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Voted Miami’s Best Groomers by The Miami New Times®
Winner of ‘Best of Miami-Dade’ by The Miami Herald®
How do you know when it is time to pick up the phone and book an appointment? Your dog cannot tell you their skin is itchy or their mats are pulling, but their body language and physical appearance speak volumes.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how to tell if your dog needs grooming. We will cover the physical red flags, the behavioral changes to watch for, and the specific needs of different coat types. By the end, you will know exactly how to keep your furry friend feeling their best.
Why Regular Grooming Matters More Than You Think
Many dog owners view grooming as a luxury. In reality, it is a necessity.
Think of your dog’s coat as a protective barrier. It regulates their body temperature, protects their skin from the sun, and shields them from environmental debris. When that coat is dirty, matted, or impacted with dead hair, it cannot do its job.
Regular grooming provides several critical health benefits:
- Improved Airflow: Brushing removes dead hair and dirt, allowing air to circulate to the skin. This prevents the buildup of moisture that leads to bacterial and fungal infections.
- Parasite Detection: Fleas and ticks love to hide in thick, unkempt fur. A thorough groom reveals these pests before they cause a major infestation.
- Joint Health: Long nails change the way your dog walks. This puts stress on their paw joints and can lead to long-term arthritis.
- Early Warning System: Groomers often find lumps, bumps, or skin lesions that owners miss under the fur. Early detection saves lives.
You want your dog to live a long, pain-free life. Consistent grooming is one of the easiest ways to ensure that happens.
Physical Signs Your Dog Is Overdue for a Groom
You do not need a veterinary degree to spot the physical signs of a dog in need of grooming. You just need to know what to look (and smell) for. If you notice any of the following, it is time to take action.
Is the fur matted or tangled
This is the most obvious sign, but it is also the most dangerous.
Matting occurs when loose hair wraps around live hair, creating a tight knot. This usually happens in areas of high friction, such as behind the ears, under the armpits, and where the collar sits.
Many owners mistakenly believe mats are just a cosmetic issue. They are not. As a mat tightens, it pulls on the skin. This constant tension is painful for your dog. It can restrict blood flow to the skin, causing bruising. Worse, the mat creates a warm, humid environment against the skin—a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and hot spots.
If you cannot run a metal comb through your dog’s fur without it getting stuck, your dog is matted. Do not try to cut these out with scissors yourself, as you risk cutting the skin. This requires professional attention.
Do you hear clicking when they walk
Turn off the TV and listen to your dog walk across a hard floor (wood, tile, or laminate).
Do you hear a click-click-click sound?
If you hear that sound, your dog’s nails are too long. Ideally, a dog’s nails should not touch the ground when they are standing still.
Long nails are not just noisy; they are painful. When a nail touches the ground, it pushes the toe bone backward. This forces the dog’s foot into an unnatural position. Over time, this alters their posture and puts immense strain on the joints of the legs and hips. In extreme cases, the nail can curl around and grow into the paw pad, causing infection and severe pain.
Does their coat smell or feel greasy
All dogs have a natural scent. However, a healthy dog should not smell bad.
If your dog has a persistent, unpleasant odor even after a quick bath, it indicates a deeper issue. This often stems from a buildup of sebum (natural oils), dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Touch your dog’s coat. Does it feel oily or leave a residue on your hand? A greasy coat is a sign that the oil glands are overproducing or that the oils are not being distributed correctly through brushing. This greasiness traps dirt and allergens close to the skin, leading to irritation. A professional deep cleaning is required to strip away this buildup and restore the skin’s pH balance.
Are there tears or discharge around the eyes
Look closely at your dog’s eyes. Are they clear and bright, or is there gunk in the corners?
Eye discharge comes in many forms. A little “sleep” in the corner is normal. However, excessive tearing, crusty buildup, or green/yellow discharge is not.
For dogs with lighter coats, you might notice reddish-brown staining under the eyes. This is caused by porphyrins found in tears. While the stain itself is often harmless, the constant moisture can lead to skin infections and a foul smell.
Long hair around the eyes can also irritate the cornea, causing excessive tearing. A groomer can carefully trim this hair (a “face trim”) to help your dog see clearly and prevent irritation.
What is hiding inside their ears
Flip your dog’s ear flap over. What do you see?
A healthy ear is pink, clean, and odorless. If you see brown wax, redness, or swelling, your dog needs help.
Take a sniff. Does it smell like bread or yeast? A “yeasty” smell is a classic sign of a fungal infection.
Dogs with floppy ears (like Spaniels and Retrievers) or hairy ear canals (like Poodles) are prone to these issues. The hair inside the ear traps moisture and dirt. A groomer can clean the ear canal and, if necessary, gently pluck the excess hair to improve airflow. Note that if the ear is red and painful, you should see a vet before a groomer to rule out a severe infection.
Behavioral Indicators That Scream Groom Me
Sometimes, your dog’s appearance seems fine, but their behavior tells a different story. Dogs communicate discomfort through their actions. If your dog is acting out of character, they might be asking for a grooming session.
Why is my dog scooting on the floor
You have likely seen it: your dog drags their rear end across the carpet or grass. It looks funny, but it is a sign of discomfort.
This behavior, known as “scooting,” usually means your dog’s anal glands are full or impacted. These are two small sacs located on either side of the anus. They normally empty when a dog defecates, but sometimes they get clogged.
When these glands are full, they feel itchy and painful. Your dog scoots to try and relieve the pressure. Professional groomers are trained to check and express these glands externally during a grooming session, providing your dog with instant relief.
Note: If scooting persists after grooming, or if you see blood or swelling, consult your veterinarian.
Is your dog scratching or biting themselves constantly
Itchiness is one of the most common complaints among dog owners. If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or biting their flank, they are uncomfortable.
This could be due to:
- Dry Skin: Just like humans, dogs get dry, flaky skin. This often looks like dandruff.
- Trapped Allergens: Pollen, dust, and grass seeds can get trapped deep in the fur, causing contact dermatitis.
- Parasites: Fleas are the usual suspects. Even if you don’t see the bugs, you might see “flea dirt” (small black specks that turn red when wet).
A soothing oatmeal bath or a medicated shampoo treatment can wash away allergens and rehydrate the skin. If parasites are found, a groomer will alert you immediately so you can start treatment.
Has your dog become grumpy or withdrawn
Pain changes personality.
If your usually happy-go-lucky dog suddenly snaps when you touch their ears or hips, or if they are hiding under the bed, investigate their grooming status.
Tight mats pull the skin constantly, making it feel like someone is pulling your hair 24/7. Sore paws from overgrown nails make walking unpleasant. If your dog is in pain due to hygiene issues, they will likely become irritable or withdrawn. Resolving the grooming issue often restores their happy personality instantly.
Grooming Frequency by Coat Type
“How often should I groom my dog?”
There is no single answer. It depends entirely on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and coat type. The American Kennel Club (AKC) and veterinary experts provide general guidelines to help you plan.
Short and Smooth Coats
Breeds: Boxers, Beagles, Chihuahuas, Greyhounds.
These dogs are “wash and wear,” but they still shed.
- Brushing: Once a week with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush to remove dead hair and distribute oils.
- Bathing: Every 6 to 12 weeks, or when they get smelly.
- Key Focus: Nail trimming and ear cleaning are the priorities here, as their coats are low maintenance.
Double Coats
Breeds: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Pomeranians.
These dogs have a soft undercoat for insulation and a tougher topcoat for protection. They “blow” their coats seasonally.
- Brushing: 2 to 3 times a week is essential. During shedding season (spring and fall), daily brushing is required to prevent impacted undercoats.
- Bathing: Every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Key Focus: Deshedding. You must remove the loose undercoat to prevent overheating and matting close to the skin. Never shave a double-coated dog unless medically necessary, as it damages the coat’s ability to regulate temperature.
Long and Silky Coats
Breeds: Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Maltese.
Hair keeps growing on these breeds, much like human hair.
- Brushing: Daily. This hair tangles instantly. You must brush all the way to the skin.
- Bathing: Every 3 to 6 weeks.
- Key Focus: Preventing mats. These dogs usually require a “sanitary trim” (around the rear) and a face trim between full haircuts to keep them clean.
Curly and Wire Coats
Breeds: Poodles, Bichon Frises, Doodles, Terriers.
These coats trap shed hair within the curls, leading to severe matting if neglected.
- Brushing: Daily to every other day using a slicker brush and a metal comb (the “line brushing” technique).
- Bathing & Haircuts: Every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Key Focus: These breeds require the most professional maintenance. Without regular haircuts, the coat will become a solid pelt.
We have touched on discomfort, but the risks go deeper. Neglecting grooming can lead to significant medical issues that require veterinary intervention.
1. Hematomas:
When a dog has severe ear mats, the blood vessels in the ear flap are restricted. If you shave those mats off suddenly, the blood rushes back into the ear flap. If the dog shakes their head, the vessels can burst, filling the ear flap with blood (an aural hematoma). This often requires surgery.
2. Urine Scald and Infection:
Long hair around the sanitary areas (under the tail and belly) traps urine and feces. This acidic waste burns the skin (urine scald) and attracts flies. In severe cases, this leads to “fly strike,” where flies lay eggs in the soiled fur—a life-threatening emergency.
3. Embedded Foreign Objects:
Grass seeds (foxtails) are notorious for burrowing into dog fur. Without grooming, these seeds can pierce the skin and migrate through the body, causing abscesses and infection. A groomer will find and remove these before they enter the skin.
4. Dental Disease:
While not strictly “fur” grooming, dental care is part of the package. 80% of dogs have periodontal disease by age three. Neglecting teeth leads to heart, kidney, and liver problems. Many groomers, including us at Dogtown, offer teeth brushing or non-anesthetic dental cleaning to combat this.
DIY vs Professional Grooming: When to Call the Pros
You can certainly handle some maintenance at home. In fact, you should be brushing your dog weekly and cleaning their eyes. However, there is a distinct difference between home maintenance and professional grooming.
The Limits of Home Grooming
Home grooming carries risks if you are untrained:
- Clipper Burn: If clipper blades get too hot or are used at the wrong angle, they burn the skin.
- Cutting the Quick: Trimming black nails is difficult. Hitting the blood vessel (the quick) causes bleeding and fear.
- Scissor Accidents: Dogs wiggle. One sudden move while trimming around the eyes or ears can result in a serious injury.
The Professional Advantage
Professional groomers are trained in animal handling. They know how to calm an anxious dog and recognize signs of stress. They have the right tools:
- High-velocity dryers that blast out dead undercoats.
- Sanitizing equipment to prevent the spread of fungus or bacteria.
- Hydraulic tables to keep older dogs comfortable.
If your dog is matted, anxious, or requires a breed-specific cut, the safety and quality of a professional groom are worth the investment.
Step-by-Step Home Assessment Checklist
Not sure if you need to book an appointment yet? Run through this 5-minute checklist at home.
- The Comb Test: Take a metal comb. Can you run it from the skin to the ends of the hair behind the ears, under the armpits, and at the base of the tail?
- No: Book a groom immediately.
- The Click Test: Listen to your dog walk on a hard floor.
- Clicking heard: Book a nail trim.
- The Sniff Test: Smell your dog’s ears and face.
- Bad odor: Needs cleaning (and potentially a vet check if red).
- The Eye Check: Look for staining or crust.
- Visible gunk: Needs a face trim and bath.
- The Touch Test: Run your hands along their back.
- Oily/Greasy: Needs a bath with specialized shampoo.
About Dogtown: The Best Grooming in Miami
If you are looking for a grooming experience that puts your dog’s happiness first, you have found it. At Dogtown, we do things differently.
We are proud to be voted Miami’s Best Groomers by the Miami New Times and the Miami Herald. Whether you visit us in Coconut Grove, your dog is stepping into a cage-free, stress-free environment.
Why We Are Different
Unlike traditional kennels, we don’t lock your dog in a cage to wait for their turn.
- Cage-Free Comfort: Your dog enjoys our luxury “doggie stables” or our free-roaming daycare areas while they wait.
- All-Inclusive Daycare: Bring in your dog’s vaccination records, and they can enjoy our daycare for a discounted rate ($27.50) while waiting to be groomed.
- Natural Products: We only use high-grade natural and organic products. No harsh chemicals touch your pup’s skin.
Our Services
We cater to every dog, from 5lb Chihuahuas to 100lb+ Doodles.
- Full Grooms: Includes full body haircut, gentle wash, blow dry, brushing, ear cleaning, nail trim, and gland expression.
- Anesthesia-Free Dental: We offer professional dental cleanings without the risks of sedation.
- Spa Upgrades: Treat your pup to a Blueberry Facial, Deep Conditioning Treatment, or a Hypoallergenic wash.
We believe grooming should be a positive experience. Our team treats your fur baby like family, ensuring they leave looking great and feeling even better.
Hear it From Our Happy Customers
See what local pet owners are saying about their experiences. Our community loves the transparency, care, and daily updates we provide.
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My pups love going to daycare - they sprint to the door the second we get out of the car! I love getting videos and pictures of them throughout the day - I can tell they are having a great time with their new friends.
Whitney C.
February 25, 2022My dog loved staying here! We got pics of her daily and a eat/poop/pee log! Whenever I went in to pick-up/drop off for overnight or daycare I was always greeted so happily, and you can truly tell the employees love all the dogs there. They pet and kiss and get on the floor with them!! I knew leaving my baby there for 7 days was no issue and she was in great hands!!
Unika V.
April 16, 2024Took my two wiener dogs here for an overnight stay while we were on a vacation. We felt very comfortable leaving them with Dog Town they were nice enough to check us in early and allow us to leave the dogs with some of their personal effects so they would feel at home. The staff gave them lots of attention as they are more willing to hang out with humans than other large dogs. The whole experience was a very positive step in getting our dogs comfortable in other situations without us. Thank you Dogtown coconut grove!
Matthew S.
April 5, 2021 -
Amazing dog hotel and daycare. Every time we travel we can rely on the wonderful caring staff at Dogtown to take great care of Dillon. He has been a daycare and overnight guest numerous times over the past 7 years since he was a pup and still get excited every time we mention that we are taking him there.
Suzanne C.
July 4, 2020Sterling loves Dogtown, especially the chewzillas ;)
Liz L.
September 29, 2023We have been coming here for over 10 years, Bianca and Angelica are amazing! Super professionals and friendly. We have recommend friends and family. Thank you for taking care of Bobbie and Chloe So well.
Ralf H.
October 24, 2024 -
He looks happy every time I pick him up. If he is happy, I am happy.
Odette H.
February 5, 2020I've been going to Dogtown for almost 8 years and I know that Luke is in great hands. Whether it's for daycare, his grooming or dental, we have always had a great experience with their team.
Britt P.
February 25, 2022Oliver loves staying here!
David S.
August 29, 2023 -
So easy to get in at the last minute! Zeus loved the pampering! Highly recommend!
Jorge M.
August 29, 2023Very friendly staff
Jou-i C.
January 1, 2018Angelica and the staff at Downtown Coconut Grove are amazing. My Brussels Griffon baby is always gorgeous and they don’t keep her too long. Highly recommend!
Vanessa P.
February 16, 2024 -
We love everything about Dogtown. The place is perfectly cleaned, the location is very convenient for me, the staff is very professional and they are so patient with all my questions! But the most important part is they're the sweetest to Sebas and that’s everything!! I take him there for grooming and day care and Im always impressed by the service. Thank you all, you guys are the best!
Janeth R.
February 25, 2022I switched to Dog Town because of the location and pick up hours. It has not disappointed! I really feel good about dropping off my pup when the front desk already knows his name after the first day. I feel so comfortable taking my pup here. I will continue to use Dog Town as my day care provider!
Megan F.
March 16, 2024The staff is very friendly and professional. My dog had a bath and came out looking like a star.
Liza D.
September 29, 2023 -
Dogtown is truly our go-to place for our fur baby. We’ve been taking our dog there for the past 5 months, and it has been an amazing experience. Both boarding and daycare work perfectly for us, and the team is absolutely fantastic. Our dog literally asks to go to daycare—that’s how much he loves it there 🐶❤️ We also trusted Katie with his grooming, and she did an incredible job. Huge kudos to Katie for the amazing grooming—she made our baby even happier! I honestly couldn’t recommend Dogtown more.
Kamylle C.
February 13, 2026Dogtown is amazing. Super careful with my doggo and super friendly. They did an amazing job with his grooming. We'll definitely be back!
Marco D.
August 29, 2023I have been bringing my pup here since I got him. They are extremely flexible, understanding and he loves going there. I couldn't ask for more. The staff are incredibly friendly and they love their jobs. They seem to legitimately love my little guy as much as I do.
Zach H.
May 24, 2025 -
We’ve been taking our Westie to Dogtown for grooming since it came to Coconut Grove. He always looks great when we pick him up, and all the staff is friendly and helpful. It’s a wonderful place for your pet!
Anne m.
October 24, 2024Always a happy to know our pup is in the best care with the pros at Dogtown!
Andrea P.
February 16, 2024Great service! Love the daily photos. Dog was safe and well taken care of for 10 days.
Matthew R.
March 29, 2023 -
Love the pictures they text of her visit. Staff always friendly. Feel my dog is safe while in their care.
karen w.
February 25, 2022Love Dogtown! I have an 8 month old maltipoo and he had the best time there. Staff is very attentive, friendly and communicative. Rates are also very fair!
Jessica K.
July 25, 2022Great service and Beast had a great time. She boarded with them for four days, when I would call for updates and the staff would even send me photos of her livin her best life at DogTown. Would recommend and would definitely use again!
Lauren A.
March 4, 2021 -
Absolutely wonderful as always!
Gail A.
October 29, 2023Dogtown Coconut Grove has the most amazing staff and they truly have love and care for my dog Carl. He loves going for daycare and everyone there is amazing with him sending picture and updates every day! Thank you Dogtown!
Trevor B.
June 24, 2025Great people there. My dog loves going there
rick f.
February 25, 2022 -
I’ve had the best experience at Dogtown, my dog enjoys coming here and she always comes out looking great.
Sadie R.
October 29, 2023I love this place. Oh yeah... my dog loves this place too. :-) Everybody is great ESPECIALLY ANGELICA!! Angelica has been grooming my dog for 11 happy years.
Manny S.
January 31, 2020I've used a lot of groomers thru the years It was my first time at Dogtown, and I was very happy
Gretchen D.
February 24, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Our pricing is based on breed, size, and coat condition. Baths start at $50.00. Full grooming services start at $85.00 for small dogs (like Shih Tzus) and range up to $120-$160 for larger breeds with complex coats (like Standard Poodles and Goldendoodles). Since every dog is unique, we can provide a specific quote when we meet your pup in person!
We suggest starting early to get them used to the process! Puppies can start daycare and grooming services between 12-16 weeks old. They must provide proof that they are on their puppy shot schedule. Starting young helps desensitize them to the sounds of dryers and clippers, setting them up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming.
Yes, for the safety of all our guests. If your dog is staying for daycare or boarding along with their groom, we require proof of DAPP/Distemper, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccinations. For grooming-only appointments where the dog does not enter play areas, requirements may vary, so please contact us to confirm.
Generally, you should expect a grooming session to take 2-3 hours. This allows us to work at your dog’s pace, ensuring they are comfortable during the bath, dry, and cut. We will call you the moment your squeaky-clean pup is ready for pickup!
We prioritize humanity over vanity. We do not offer forceful “dematting” as it is extremely painful and damages the skin. If a dog is severely matted, the safest option is typically to shave the coat short to remove the painful mats and allow healthy hair to grow back. We will always discuss this with you before proceeding.
Is Your Dog Ready to Shine?
A clean dog is a happy dog. If you noticed any of the signs mentioned in this guide—from the clicking nails to the dreaded ear smell—it is time to get back on track.
Don’t let your dog endure another day of itchy skin or matted fur. We are ready to spoil your pup with the best dog grooming in Miami.
Let’s get your best friend looking and smelling amazing.