Dog Grooming in Calahonda: Tips from a Crufts-Winning Groomer
Not all dog grooming is the same. A good groomer doesn't just make your dog look tidy for an afternoon — they protect your dog's skin, coat, ears, and even help catch health problems early. At Shangó Veterinary Clinic in Calahonda, our grooming service is led by Nuria, our founder and head groomer, who has won classes at Crufts in the UK, one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world.
In this article, Nuria shares her professional tips so you can keep your dog looking — and feeling — their best between visits.
Why Professional Grooming Matters More Than You Think
Many pet owners see grooming purely as a cosmetic extra. In reality, regular grooming plays a real role in your dog's health:
Skin checks — a groomer often spots lumps, hot spots, parasites, or infections before an owner notices them
Coat management — prevents painful matting, which can trap moisture and cause skin infections
Ear and nail care — overgrown nails affect a dog's posture and gait; dirty ears are a common cause of infection
Comfort in the heat — especially relevant on the Costa del Sol, where a poorly maintained coat makes summer heat harder to bear
Nuria's Top Grooming Tips for Dog Owners
1. Brush Between Visits — Even Short-Haired Breeds
Many owners assume short-haired dogs don't need brushing. In reality, regular brushing removes loose fur, distributes natural oils, and reduces shedding around the house. Long-haired and double-coated breeds need brushing several times a week to prevent matting.
2. Don't Wait for a Problem to Book a Groom
Waiting until the coat is severely matted or the nails are overly long makes the grooming session more stressful for the dog and sometimes requires a shorter, more corrective cut than the owner wanted. A regular schedule — typically every 4 to 8 weeks depending on breed and coat type — keeps things manageable.
3. Match the Grooming Schedule to the Season
On the Costa del Sol, summer heat means many owners want their dogs clipped shorter. Nuria's advice: never shave double-coated breeds (like Huskies or German Shepherds) down to the skin, as their coat actually helps regulate body temperature and protects against sunburn. A professional groomer knows which breeds can be safely clipped short and which should only be thinned and trimmed.
4. Get Puppies Used to Grooming Early
Introducing a puppy to brushing, nail trims, and bathing from a young age makes a huge difference later in life. Dogs that are handled gently and positively early on tend to be far calmer during grooming as adults.
5. Watch for Signs During the Groom
A good groomer checks for:
Redness, swelling, or unusual lumps on the skin
Signs of ear infection (odour, discharge, sensitivity to touch)
Overgrown or ingrown nails
Fleas, ticks, or other parasites hiding in the coat
If anything unusual is found, it can often be brought straight to the attention of our veterinary team, since grooming and veterinary care are part of the same clinic.
6. Choose the Right Products for Your Dog's Coat
Human shampoo, or the wrong dog shampoo, can dry out or irritate a dog's skin. A professional groomer selects products suited to the specific coat type, skin sensitivity, and any existing conditions your dog may have.
What to Expect at a Grooming Session with Shangó Veterinary Clinic
Our grooming service in Calahonda includes:
A full coat assessment before any cut or trim
Bathing with products suited to your dog's skin and coat type
Brushing and de-matting
Nail trimming
Ear cleaning and check
Breed-appropriate styling, from classic trims to full show-style grooms
Because grooming takes place within a veterinary clinic, any concerns spotted during the session can be discussed immediately with our veterinary team — something a standalone grooming salon can't offer.
How Often Should You Book a Grooming Session?
As a general guide:
Short-haired breeds: every 8–12 weeks, plus regular home brushing
Long-haired and double-coated breeds: every 4–6 weeks
Curly or wool-coated breeds (e.g. Poodles, some terrier mixes): every 4–6 weeks to prevent matting
Puppies: an introductory session as early as possible to build confidence
Your groomer can recommend a schedule tailored to your dog's specific breed, coat, and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who grooms the dogs at Shangó Veterinary Clinic? Grooming is led by Nuria, our founder, an award-winning groomer who has won classes at Crufts in the UK.
Is it safe to shave my dog completely for the summer? For most double-coated breeds, no. Shaving the undercoat can actually make it harder for the dog to regulate body temperature and increases the risk of sunburn. We recommend a professional assessment of your dog's specific coat before deciding on a summer cut. Dog Grooming in Calahonda: Tips from a Crufts-Winning Groomer.
Can grooming help detect health problems? Yes. Because grooming involves close, hands-on contact with your dog's skin, ears, and nails, groomers often notice early signs of skin issues, parasites, or infections that owners may miss.
Dog Grooming in Calahonda: Tips from a Crufts-Winning Groomer
Do you groom cats as well as dogs? Our main grooming focus is on dogs, though some cat grooming services may be available — contact us directly to check availability for your pet.
Book Your Dog's Grooming Session in Calahonda
Give your dog the benefit of a groomer with award-winning experience, working inside a full veterinary clinic. Book a grooming session today:
Thanks to our convenient location, we proudly serve as the primary animal hospital for pet owners throughout La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol, and Elviria. If you are looking for professional, bilingual, and compassionate medical care for your companion, we are just a short drive away!
📞 +34 654 151 099 📍 Centro Comercial Los Olivos, C/Ardarves, Local 6, Calahonda
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