What a Healthy Coat Looks Like
A healthy dog coat has consistent shine or luster appropriate for the breed, sheds moderately and seasonally, has no bald patches or excessive thinning, and has pale pink, supple skin beneath with no flaking, redness, or lesions. Knowing what healthy looks like makes changes much easier to identify.
Changes That Warrant Attention
Dull, dry, or brittle coat: can indicate nutritional deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, or kidney disease — often the first visible sign of something systemic. Excessive shedding outside normal seasonal cycles: stress, hormones, parasites, and illness all trigger abnormal shedding. Greasy or oily texture: common in overweight dogs who can't groom their hindquarters, and presents with certain skin conditions. Dandruff or flaking: can signal dry skin, allergies, ringworm, or Cheyletiella mites.
What We Do With What We See
Our groomers are trained to notice coat and skin changes and document them. We bring concerns to your attention — with specifics, not alarm. We don't diagnose. But we are an early detection system, and we take that seriously. Many of our clients have caught health conditions early because a groomer noticed and said something.
Groomers see your dog's skin in a way most people — including vets in a routine exam — simply don't. We see every inch. We're listening.