Looking Ahead to 2026: Grooming, Welfare & the Essentials Every Dog Owner Should Know

Tracy Tristram
Dec 30, 2025
3 min read

As we head into 2026, one thing remains at the heart of everything we do at Brentwood Bubbles n Barks: exceptional grooming paired with genuine care for dog welfare. We’re proud to be known as one of the best dog groomers in Essex, and that’s not changing anytime soon. But alongside beautiful grooms, shiny coats and wagging tails, we also want to use our experience to highlight the dog care essentials that owners don’t always realise are so important - because good grooming isn’t just about how your dog looks - it’s about how they feel too.

Grooming Is More Than a Haircut

Regular professional grooming plays a huge role in your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. It helps prevent issues that often go unnoticed until they become uncomfortable or even painful. Some of the most common problems we see include:

Matted coats pulling tightly on the skin
Overgrown nails affecting posture and joints
Blocked or dirty ears leading to infections
Skin irritation hidden beneath thick fur

Routine grooming allows these issues to be spotted early, often before your dog shows any obvious signs of discomfort.

Coat Care: One Size Does Not Fit All

Every breed, and every dog, has different coat needs. A grooming routine that works for one may not be suitable for another. Things owners don’t always realise:

Matting can happen surprisingly quickly, especially in curly or double coats
Over-bathing at home can dry out skin if the wrong products are used
Incorrect brushing can actually damage the coat rather than help it

At Brentwood Bubbles n Barks, we tailor our grooming to your dog’s coat type, lifestyle and condition, using professional products and techniques designed to protect skin and fur - not strip them.

Nails, Paws & Posture

Nail care is one of the most overlooked parts of dog welfare. Nails that are too long can:

Cause pain when walking
Affect joint alignment over time
Lead to slips, falls and broken nails

Regular nail trimming helps keep your dog comfortable, confident and mobile - especially as they get older. We also keep an eye on paw pads, checking for cracks, soreness or foreign objects.

Ears, Eyes & the Little Things That Matter

Many dogs are prone to ear problems, particularly floppy-eared breeds or dogs that love water. Without proper care, ears can quickly become sore or infected.

During grooming, we check:

Ear cleanliness and signs of irritation
Eye discharge or staining
Skin condition and any unusual lumps or sensitivities

While we’re not vets, experienced groomers are often the first to notice when something isn’t quite right - and early advice can make a big difference.

Behaviour, Comfort & Stress-Free Grooming

Dog welfare isn’t just physical - it’s emotional too. A dog’s grooming experience should be calm, kind and respectful. We focus on:

Gentle handling
Allowing nervous dogs extra time
Working with your dog, not against them
Creating a safe, positive environment

A relaxed dog leads to a better groom and a happier experience all round.

How We’re Supporting Better Dog Welfare in 2026

In 2026, alongside continuing to deliver high-quality grooming, we’re committed to:

Educating owners on proper coat and skin care
Encouraging regular maintenance grooming, not just occasional visits
Supporting dogs of all ages, including seniors and nervous pups
Being honest and welfare-led in our advice

Our goal is simple: healthier dogs, happier owners, and grooming that genuinely makes a difference.

Grooming With Care at the Heart of It All

At Brentwood Bubbles n Barks, we believe great grooming and great welfare go hand in hand. Whether your dog needs a full groom, a tidy-up, nail care or just some extra TLC, we’re here to help - not just make them look good, but feel good too. So, here’s to another year of wagging tails, happy pups and putting dog wellbeing first.

Psst: We're already looking busy for January, so if you need to get booked get in touch asap!