As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, it’s for spring grooming. This is more than just a cosmetic treat, winter can take a toll on your pup’s coat, skin, and paws. At The Good Dog Spot, we believe grooming is essential to your pet’s overall wellbeing, and spring is the ideal time to clean up, shed out, and start fresh.

Warmer weather means more outdoor play, shedding, and exposure to allergens and pests. Regular grooming isn’t just about looks-it helps manage shedding, keeps skin and coats healthy, and supports overall well-being. It can even be an opportunity to check for any health issues that may have developed over winter.

WHY SPRING GROOMING MATTERS

It’s Shed Season

Spring marks the start of the natural shedding season for many dogs. Of course to us humans, it can be a frustrating time because it typically means fur on your furniture, clothes, and floors; however it’s important for your dog to help with having a healthier coat and temperature regulation. This is why we recommend two things: 

1) Daily brushing at home during this period helps control loose hair and prevents matting.

2) A de-shed grooming. At TGDS we offer a special Shed Control Program that removes a ton of fur from your dog’s coat and dander from their skin meaning less time vacuuming and more time snuggling because there’s less fur to worry about. To learn more, please reach out. 

FUN FACT: Seasonal shedding is known as a dog “blowing coat.” It’s when your pup sheds their undercoat, typically in spring and fall, as they prepare for warm or cold weather.

Various dog breeds shed differently, with those that have more coats typically shedding more heavily. A few examples of breeds that shed more include: 

• Short double coat: Labrador Retriever & Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
• Medium double coat: Border Collies & Australian Shepherds
• Long double coat: Bernese Mountain Dogs & Great Pyrenees
• Thickest coats: Pomeranian & Alaskan Malamute

For additional generalized information, check out this article by The American Kennel Club and if you have questions about your fur-babies breed and coat needs, please reach out and one of our groomers can provide custom recommendations. 

At TGDS we also offer “The Healthy Skin & Coat” treatment which is designed to put moisture and nutrients back into your pet’s skin and coat. It includes a nourishing shampoo followed by a deep conditioning treatment to soothe and relieve dry, itchy or irritated skin. Ask us more when we chat. 

Coat & Skin Checkups

Spring is the perfect time to check your dog’s skin and coat for dryness, irritation, or hot spots. Our Grooming Team completes a Snout-To-Tail Assessment at each visit. This includes examining your pet’s coat, skin, ears, and paws to evaluate the current health status of your pet. By providing this service at every visit we help discover potential issues before they become actual problems.

Paw & Nail Care After Winter

Although we recommend routine nail care year round, we recognize winter in New England can be especially tough on paws, which is why spring grooming to check for any dry or cracked nails or pads is important to get ready for longer spring walks. 

Keeping your pup’s nails trimmed helps keep their paws healthy. If they get too long they’re at risk of being broken or torn which can result in an injury that might require veterinary care if serious enough. Longer dog nails also make it harder for dogs to walk comfortably. When your dog’s nails hit the floor constantly as they walk, it causes excess pressure on the nail bed. This pressure leads to discomfort that makes your dog distribute their weight differently, affecting the way some joints are aligned.

Ear & Eye Cleaning

With springtime comes more pollen and dust—both of which can irritate your dog’s sensitive eyes and ears. Cleaning during grooming helps prevent buildup, infections, and discomfort, especially for breeds prone to tear stains or floppy ears.

Flea & Tick Prevention Starts Now

It’s not just the flowers and pollen that ramp up in spring, fleas and ticks also become active as soon as the weather warms. A professional grooming appointment is an opportunity to spot pests early and apply preventative treatments. At TGDS we don’t believe in harsh chemicals to rid your pup of these pests and instead our Flea & Tick Treatment is an all-natural solution without chemicals and pyrethrin, designed to rid your pet of fleas and also soothe itchy, irritated skin.

EXPERIENCE THE GOOD DOG SPOT DIFFERENCE 

Pet parents know that muddy paws and dirty coats are part of spring. Why not let TGDS help de-stress you with “Spaw” services for them! Whether your dog needs a deep-clean bath, a fresh haircut, or a full coat conditioning treatment, we’ve got you covered. Our “Spaw” experience is more than a bath… it’s a full-service pampering session for your pup. 

At TGDS we’re more than just a grooming salon, our trained professionals know that regular grooming is essential to your pet’s comfort, health, and happiness and we pride ourselves on providing your dog consistent, compassionate care in a clean and stress-free environment.

Please note, spring is one of our busiest grooming seasons so please book early to ensure availability. Book your spring appointment today by calling 413-534-1333 or online at GoodDogSpot.net. 

AT-HOME SPRING MAINTENANCE TIPS

We also recommend that between professional “Spaw” visits at TGDS that you help keep your furry friend looking and feeling great with some of these tips: 

• Brush daily to manage loose fur and prevent mats.
• Use pet-safe wipes after walks and consider dry shampoos for quick clean-ups.
• Bathe between appointments as needed or try our Self-Serve Dog Wash for a convenient DIY option.
• Wash bedding, toys, and collars regularly to reduce allergens and keep your home fresh.