Vista Veterinary Clinic . Sometimes, tough odors are a sign of an ear infection, gum disease, and kidney problems. Your vet can examine your dog and ensure he gets the treatment he needs.

This problem is obviously more common in the summer than in the winter. If your dog seems like he is always panting, becoming lethargic after a short period of play, and drinking lots of water when the temperature climbs, he probably needs to visit the groomer for a shorter trim. Heat stroke can be deadly, and keeping your dog's coat trimmed short in the summer is one of the best things you can do to prevent this condition.

Even if you do not have a dog whose coat requires regular trimming, periodic trips to the groomer can help keep your dog feeling its best.