A Healthy Smile Matters: Dental Red Flags You Should Notice
Regular grooming and dental care play an important role in your dog’s comfort and hygiene. Many pet parents don’t realize how quickly dirt, plaque, or loose fur can make a dog uncomfortable. At Dashing Dogs Dental and Dashing Dawgs Grooming and Boutique, our trained groomers and dental techs help your dog stay clean, fresh, and confident.
Below are clear signs your dog may be ready for a spa and dental day, along with helpful FAQs.
Many dogs hide discomfort well so that oral hygiene issues can go unnoticed. Paying attention to small changes helps you stay ahead of non-anesthetic pet teeth cleaning.
1. Persistent Bad Breath
If your dog’s breath smells strong every day, they may need a dental cleaning. Long-lasting odor often comes from buildup and more. PetMD explains that fresh breath usually indicates good oral hygiene.
2. Visible Plaque or Staining
Yellow or brown buildup is one of the most obvious signs your dog needs dental attention. Our dental cleanings at Dashing Dogs Dental focus on removing visible plaque and polishing the teeth.
3. Pawing at the Mouth
When dogs touch or rub their mouth, they may feel discomfort. While this can signal issues, it can also mean their teeth need cleaning to remove buildup.
4. Extra Drooling or Lip Smacking
If your dog begins drooling more than usual, it may be from debris or buildup around the gums. A non-anesthetic cleaning session can help them feel more comfortable.
Coat and Skin Clues: Why Grooming Is Essential
A clean, healthy coat keeps your dog comfortable and prevents irritation. When grooming is overdue, several signs appear quickly.
1. Matted Fur and Tangles
Mats form when loose fur collects and tightens against the skin. They can pull hair, restrict movement, and cause discomfort. Regular sessions at Dashing Dawgs Grooming keep the coat smooth and manageable.
2. Greasy, Flat, or Dull Coat
Oil and dirt make your dog’s coat lose its shine. A professional bath restores brightness and softness. Groomers use high-quality products designed for your dog’s skin type.
3. Flaking or Itchy Skin
Dry skin appears as flakes or dandruff. While causes vary, a proper bath with moisturizing shampoo reduces irritation. Grooming also removes trapped debris that may worsen itchiness.
4. Unpleasant Odor
A dog doesn’t need to look messy to smell unpleasant. When regular baths are skipped, oils trap bacteria. Fresh grooming solves this quickly.
Nail and Paw Care: The Overlooked Essentials
Neglected nails affect posture, movement, and comfort. Paw cleanliness also matters more than many pet owners realize.
1. Clicking Sounds While Walking
Long nails make clicking sounds on floors and affect natural stride. Regular nail trims help reduce pressure on joints.
2. Red or Irritated Paw Pads
Debris and long fur around the paws trap moisture. A paw trim keeps the area clean and prevents discomfort.
3. Difficulty Walking or Slipping
Overgrown nails make dogs grip the ground improperly. Trimming helps restore normal balance and stability.
Ear Care: A Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference
Many dogs develop ear buildup, especially breeds with floppy ears.
1. Strong Odor
A dirty ear often has a noticeable smell. Professional ear cleaning keeps them fresh and helps reduce irritation.
2. Head Shaking
Frequent shaking usually means your dog feels itchy or uncomfortable. Grooming helps clear dirt and excess wax.
3. Scratching at the Ears
When your dog scratches often, they may need a gentle cleaning. Groomers help remove buildup safely.
Behavioral Signals That Grooming or Dental Care Is Needed
Dogs use behavior to communicate discomfort.
1. Restlessness
A dirty coat or heavy buildup on teeth can make your dog uneasy. Grooming often improves their overall condition.
2. Avoiding Chew Toys
If your dog stops chewing toys they love, oral discomfort may be growing. Non-anaesthetic cleaning can help.
3. Sensitivity to Touch
If your dog moves away when touched, their coat may feel tangled, dirty, or heavy.
4. Decreased Playfulness
When dogs feel uncomfortable, they become less active. A spa day can help them feel refreshed.
How Routine Spa & Dental Sessions Support Your Dog’s Comfort
Regular care prevents discomfort and makes grooming easier. When dogs become familiar with grooming and dental sessions, anxiety should decrease. Consistent visits also help maintain a healthier coat, fresher breath, and cleaner paws.
At Dashing Dawgs Pet Grooming and Dashing Dogs Dental, our focus is on gentle, cosmetic upkeep. We help your dog and cat feel clean, bright, and confident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are your services veterinary dental procedures?
No. We are not veterinarians and do not diagnose or treat medical issues. Our dental techs provide cosmetic, non-anesthetic cleanings for appearance and hygiene only.
2. How often should my dog get groomed?
Most dogs need grooming every 4–8 weeks. Long-haired breeds may need more frequent visits to prevent tangles and mats.
3. How often should my dog get a non-anesthesia dental cleaning?
Many dogs visit every 6 months for visible plaque removal and fresher breath. Your dental tech will help advise after spending time with your dog or cat as to the best time to return again.
4. Is non-anesthetic pet teeth cleaning safe for all dogs?
Most dogs tolerate the process well. If your dog shows any signs of medical or dental concerns, we recommend visiting a veterinarian.
5. Do you use sedation?
No. Our dental cleanings are non-anesthetic. Dogs remain awake and are handled gently.
6. What if my dog is anxious during grooming?
Our groomers use calm, patient methods to reduce stress. Regular visits help dogs feel more comfortable over time.
7. What happens during grooming?
A typical session includes bathing, brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, coat trimming, and styling. Each service is tailored to your dog’s needs and the type of hair/fur they have.
8. Do you offer deshedding services?
Yes. Deshedding treatments remove loose undercoat and help reduce shedding around your home.
9. Can grooming improve my dog’s smell?
Yes. Professional products remove dirt, oils, and debris that cause odors.
10. Do you clean ears and trim paws?
Yes. These services are included or can be added to your dog’s grooming package.
11. What if I notice bleeding gums or broken teeth?
Please visit a licensed veterinarian. We do not provide medical dental services.
12. Can I book grooming and dental cleaning together?
In many cases, yes. Contact Dashing Dawgs or Dashing Dogs Dental to schedule a combined spa and dental day.
