5 Signs Your Pet Needs a Grooming Session (And How to Help Them Enjoy It!)

(Spot the signs early and make grooming stress-free.)

TL;DR: Your pet often shows clear signs when it’s time for grooming—excessive shedding, mats in fur, bad odor, dirty ears, or discomfort when touched. Learning to notice these cues and turning grooming into a positive, enjoyable routine keeps your pet healthy, comfortable, and happy.

Q: How do you know when your pet needs a grooming session, and how can you make it enjoyable?

A: Watch for signs like heavy shedding, tangled fur, odor, dirty ears, and scratching. Introduce grooming gradually, use gentle tools, add treats and praise, and make it a bonding experience. This keeps grooming stress-free and helps your pet actually enjoy the process.

1. Excessive Shedding Everywhere 🐾

If you’re constantly lint-rolling your clothes or vacuuming the couch, your pet may need a brush-out. Grooming helps remove loose fur before it spreads around your home.

How to help: Use a gentle grooming comb a few times a week. Keep sessions short at first, then build up as your pet gets used to it.

2. Tangled or Matted Fur ✂️

Mats can tug at your pet’s skin, causing pain and even infections if ignored. Long-haired breeds are especially prone to this.

How to help: Detangle knots slowly, starting from the ends and working inward. Use a rotating-head comb to avoid pulling. Reward them with treats for staying calm.

3. Strong Odors or Dirty Coat 🧼

If your pet smells bad even after a bath, dirt and oils might be trapped in their fur. This can make them uncomfortable and affect your home’s freshness.

How to help: Bathe your pet with a gentle, pet-safe shampoo every few weeks. Follow up with brushing to keep their coat shiny and odor-free.

4. Dirty or Irritated Ears 👂

If your pet scratches at their ears often or you notice wax buildup, it’s a sign they need grooming attention. Left untreated, it can lead to infections.

How to help: Use vet-approved ear wipes or drops to gently clean their ears. Never insert anything deep inside—just wipe the outer area.

5. Restlessness or Discomfort 😿🐶

If your pet seems itchy, restless, or avoids cuddles, it might be because their coat feels dirty, tangled, or uncomfortable.

How to help: Keep grooming sessions calm and positive. Talk to them, offer belly rubs, and let them sniff the brush before using it.

Evidence & Insights

• The American Kennel Club highlights that mats and tangles can cause skin irritation and even restrict movement if not treated.

• Regular grooming supports healthy skin and coat, helps detect parasites early, and reduces shedding around the home (Humane Society).

• Positive reinforcement during grooming reduces stress, making pets more cooperative over time (Journal of Veterinary Behavior).

Final Thought

Your pet depends on you to keep them comfortable and healthy. By learning the signs they need grooming and turning it into a fun, loving activity, you’ll strengthen your bond and enjoy more happy, snuggle-filled moments together. And if you want to make grooming quick, gentle, and mess-free, the PawCare Grooming Comb is a simple tool that helps both you and your pet. 🐾

Don’t wait for mats & mess—make grooming stress-free today with the PawCare Grooming Comb 🐾.