Everyone needs a day of pampering and rest, and your dog is no exception. A good spa covers all grooming needs, offering professional grooming that rejuvenates and refreshes your dog, leaving him feeling his best. But how do you know when a spa day is right for your pet?
In an interview with HT, Dr. Deepak Saraswat, Chief Veterinarian at Zigly, shared the signs that pet parents can look out for when their pets need a good spa day.
Physical signs
Under the physical signs, Dr. Saraswat highlights two main physical changes that signal your dog may need a spa day. These include skin conditions, changes in coat condition and hair loss. Specialized care will help restore the health of the pet’s coat, as well as solve shedding problems.
- Skin diseases and coat changes
Dr. Saraswat listed skin and coat conditions such as persistent dryness, dandruff, redness, visible irritation, matted coat, greasy coat and dull appearance that require professional care.
2. Excessive hair loss
Shedding is normal, but Dr. Saraswat noted that it increases during seasonal changes. He cautioned against excessive hair loss, baldness, thinning hair, or frequent hair loss, as these could indicate allergies, skin infections, or other health problems that require professional attention.
He went on to add, “Look out for overgrown nails that affect your pet’s ability to walk comfortably, smelly ears or visible dirt that could indicate an infection. For teeth, yellowing or bad breath are clear signs of needing dental care.’
Behavioral signs
In addition to physical signs, the pet’s behavior may indicate discomfort, which indicates specialized care. Scratching and licking are one of the behavioral signs.
Dr. Saraswat said, “If your pet is constantly scratching or licking certain areas, it could be a sign of irritation, allergies, or even parasites. Excessive grooming that results in visible redness or hair loss also requires special care or medical attention.’
A regular haircut is usually normal, but if a pet is constantly grooming one spot, is in pain while being trimmed, or has skin damage, it may mean that it is uncomfortable and needs professional grooming.
Frequency depending on the breed, type of coat
Each pet has unique needs based on coat type and breed. Pointing this out, Dr. Saraswat explained, “Long-haired breeds may need a trim every 4-6 weeks, while short-haired breeds may need 6-8 weeks. Active pets or those prone to matting may need more frequent grooming.”
Basic care services and seasonal requirements
Dr. Saraswat listed the basic grooming services that ensure the overall well-being of a pet:
- Regular bathing with pet-safe shampoos
- Nail trimming to prevent discomfort
- Ear cleaning to avoid infections
- Teeth cleaning to maintain a healthy coat
Seasonal changes affect fur, so each season has different grooming needs:
- summer: Pets may need shorter haircuts to stay cool and prevent matting.
- winter: Regular brushing is essential to control shedding and keep the coat warm.
- Monsoon: Special care of the paws and coat is necessary to avoid fungal infections.
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Care-related red flags that require an immediate vet visit
Dr. Saraswat explained that you should consult your veterinarian if any of these signs are present, as they may indicate an underlying health problem:
- Unexplained wounds, scabs or lumps were noticed during care.
- Discharge or odor from the ears or skin.
- Extreme discomfort or lethargy during grooming sessions.
He went on to add: “Grooming problems such as skin inflammation, bumps or sudden changes in coat quality can indicate underlying conditions such as allergies, hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Contact your vet if these signs persist.”
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
