Red spots? Itching? 😫 Is your dog acting grumpy after grooming — you might need to check their skin.

Hey friends — if your dog just got groomed and now they’re scratching like crazy or breaking out in red spots, you’re not alone. I’ve talked to a bunch of pet parents lately who've had the same experience — what’s meant to be an excited “fresh cut” can sometimes backfire a little on our pups.

Here’s what could be going on

• Clippers that got too close = razor burn or clipper irritation on sensitive skin.

• Shampoo or grooming products that smell nice to us but irritate your dog’s skin.

• Existing skin sensitivities or conditions that the grooming just aggravated.

• Stress or anxiety — a really long bath, loud dryers, new smells… all can stress a dog out and trigger scratching or licking after.

What to watch for

If your dog is acting funny, look for:

• Tiny red bumps or spots

• Hot-spot areas

• Excessive licking or chewing

• Rubbing on furniture or the floor

• Shaking their head or rubbing ears

If it looks mild — you can often handle it at home with a little care. But if it spreads, gets worse, smells, or looks infected — better call your vet.

How to help your pup feel normal again

• Gently soothe irritated skin with a cool compress or a mild, dog-safe spray.

• Keep them from scratching or licking — an Elizabethan collar or supervised breaks can help.

• Make sure their skin stays dry and clean.

• Try mild, fragrance-free shampoo or grooming products next time.

• And talk with your groomer — tell ’em what happened so they know to go easy next time and maybe adjust clip length or products.

Looking ahead: avoiding this after next grooming

• Ask for longer clipper settings in sensitive areas (like underarms, belly, groin).

• Request hypoallergenic or gentle shampoo.

• Give their skin time to recover — maybe space out grooming sessions a bit.

• Always tell your groomer if your pup has had skin problems or reactions before.

At the end of the day — grooming should leave our pups smelling good and feeling good. If your fur-baby looks fresh but feels itchy, don’t brush it off as “just normal.” Some extra TLC and a little follow-up can make all the difference ❤️