Summer Grooming, Flea Myths & Canine Dental Clues — A Real Talk with Your Groomer

krissysperfectpaws
Jun 11
2 min read

Hey fur-fam!

It’s officially hot dog season, and as the sun blazes on, so do the grooming questions coming into the salon. This month, I’m breaking down flea season facts, grooming myths, summer safety tips, and dental red flags that every pup parent needs to know—especially if your dog thinks grooming is the worst (don’t worry, anxious dogs are my specialty!).

Let’s get into it.

Flea Season Grooming Tips

First, fleas. The uninvited guests of summer.

Grooming during flea season is about prevention, detection, and comfort:

Regular brushing helps you spot fleas early and remove eggs before they hatch.
Flea baths can offer relief (as your groomer we use gentle, dog-safe products!).
Don’t skip conditioner. A hydrated coat = healthier skin = less flea irritation.
Always check between toes, under tails, and around ears. Sneaky spots are flea favorites!

Common Grooming Myths—Busted!

Let’s break down a few myths I wish would disappear like a furball in a high-velocity dryer:

“Short-haired dogs don’t need grooming.”Wrong. Every dog has skin and nails! Short coats still shed, collect dirt, and need skin checks.
“Grooming is just about looks.”False! Grooming supports your dog’s health—preventing infections, catching lumps early, and keeping skin and coat in top shape.
“Trimming nails isn’t that important.”Tell that to the joint pain that comes from overgrown nails! Long nails change posture and hurt your dog.
“Dogs don’t enjoy grooming.”Many don’t at first—especially if they’ve had a bad experience. But with patience, praise, and peanut butter? Even anxious dogs can learn to relax.

5 Signs Your Dog Needs a Teeth Cleaning

Dental health is a huge part of your dog’s overall wellness. Keep an eye out for:

Bad breath (not just "dog breath"—we mean knock-you-over stink)
Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Trouble eating or chewing (especially with dry food)

We offer $10 dental cleanings, and always look inside those mouths during grooms and will let you know if something doesn’t look right.

Summer Grooming Tips

Hot weather calls for extra TLC:

Hydration matters. A dehydrated pup has dry skin and coat issues. Keep that water bowl full!
Paw care is crucial. Test pavement with the back of your hand. Too hot for you? Too hot for paws. I’ve got paw balm and cooling options at the shop!
Frequent brushing = less matting, less shedding, and better airflow through thick coats.

Breed of the Month: Cocker Spaniel

These sweet floppies are known for their long, luscious coats and sensitive skin. Regular grooming is a must to avoid painful mats, especially around their ears, armpits, and undercarriage. They also have more frequent ear issues, so we take extra care to clean and check those ears at every visit.

Whether your dog is a drama queen about the blow dryer or secretly loves spa days, I’m here to make grooming a positive, health-boosting part of your dog’s life.