What to Expect When You Take Your Dog for Professional Grooming

If you’re a new dog owner, or if you’ve never used professional dog grooming services before, you may be wondering what to expect. You want to make sure that you’re providing your dog with the best service to make them feel comfortable, as some dogs may be nervous on their first visit.

Dog grooming professionals can provide a wide range of services, including bathing, brushing, trimming hair and nails, and more. Commonly, you can select a package of different services, or pick and choose which options will best fit the needs of your dog.

The following tips can help you understand more about the dog grooming process and basic questions you might have:

Preparing Your Dog Before You Go

Getting your dog used to the idea of being groomed by someone new can be a challenge. When you have a new puppy, it can take time to train them and get them used to different processes. You’ll want to start by gradually introducing your dog to the concept of being handled and trimmed.

Try doing short sessions at first, and make sure to praise your dog throughout to let them know they’re doing a good job. Giving your dog encouragement will help them grow accustomed to the grooming process, and will make their experience more comfortable.

By preparing your dog before you go, they’ll be able to know what to expect when you take them into the groomer.

What to Expect While You’re There

When you take your dog to the groomer, they’ll first assess your dog’s coat and condition. They will typically ask you questions about your dog’s overall health to learn if there are any concerns to be aware of. They may also require a copy of vaccinations, so be sure to bring those with you to your visit.

If you understand what to expect while you’re there, your first visit will be a great experience for both you and your dog.

What’s Included?

Depending on the groomer, you’ll typically be given a range of services, but the most common include bathing, brushing, and trimming hair and nails. Some dog grooming professionals offer other services like teeth cleaning and breath treatment for an additional cost.

Some groomers even offer a package of different services, which can include upgrades for certain things like nail grinding or more premium shampoo. You may also be given the option to pick and choose which services you would like done.

Be sure to ask the groomer what’s included in your visit.

How Much Does Dog Grooming Cost?

When it comes to professional dog grooming, the cost can vary depending on a number of factors. Typically, the size of your dog will play a role in the pricing, as will the specific services that are included.

Most dog grooming services range from $50 to $150, but it’s important to remember that this is just a general guideline. With upgrades, the prices can increase, and with pick-and-choose options, some prices may be lower.

Additionally, the cost may be higher if your dog requires more in-depth grooming for cases such as when their hair is matted or they have a skunk smell you need to get rid of. So when asking how much does dog grooming cost, remember that there can be a lot of variables.

Should You Tip Your Dog Groomer?

It’s a common practice to tip your dog groomer, just like you’d tip your hairdresser, especially when you’re satisfied with the results. This is usually done after the services have been rendered, and the amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you. As a general rule of thumb, clients often tip around 15-20% of the total bill.

How Often Does Your Dog Need to Be Groomed?

There’s no set rule for how often you should take your dog to be professionally groomed. However, most experts recommend that you do it every 4-6 weeks, or at least every other month. This will ensure that your dog’s coat stays healthy and looking its best.

Helpful Tips

Maintaining your dog’s health and wellness comes above everything else, so focusing on that will be the most useful thing to remember.

Some helpful tips for maintenance between professional dog grooming appointments include:

Brush your dog regularly to help keep their coat healthy and free of tangles or mats.
Bathe your dog as needed, using a mild shampoo designed specifically for dogs.
Check and trim your dog’s nails regularly.

We’d love to answer any other questions about what to expect when you take your dog for professional grooming. Contact us to schedule your dog’s first or next grooming appointment today!