When Should You Take Your Groomed Dog to the Vet?
July 14, 2025
As loving pet parents, we all want the best for our dogs, especially when it comes to their health and comfort. That’s why we invest in regular grooming, structured daycare, and safe boarding. But have you ever found yourself wondering: "My dog just got groomed… should I be concerned about anything medically?"
It’s a common question, and an important one.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through when it’s time to take your freshly groomed pup to the vet, what signs to look for, and how services like grooming, dog daycare in Gurnee, IL, and training work hand-in-hand to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe.
Why Grooming Is More Than Just a Spa Day
Dog grooming is about more than keeping your pup looking adorable (although that’s a nice bonus!). At Logan’s House, our grooming appointments include coat checks, skin assessments, and gentle handling that can often reveal hidden issues like:
- Skin rashes or hot spots
- Ear infections
- Anal gland concerns
- Bumps, lumps, or sudden hair loss
Groomers are often the first to notice subtle changes in your dog's health. That’s why partnering your grooming schedule with wellness awareness is crucial.
“I never realized grooming could double as a health check until our groomer spotted an ear infection early. We saw the vet the same day. Logan’s House really goes the extra mile!” – Jenna, Gurnee IL
Signs Your Groomed Dog Might Need a Vet Visit
It’s normal for dogs to be a bit tired after a grooming session, especially if they’re new to it. But there are red flags that signal something more serious might be going on:
1. Excessive Scratching or Licking
Some itching is normal after grooming, but obsessive licking or scratching could indicate:
- Skin irritation or allergic reaction to shampoo
- Flea or tick presence
- Infection
Pro Tip: Make sure your groomer uses hypoallergenic products like those in our dog grooming packages.
2. Swelling, Redness, or Bumps
Sometimes a grooming session may bring a pre-existing issue to the surface:
- Ingrown hairs
- Insect bites
- Allergic skin reactions
3. Unusual Behavior
If your dog becomes withdrawn, lethargic, or shows signs of pain post-grooming, it's worth calling your vet. Changes in behavior are often the first sign something is wrong.
4. Head Shaking or Ear Scratching
Ear cleaning is part of grooming, but if done incorrectly, it can cause discomfort or infections. Persistent shaking or scratching may mean:
- Water got trapped during bathing
- An existing ear infection was irritated
5. Bleeding or Open Wounds
This is never normal. If you see bleeding from nails, skin cuts, or ears, head to your vet immediately.
“Our old daycare didn’t report a nail trim gone wrong. Logan’s House not only told us, they showed us how to treat it and followed up the next day."
When You Can Wait (But Should Watch Closely)
Some symptoms are less urgent but still deserve monitoring:
- Mild fatigue or napping
- Slight appetite changes
- Shyness for a day or two (especially for anxious pups)
These can be normal responses to stimulation or stress. At Logan’s House, our fear-free approach to daycare and grooming helps minimize these stress behaviors.
How Daycare and Grooming Work Together to Spot Health Concerns
One of the unique benefits of choosing a full-service facility like Logan’s House is the continuity of care. When your pup attends daycare, boards overnight in our kennel-free environment, or receives training, our team gets to know their behavior and baseline health cues.
That means we can often spot small shifts early and notify you:
- A dog who usually bounds into daycare becomes hesitant
- A daycare regular starts refusing treats or social play
- A freshly groomed pup licks their paws obsessively
“The staff told me Cooper wasn’t his usual playful self. Turns out he had an ear infection brewing. Without their keen eye, we might have missed it.” – Alex, Gurnee IL
Preventative Vet Visits After Grooming
Sometimes, even if your pup seems fine, it might be smart to schedule a vet check:
When to Be Proactive:
- Senior dogs with skin sensitivity
- Dogs recovering from surgery or illness
- Dogs with recurring ear or skin issues
- New adoptees still getting used to grooming
If you’re unsure, our groomers at Logan’s House are happy to advise during your next grooming appointment.
How Logan’s House Keeps Your Dog Safe During Grooming
Our grooming philosophy centers on trust, fear-free handling, and individual attention. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Individual grooming appointments (no mass grooming or stacked dogs)
- Fear-Free Certified techniques
- Gentle drying and deshedding tools
- Medical flagging: Our groomers note any visible abnormalities and communicate them
Because we also offer daycare and training, we know your dog’s temperament. If they’re acting out of character, we notice, and we care.
Resource: Fear Free Pets
– Global initiative promoting emotionally safe handling in vet and grooming settings.
A Real-Life Example: Bentley’s Story
Bentley, a 3-year-old lab mix, came in for his regular grooming at Logan’s House. During brushing, our groomer noticed a patch of dry, scaly skin and a small lump near his hip.
We notified his pet parent immediately, and they followed up with their vet the next day. The lump turned out to be a benign cyst, but the skin issue was early-stage dermatitis. Thanks to early detection, Bentley got treatment and relief fast.
“It’s more than a haircut. They spotted something I missed, and it saved us time, money, and stress.” – Rachel, Gurnee IL
When in Doubt, Reach Out
Your dog can’t tell you when something feels off, but behavior changes, skin reactions, and physical signs after grooming can say a lot.
If your freshly groomed dog is acting unusual, don’t ignore it. Trust your gut. Contact your vet.
And when you choose Logan’s House, you gain a team who treats your dog like family, with an eye for both beauty and wellness.
Ready for a Grooming Experience That Puts Health First?
Schedule your pup’s next appointment with Logan’s House Grooming
today. Or explore our dog daycare in Gurnee, IL, kennel-free boarding, and training programs
designed with your dog’s total well-being in mind.
Because grooming should be more than just clean. It should be caring.
Recent Posts
Discover how Logan’s House in Gurnee, IL ensures stress-free grooming through daycare, training, and fear-free care your dog will love.
Discover if tug of war is safe for your puppy. Learn benefits, safety tips, and how Logan’s House in Gurnee, IL supports healthy dog play.
Meet 10 friendly dog breeds perfect for families—plus how Logan’s House in Gurnee, IL helps them thrive in care.
Mental stimulation is key to a healthy, happy dog. In this blog, we explore why enrichment play is essential for your dog’s emotional and behavioral well-being. Learn practical, science-backed ways to keep your pup engaged—plus how Logan’s House integrates enrichment into our daycare, grooming, boarding, and training services in Gurnee, IL.
Well-socialized dogs are happier, more confident, and less anxious—and structured daycare is one of the best ways to achieve that. In this blog, we explore the powerful mental and emotional benefits of canine socialization and how Logan’s House daycare in Gurnee, IL, helps your pup thrive through safe, supervised play.
Ever wonder what your dog really does all day at Logan’s House? From enrichment play and socialization to grooming, rest, and training sessions, this blog takes you behind the scenes of a typical day in our care. Discover how our full-service dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and training in Gurnee, IL supports your pup’s health, behavior, and happiness—morning to night.
Wondering if your pup needs daycare? Learn the signs it's time for play, socialization, and extra care to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Is your dog showing signs of boredom? Learn how to spot the cues and discover fun, enriching ways to keep your pup mentally and physically stimulated.
