Regular grooming has a myriad of health benefits for dogs, including reducing skin irritability and providing social stimulation through interaction with other dogs and groomers. In this blog, The Pet Retreat outlines the benefits of grooming and how this leads to a boost in their mood.
So are dogs happier after grooming? Dogs are happier after grooming due to the many health benefits and overall cleanliness that it provides. Grooming also provides an opportunity to be social with other dogs and groomers. Although some dogs may feel down after grooming, this quickly goes away and they truly appreciate the benefits of grooming.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of regular dog grooming and the increase in happiness this provides.
Ever dropped your furry friend at the groomer only to pick up a completely different dog? Maybe they’re super hyper, acting strange, or seem downright depressed. As someone who’s seen this countless times, I can tell you it’s totally normal to wonder: do dogs actually feel better after grooming?
The short answer is yes, most dogs do feel better after grooming—but it’s complicated. While regular grooming offers numerous health benefits and overall improved comfort, some dogs might temporarily act weird after a visit to the salon. Let’s dig into what’s really going on with your freshly trimmed pooch.
The Post-Grooming Happiness Factor: Why Most Dogs Feel Better
Dogs typically experience several positive effects after a good grooming session:
Physical Comfort Improvements
- Reduced matting and tangling – No more painful pulling on their skin
- Better temperature regulation – Especially important during hot weather
- Improved mobility – Less fur means easier movement
- Enhanced vision – Hair trimmed away from eyes lets them see better
- Cleaner eating and drinking – No fur dipping into food and water bowls
Just imagine how it feels when you get a haircut after months of growth—that lightness and freshness is something dogs experience too!
Health Benefits That Make Dogs Feel Better
Regular grooming does more than just make your dog look cute
- Decreased skin irritation – Removing dirt, debris and allergens
- Lower risk of infections – Clean skin is healthier skin
- Reduced parasite issues – Harder for fleas and ticks to hide
- Early detection of health problems – Groomers often spot lumps, bumps or skin issues
- Nail health – Properly trimmed nails prevent pain and posture problems
As The Pet Retreat explains, “The cleaner a dog’s fur and skin, the lower the chance of flea and parasite infestations, skin infections and allergies are to occur”
Social and Mental Benefits
Grooming isn’t just physical—it provides these mental perks too:
- Social interaction – Meeting other dogs and humans at the salon
- Positive attention – Most groomers provide lots of praise and reassurance
- Massage-like experience – The physical handling can be relaxing
- Reduced anxiety – Less matted fur means less discomfort
Why Your Dog Might Act Weird After Grooming
Despite all these benefits, we’ve all seen dogs act downright strange after a salon visit. According to veterinary assistant Janet R., there are several reasons why:
1. The “What Happened to Me?” Reaction
Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity. When they suddenly lose a significant amount of fur, they can feel:
- Lighter (physically different)
- More sensitive to touch
- Confused about their appearance
- Unsettled by the rapid change
As Dr. Jo explains, “Being shaved for the first time is a real adjustment for a dog, and can create some very unusual and intense feelings.”
2. Physical Discomfort Issues
Sometimes the weird behavior stems from actual physical problems
- Clipper burn – Overheated clippers or too-close shaves can cause skin irritation
- Cuts or nicks – Even small ones can be bothersome
- Irritated anal glands – If expressed during grooming, these can cause discomfort
- Shampoo reactions – Some dogs develop sensitivities to grooming products
- Muscle soreness – Standing for prolonged periods or struggling during grooming
3. The Stress Factor
Let’s be honest—not all dogs enjoy the grooming process:
- Being handled by strangers
- Loud equipment (dryers, clippers)
- Unfamiliar environment
- Being restrained
- Separation from owners
For sensitive dogs, this can be truly overwhelming, leading to exhaustion and strange behavior afterward.
4. The Whisker Dilemma
One often overlooked issue involves whiskers. Dr. Crnec points out: “As a special type of facial hair, the whiskers are a sensory organ and therefore aren’t there just for decoration. Anecdotal reports suggest that dogs with cut or removed whiskers show decreased spatial orientation and overall confusion.”
Without whiskers, your dog’s ability to judge distances and nearby objects gets compromised, affecting their confidence.
How Long Will My Dog Act Weird After Grooming?
If your dog is showing strange behavior after grooming, don’t panic! Most dogs adjust within a week. Each day, they should feel progressively more comfortable with their new look and feel.
However, if your dog seems genuinely distressed or uncomfortable beyond a few days, it’s worth consulting your vet to rule out any physical issues.
How to Help Your Dog Feel Better After Grooming
We can’t exactly explain to dogs why they suddenly look and feel different, but there are several ways to help them adjust:
Immediate Comfort Measures
- Vet check if needed – If your dog seems genuinely uncomfortable, rule out physical issues
- Elizabethan collar – For excessive licking that could lead to hot spots or infections
- Soothing bath – A cool bath with oatmeal shampoo can help with itchiness
- Positive attention – Extra love and reassurance helps
Distraction Techniques
Keep your dog’s mind off their new ‘do with:
- Fun car rides
- Trips to pet-friendly stores
- Interesting walks in new locations
- Food puzzles and mental enrichment
- Special treats
Prevention for Next Time
For future grooming appointments:
- Desensitization training – Help your dog get comfortable with being touched on sensitive areas
- Choose gentle groomers – Find professionals who work calmly and patiently
- Consider anti-anxiety options – Talk to your vet about calming supplements or medications if needed
- Gradually introduce grooming – Start with small sessions rather than major makeovers
- Use natural products – Opt for gentle, dog-specific grooming products
How Often Should Dogs Be Groomed?
The frequency of professional grooming depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle, but The Pet Retreat recommends every four to six weeks for most dogs. Between professional sessions, regular at-home maintenance like brushing keeps your dog comfortable.
I personally take my poodle mix in every 6 weeks—any longer and she starts getting mats behind her ears that are uncomfortable for her.
The Bottom Line: Overall Happiness Improvement
While there might be an adjustment period, most dogs ultimately feel better after grooming. The Pet Retreat sums it up nicely: “Dogs are happier after grooming due to the many health benefits and overall cleanliness that it provides. Grooming also provides an opportunity to be social with other dogs and groomers.”
Regular grooming is an investment in your dog’s physical comfort, health, and overall wellbeing. When done correctly and compassionately, it truly does help dogs feel better in the long run.
FAQs About Dogs and Grooming
Why is my dog acting hyper after grooming?
This is usually a combination of feeling physically lighter and the relief of stress. That burst of energy might be your dog’s way of expressing “I’m free!” after a potentially stressful experience. Think of it as post-exam celebration zoomies!
Why does my dog seem depressed after grooming?
Some dogs feel vulnerable or self-conscious after losing their protective coat. Others might be physically uncomfortable from minor irritations. The strange sensation of missing fur can also throw off their sense of self. Usually, this melancholy mood passes within a few days.
Can dogs get embarrassed after haircuts?
While dogs don’t experience embarrassment quite like humans do, they definitely can feel confused about their changed appearance and the different reactions they might get from other dogs and people. This can manifest in behavior that looks like embarrassment.
Should I groom my dog myself or use a professional?
For basic maintenance like brushing and occasional baths, home grooming is fine. For more complex needs like full haircuts, nail trimming, and breed-specific styling, professionals have the proper tools, techniques, and safety knowledge. I’ve tried cutting my own dog’s hair once—let’s just say we both regretted that decision!
How do I find a groomer my dog will be comfortable with?
Ask for recommendations from other pet owners, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to interview groomers about their methods. Many good groomers will allow you to tour their facility and explain their approach. Look for someone who prioritizes your dog’s comfort over speed.
Remember, every dog is different—what works for one might not work for another. By paying attention to your dog’s specific needs and reactions, you’ll find the grooming routine that truly helps them feel their best.
Does Grooming Increase Dog’s Happiness?
Just like humans, dogs require regular grooming to feel clean and stay healthy. At first, dogs may feel strange due to the missing hair, however they should recover quickly and become happier due to the many benefits that grooming provides. As your dog’s owner, you will benefit from a fresher smell, less hair shedding around the house and a happier dog. The benefits of regular grooming for dogs include:
Similar to human hair, dog fur needs to be cut often so it doesn’t become matted. As their fur gets longer, it will obscure their vision, making it harder for them to enjoy daily activities such as playing, eating and going on walks. When eating or drinking, their fur could drop in the food or water, meaning they will consume their own fur and have to spend the rest of their day with wet or dirty fur.
In the hotter periods of the year, thick and heavy fur can make dogs uncomfortable and increase the risk of heat stroke. However, even if they don’t need a full cut, their fur should be cleaned as it protects them from the heat from the sun and provides insulation during cold weather. Dogs have sensitive skin that requires the layer of fur to protect against cuts and abrasions.
Dog’s nails are trimmed to an appropriate length during grooming which should be done often to avoid painful breakage and bleeding, minimising the risk of infection.
There is a social aspect to grooming as dogs will more than likely interact with other dogs, along with the groomers themselves. As they are being washed and checked for common health issues, they are essentially receiving a gentle massage which helps to relax them and increases their general mood. During the process, professional groomers will also provide lots of reassurance and praises to keep them calm and hopefully make them feel good.
The cleaner a dog’s fur and skin, the lower the chance of flea and parasite infestations, skin infections and allergies are to occur. Professional groomers should conduct a consultation to discuss your dog’s requirements, they will always use the correct treatments and products for your dog’s coat type but it is worth mentioning any allergies that your dog has.
If you have regular appointments with a groomer, you shouldn’t need to wash your dog at home unless they become particularly dirty, or it has been recommended for flea or allergy treatments. If you do need to wash your dog at home, we would recommend using natural products such as Houndsly Conditioning Shampoo to remove dirt and grease. You must use dog-friendly shampoo to wash your dogs, never human shampoo as this can cause damage, health problems and irritation. For more information on shampooing dogs, read our recent blog.
As grooming allows professionals to get close to dogs, it can be the perfect time to check for any health concerns. As mentioned above, grooming a dog’s fur is essential due to the protective layer it provides for the dog’s sensitive skin and trimming nails helps to avoid infections and pain as long as the living part is kept intact. Other health checks that can be done while grooming include:
Ears – Dog’s ears should be regularly cleaned to avoid infections and clear the ear glands and canals of wax and debris.
Teeth – There are toothpastes specifically made for dogs that should be used 3 times a week to minimise the risk of gum disease and remove tartar.
General – Grooming is a great opportunity to check for lumps and bumps or any other problem areas while washing.
How Often Should Dogs be Groomed by a Professional?
A dog’s breed, coat length and type all affect the frequency of grooming but the general recommendation is every four to six weeks alongside brushing and freshening up at home. Dogs should be groomed by professionals as they have the appropriate tools, products and equipment. They are the experts in different breeds and the standards required to keep dogs fresh and healthy.
You can wash your dog at home but avoid doing this too frequently as it can cause skin irritation and dryness and only dog friendly shampoo should be used. Depending on the frequency of your appointments with the groomers, you may also need to trim their nails and perform health checks.