What Our Clients Say

Michele Wells

Chris is so nice, professional and does a wonderful job. I highly recommend 4 Paws Only Grooming. My dog Nylah has major anxiety and I was looking for a groomer that could provide her a less stress environment and this is the place!!!! I could tell that Nylah took an immediate liking to Chris. Nylah did great getting groomed and was not stressed at all when I picked her up.

Tom Lock

Cris is the most amazing groomer!! Great service, great communication and the only one I’d ever entrust my baby girl with. Thanks again Cris, Callie is always so happy when she comes home.

Tracy Jones

Cris is a gem! My only regret is that I did not stumble across Cris at 4 Paws Only Grooming LLC sooner than earlier this year. I was looking for a new groomer for my fur babies when I stumble on 4 Paws and decided to take a chance assuming it had to be better than either of the Pet***. So happy I did as my babies looked stunning and look stunning each and every visit. Cris is efficient and expeditiously grooms them and does not crate them. We are moving from Maryland and I truly wish I could take her with me.

Danielle Stowe

Cris is wonderful! She is so patient and kind with our little guy. He always comes out happy and wiggly even though he is not a fan of getting his nails clipped. Appointments are always on time and easy.

Our Helpful Blogs

Grooming Horrors to Avoid at Home: Don’t Scare Your Dog This Halloween!

When Halloween comes around, we expect ghosts, goblins, and spooky fun—but one place you don’t want horror is in your dog’s grooming routine. While many pet parents think DIY grooming saves time and money, some at-home mistakes can actually harm your pup’s coat, skin, or overall well-being. To keep your furry friend safe, here are the grooming “horrors” to avoid.

Ear-ie Business: How Deep Should You Really Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

Dog ears can be a little mysterious—especially when they start smelling funky or looking dirty. Around Halloween, we think about things creeping in the dark, but one scary mistake many pet parents make is going too deep when cleaning their dog’s ears. So, how far should you really go?

Fall Shedding Season: Why Your Dog’s Coat Changes and How to Manage It

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, you might notice something else happening around your home—more dog hair than usual. Don’t worry! Your pup isn’t falling apart; they’re just going through their natural fall shedding cycle.
Understanding why dogs shed more during autumn (and how to handle it) can make grooming easier and keep your furry friend’s coat healthy and comfortable.

Using the Wrong Tools
It’s tempting to grab any pair of scissors or clippers, but human tools aren’t designed for pets. Scissors without safety tips can easily nick skin, and dull blades tug fur instead of cutting it smoothly. Always invest in dog-safe grooming tools or leave the trimming to a professional groomer.
Bathing Too Often (or Too Rarely)
Dogs don’t need daily baths—overbathing strips natural oils and causes itchy, flaky skin. On the other hand, waiting too long can cause matting and odors. The ideal frequency depends on your dog’s breed, coat type, and activity level. For example, a poodle may need grooming every 4–6 weeks, while a short-haired breed may only need a bath every few months.
Skipping Brushing
One of the biggest grooming nightmares is matting. Mats pull at the skin, hide pests, and can cause painful sores. Even if your dog has short hair, brushing distributes natural oils and keeps shedding under control. Long-haired breeds need daily brushing to prevent painful tangles.
Improper Nail Trimming
Cutting nails too short leads to bleeding and pain—something no pet parent wants to experience. If you’re nervous about trimming nails, let a professional groomer handle it. Keeping nails properly trimmed not only prevents accidents but also improves your dog’s posture and comfort.
Ignoring the Ears and Teeth
Grooming isn’t just about fur. Dirty ears can lead to infections, and neglecting dental hygiene results in bad breath and long-term health issues. Regular cleaning and vet-approved dental chews go a long way.

Final Treat (Not Trick!)

Your dog deserves to look and feel their best without the fear factor. This Halloween, skip the grooming horrors by avoiding common mistakes and, when in doubt, trust a professional. At 4 Paws Only GroomED, we’re here to turn your pup’s grooming experience into a treat—not a trick.

Why Cleaning Ears Matters

Your dog’s ears are sensitive, and without proper care, they can collect wax, dirt, and even moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for yeast or bacteria. Breeds with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels, are especially prone to ear issues since less airflow means more trapped moisture.

The “Never-Go-Too-Deep” Rule

Here’s the golden rule: never put anything into your dog’s ear canal that you wouldn’t put in your own. Cotton swabs (Q-tips) can push debris further down, cause pain, or even damage the eardrum. Cleaning should always stay on the visible, outer parts of the ear.

Safe Steps for Cleaning

Check Before You Clean – Look for redness, swelling, or a strong odor. These signs may point to an infection that needs veterinary care.
Use Dog-Safe Solutions – Always use a vet-recommended ear cleaner instead of homemade remedies or alcohol, which can irritate the ear.
Gentle Wipe Only – Apply the cleaner, let your dog shake their head (yes, it gets messy!), and then gently wipe the outer ear with cotton balls or soft gauze.
Don’t Force It – If your dog resists strongly or you see unusual discharge, stop and consult your vet.

How Often Should You Clean?

Not every dog needs weekly ear cleaning. In fact, over-cleaning can cause irritation. Dogs that swim often or have long ears may need more frequent care, while others only need occasional maintenance.

Final How!

Think of ear care like brushing teeth—important, but best done gently and with the right tools. This Halloween, don’t let ear cleaning turn into a frightful experience. Stick to the outer ear, use vet-approved solutions, and when in doubt, let your groomer or vet handle the deeper cleaning. At 4 Paws Only GroomED, we always take extra care to keep ear cleaning safe, comfortable, and effective—so your pup leaves happy, healthy, and horror-free.

Best dog
grooming
in Bowie, MD

What We Do

Full Grooming

Baths

Add-ons

Gallery

What Our Clients Say

Michele Wells

Tom Lock

Tracy Jones

Danielle Stowe

Our Grooming Process

Our Helpful Blogs

Grooming Horrors to Avoid at Home: Don’t Scare Your Dog This Halloween!

Ear-ie Business: How Deep Should You Really Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

Fall Shedding Season: Why Your Dog’s Coat Changes and How to Manage It

Get in touch

Hours

Our Services

Best dog grooming in Bowie, MD

What We Do

Full Grooming

Baths

Add-ons

Gallery

What Our Clients Say

Michele Wells

Tom Lock

Tracy Jones

Danielle Stowe

Our Grooming Process

Our Helpful Blogs

Grooming Horrors to Avoid at Home: Don’t Scare Your Dog This Halloween!

Ear-ie Business: How Deep Should You Really Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

Fall Shedding Season: Why Your Dog’s Coat Changes and How to Manage It

Get in touch

Hours

Our Services

Best dog
grooming
in Bowie, MD