50 Times Pets Left The Groomer Looking Like Totally Different Animals (New Pics)
Interview With ExpertA bad hair day isn’t exclusive to humans. Animals, unfortunately, get them too.
And these poor pets didn’t just end up with a few tangled fur strands. They went through some unforgettable (and hilarious) transformations that turned out so outrageous, they just had to be shared online.
Scroll down to see these creative “makeovers” and send a little sympathy their way—they could really use it! Plus, don’t miss our conversation with dog groomer Lia Jayne Godding to learn what proper pet grooming truly looks like.
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We Thought He Was Just Fluffy, But Really My Friends Cat Is All Dad Bod
This Dog Showed Up To Petsmart And Asked To Speak To The Manager
People can speak up if a haircut goes south, but pets can’t, which means it’s up to their owners to find a groomer they can rely on.
To understand what a proper grooming experience should look like (and spot the red flags), Bored Panda got in touch with Lia Jayne Godding, a seasoned dog groomer and captain of Groom Team England, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry.
According to Godding, every appointment should start with a chat. “A typical grooming session includes a consultation with the owner to discuss any issues with the dog, the haircut they’re after, and any specific preferences they have,” she explains.
Whisky Got A Haircut, And We Discovered He Is 90% Head
My Friends Cat Got Shaved At The Vet And Now She Looks Like A Game Of Exquisite Corpse
“After the consultation and a little cuddle with the dog, the next step is to bring them to the grooming area, remove their collar, and start by clipping their nails and removing any mats before the bath,” Godding continues.
“Then, they get washed twice, towel-dried, and blasted (a process that uses a high-speed dryer to remove excess water), followed by fluff drying, which is like a blow-dry for humans. Afterwards, we prep them by clipping out pads, cleaning sanitary areas, and combing their coat to get them ready for styling,” she adds.
Once styled, the final touches are applied. “After clipping or scissoring, they’re usually spritzed with a dog cologne, and a bow is added to their collar. More cuddles, a quick photo session, and a call to the owners let them know their dog is ready to be picked up,” Godding says.
Las Vegas Shelter Dog Up For Adption Has A Unique Hairline
Ready For Vampires
I hope pup had mats (or surgery), as one should never shave a Husky for funsies. Also, that collar/chain(?) is horrible. If that's what the doggo has been wearing for a "collar", I wouldn't be surprised if doggo got mats from that.
Please Tell My Parents They’re Terrible At Haircuts
Don't leave him on the front porch. People will use him to clean their boots.
Some owners may feel anxious about leaving their pets in a groomer’s hands, but a lot of people aren’t fully informed on proper dog grooming. In fact, according to a survey by the British Dog Groomers’ Association, 73% of groomers see pets arrive with matted coats or other signs of poor grooming.
I Got My Girl Groomed. This… Is Not What I Was Expecting. I Can’t Stop Laughing
This Dogs Haircut
Surprise From The Groomers
Godding notes that there are many misconceptions about grooming. “A lot of people think only long-haired dogs need regular grooming, but short-coated and double-coated dogs need it too,” she says.
And the myth that shaving a dog in summer keeps them cool? “Not true!” she points out. “Dogs need some coat to regulate their body temperature. Shaving it too short can actually do more harm than good.”
Our Cat Is An Old Longhair Who Won’t Let Us Brush Her And Doesn’t Groom
Poor baby, but this is the only reason (other than skin condition necessity) for this kind of cut.
I Had A Little Too Much Fun With Titus’ Pre-Shave
Being Sexy For Ya
Another common mistake is over-bathing. “If you’re using a high-quality dog shampoo, it’s fine to wash your dog weekly if needed, especially if they have allergies, skin conditions, or if they just require regular maintenance,” Godding says.
My Friend Is A Groomer And Today She Had A Special Request
Puppy With Mohawk Haircut
So, My Friend's Dog Just Got A Haircut
At Frankensteins haircuts? 😅 edit, since it looks like two dogs now.
“Then there’s the belief that puppies don’t need grooming until they’re a year old because ‘my breeder said so.’ This one really grinds my gears,” she adds. “It’s so important to introduce puppies to grooming early on. They need to build a bond with their groomer, get used to grooming tools, and learn how to stand, be bathed, be clipped—it’s a lot to take in.”
“That’s why I start with puppies at 12 weeks, giving them gentle introductions to grooming and establishing a regular schedule,” Godding shares.
Does This Count..? I Think It Does
My Cat Stands Up, When He Hears Bell Noises
My Rabbit Just Got A Head Shave By The Vet Because Its Hairs Are Getting Into His Eyes. He Looks Like Old Kung-Fu Master
If you’re not sure where to take your pet for grooming, Godding suggests visiting the salon in person to get a feel for the place and the people. “Check their social media, too, to see if you like their style,” she recommends. And when you pick up your pet, pay attention to their mood. “If your dog seems happy when they leave, that’s a great sign,” she says.
Nice Haircut, Bro
Charlie After He Was Groomed Short And Found Out He Has Rubber Legs
Took Him For A Trim Because His Back Half Was Starting To Get Dreads. Dropped Off A Pup, Picked Up A Lion
That's not a fail, that's exactly what a groomer is supposed to do if your dog's fur is matted. OP needs to be a responsible owner from now on and brush/comb pup regularly so mats don't form.
Just as with hairdressers, a groomer may be talented and experienced but not the best match for every dog. “In the UK, dog grooming isn’t regulated, so some groomers may be qualified, and others not,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean an unqualified groomer isn’t amazing at their job.”
When You Get Skunked & Have To Go To The Groomers 3 Times In One Month, But On The Third Time You Parent Asks The Groomer If They Have Time For A Haircut
Belly
"Sister: I'll Save So Much Money If I Cut The Dogs Hair Myself ... " She Is No Longer Allowed Near The Dog
There are some clear red flags to watch for after a grooming session. If your pet’s coat is still matted, dirty, or smells bad, or if you notice clipper marks and uneven cuts, it may indicate poor grooming.
“If your dog is particularly difficult to groom, some professionals may prefer shorter sessions for safety. But this should be discussed with you,” Godding says.
Labradoodle With A Lion Haircut. Multiple 911 Calls Ensued Concerning The "Mini Lion"
This Hair
My Dog Would Like To Speak With Your Manager
For Godding, one of the most important things owners can do is stick to a consistent grooming routine tailored to their dog’s specific needs. “Your groomer should advise on the best schedule based on your dog’s coat type,” she explains. “I usually see long-coated dogs every six weeks, but some can go up to eight, while others may need visits every four.”
This Is Coco. Banned From Three Groomers For Aggression. He Is Now Under House Arrest (I Have To Shave Him Myself.)
Friend’s Cat Got A Haircut. She Seems Very Pleased
Can't Tell If I Need To Get The Manager Or Put On Some My Chemical Romance
And don’t ignore your groomer’s advice on timing. “Most groomers will charge extra if your dog is overdue. Plus, letting your dog’s coat get matted isn’t just unkind—it’s painful. Knots and mats pull on their skin, which can lead to sores, skin issues, and eventually make them fearful of grooming because they associate it with pain,” Godding says.
“So when buying a dog, speak to a local groomer to get an idea of the costs and how often they’ll need grooming,” she concludes. “It’s a major commitment and an essential part of your dog’s life.”
Vet Said She Needed To Take A Little Off To Get Rid Of A Belly Mat.... Dropped Off A Mainecoon And Picked Up A Shaved Weasel
Cheddar’s Haircut
Petsmart finally opened up for grooming so I took cheddar to get a much needed cut from his groomer. A couple minutes later I get a call from her saying she couldn't do his cut because he bit her twice. Now I have to walk around with this dude looking crazy. I swear when i say i had tears in my eyes and stomach pains from laughing so hard. I couldn't even leave the parking lot for a good 10 minutes because I had to get myself together. I'm about to give this dude up for adoption. Lol
Just A Recent Groom
Your Mom Cuts Your Hair Funny
Finally! A dog that knows their worth goes deeper than their fur style. Look at that happy pupper!
Dog Needed A Haircut, This Was The Only Option
I Don’t Think A Haircut Would Help Her Derpiness
So /R/Aww Didnt Like How I Cut My Cats Hair
My chinchilla Persian had to be shaved numerous times because of mats and widespread ringworm. His previous owner didn't take good care of him.
I Think He’s Upset
Give Me That Live Action Lion King
Another "breed that should not be shaved" unless it was matted. Chow Chows have a double coat. Also, dogs have several methods of regulating their temperature, and their natural coat is a part of it. When you shave a dog like this, it suddenly loses the ability to regulate its body temperature naturally :(
My Parents Cat, Butters. They Have To Shave Her Butt Cuz Poop Gets In Her Hair
Groomer Gave Us Back The Wrong Dog
Poor dog has every right to look that sad in the 2nd pic...
The Haircut The Groomer Gave My Dog
We Were Practicing Haircuts Today
You’re Too Fuzzy For The Vet To Treat Your Abscess So She Gives You A Reverse Mohawk With Eyebrows
I had a cat who got divebombed by a psychotic mockingbird while sitting under a tree. I didn’t even know he was injured until he started to act all woozy. That’s when I felt the lump under his fur. Took him to the vet, who drained the abscess, cleaned it all up, and gave me a prescription for antibiotics. But to drain the abscess, he had to shave the top of the cat’s head. Poor little guy had a reverse Mohawk, like a guy who’s gone bald down the middle of his head, for months until it all grew back in. Poor little guy. RIP Bumper, you were a wonderful companion and I miss you a lot!
How Do You Like This Haircut? Who Can Guess What Breed?
Just... no. Can we Talk about the concept of fur? It really can create a good climate for the animal. And such tiny dogs need their fur for warmth and net getting sunburned.
What Is Your Funniest/Worst Groom, I'll Go First
Is This A Horrible Haircut?
Goldens shouldn't be shaved unless they're matted :( They're a double-coated dog. They don't need to be shaved.
Before & After
The Groomer Closed But He Needed A Haircut..... Jeff I’m So Sorry
When I was a teenager/young adult, I had a purebred German Shepherd named Ember. We live in Southern California, and my mom used to tell me that Ember was "too hot" because Ember would be panting. I explained over and over to my mother that that is normal for dogs (my mother has had dogs her entire life, as well, so extra wtf.) One day when I was 16, I went to my friend's house to play video games with him. When I came home, my mother had SHAVED MY DOG. Yes, she shaved a German Shepherd. Ember looked like a rotisserie chicken. I was PISSED. My mom said, "Now she won't be too hot!" I angrily explained that she might have effed up Ember's coat forever because GSDs are double-coated and also now couldn't regulate her body temperature normally. Behold this tragic photo of my shaved baby girl :( ember_shav...21a54b.jpg
Luckily, her coat grew back normally/fine XD My mother never dared shave her again. Here is Ember how she looked normally. She was dilute, so she was registered as "cream and silver" instead of the normal "black and tan". (This pic is from when she was 12 and unfortunately had developed mammary tumors. When she was younger, her saddle marking and mask were a lot darker.) She was my heart-dog, and I still miss her, 14 years after she crossed the Bridge. <3 ember_side...050e84.jpg
Load More Replies...I used to be a dog groomer in a past life and this whole post was making me anxious 😂 I just want to take out the scissors and fix those monstrosities
I want to get out the glue and try to put their fur BACK on them!
Load More Replies...I feel like my cat would fit in this list, except it's a 'haircut' she's inflicted upon herself. She barbers herself, and we've tried everything, but we can't stop it. One of her nicknames is Princess Nakeybutt, because she's removed all of the fur from her belly, back legs, and half of her tail. We did identify her grain allergy, though.
My cat was doing this, but we couldn't identify an allergy. I started giving her 5 mg of zyrtec (with my vet's approval) per day and she is doing great now. Big floof all over.
Load More Replies...When I was a teenager/young adult, I had a purebred German Shepherd named Ember. W