Top 8 Questions Dog Owners Ask About Dog Grooming

Dog grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog. Grooming your dog is more than just brushing his coat; it also includes looking after his eyes, ears, nails, and teeth. As a pet owner, you probably got the basic grooming down pat, but if you want to keep your dog looking clean and presentable the right way, we answer 8 of the most essential questions that dog owners have about dog grooming.

1. How often should a dog be groomed?

The frequency of your dog’s grooming depends on the type of coat he has. Check out the guide below to help you get an idea on how much grooming your dog needs based on his coat.

• Short-haired dogs They only need monthly brushing and occasional baths. Hair trimming is not necessary.
• Dogs with medium length hair They should be brushed at once or twice a week. Only give them a bath if they start to smell or become excessively dirty.
• Long-haired dogs Daily brushing is a must since their coats are prone to matting. They also need to be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks and have their hair trimmed every 8 to 12 weeks.
• Dogs with thick undercoat A typical example for breeds with this type of coat is the spitz. They require daily brushings. The undercoat should be removed by a groomer every 8 to 12 weeks. This will make them feel cool without losing proper insulation.
• Silky-haired dogs Brush their coat every day. Haircut is needed every 4 to 8 weeks to avoid severe matting.
• Dogs with wavy and curly coat You need to put extra effort into grooming this type of pooches. Daily brushing is a must and should be done twice or three times a day. It is advised to visit a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks for haircuts and 3 to 4 weeks for baths
• Dogs with Terrier coat If your dog sports a terrier coat, consider cutting his hair shorter or bringing him regularly to a groomer. Terrier coats come in a wide variety. The frequency of trimming depends on the Terrier’s coat type. Dogs with smooth coat rarely require haircuts. Those with long terrier coat need once a month visit to the groomer. Wire-haired dogs should get their coat trimmed every 4 to 8 weeks.

2. Does dog grooming reduce shedding?

Shedding is a natural occurrence in dogs. The frequency and amount of hair they shed depend on their breed, health, and coat type. Regularly brushing your dog can reduce shedding. It stimulates the natural oils on his hair and skin and also eliminates loose dander. If you bring your dog to a dog groomer, his shedding will be reduced through the help of special grooming tools and grooming products. The dog groomer may use a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner on your pooch when washing him. Depending on your dog’s coat, they may also rake it gently to get rid of any loose or dead hair.

3. Should I get my dog groomed whilst she's in heat?

It is not advisable to bring your pooch to a groomer when she is in heat. Keep in mind that there are other dogs inside the grooming establishment. There is a high chance that your pooch might attract male dogs. This can be a very risky situation especially if she isn't spayed. It is best to visit the groomer once her heat subsides.

4. What should be included in dog grooming?

Dog groomers offer a wide range of services to make sure that your furry friend looks fresh and neat by the end of the grooming session. Let’s take a close look at what goes on during an actual dog grooming service:

• Health Check The dog groomer will start the session by conducting a general health check on your dog. This is necessary since it alerts them if there is any serious problem that needs immediate attention. They will look for wounds, redness, blisters, or swelling on his skin. It also includes inspecting his eyes, ears, and teeth to ensure that these are in good condition. Tooth brushing and ear cleaning also take place during this time.
• Bath Time Checking if your dog’s undercoat is free of dead skin comes first before washing him. Then, he will be brushed thoroughly to get rid of any mats and tangles on his coat. After that, it is time to give him a bath. The groomer will be using a dog shampoo that suits your dog’s coat. This can be a general-purpose shampoo, anti-flea, anti-dandruff, or hypoallergenic shampoo.
• Drying Off Once your dog is done bathing, he will be towelled dry. The groomer will proceed to brushing his coat again and double-checking if there are any cuts or wounds that need care. Next, they will blow dry your pooch using a special-purpose blow dryer.
• Brush Down In preparation for the next step, your dog will be combed and brushed. Professional groomers have the appropriate tools and equipment that effectively remove dead and loose hairs.
• Hair Do If you have a particular hairstyle in mind, the groomer may just be able to do it. They can also provide him with a traditional breed-specific haircut. For dogs with a long coat, a regular trim is a good choice especially during hot weather as it keeps them cool.
• Nail Care Nail trimming can be challenging for many dog owners. Dog nails have sensitive veins and nerves. If the nail is cut too short, this may cut the nerves which can cause excessive bleeding and pain on your pooch. Thus, it is recommended that a professional dog groomer or the vet should carry out this task using a nail clipper designed for dogs .

5. How long should a dog be at the groomers?

Professional dog grooming can take at 3 to 4 hours. It depends on the service you avail, the dog’s breed, and how he well your dog reacts to being groomed. On the other hand, minor services take about 15 minutes and don’t require appointments. When it comes to grooming puppies, the session is a lot shorter because they are quite sensitive. It only takes about an hour to groom them. Other dog grooming establishments offer express services for senior dogs, canines with anxiety, and a few chosen dog breeds.

6. How much is dog grooming?

Dog grooming in the UK costs £39 on average. However, prices can range from £18 to over £80. There are various factors that can affect the pricing such as your dog’s coat type, breed, and your location. Hand stripping of double-coated breeds may cost an additional £10. This can be a very risky situation especially if she isn't spayed. It is best to visit the groomer once her heat subsides. To have an idea how much it might cost to get your dog groomed, check out our price guide below:

• Small dogs with short or smooth coats – around £26
• Small dogs with long, silky, or woolly coats – around £35
• Mid-sized dogs with short or smooth coats – around £30
• Mid-sized dogs with long, silky, or woolly coats – around £43
• Large dogs with short or smooth coats – around £35
• Large dogs with long, silky, or woolly coats – around £40

7. What is mobile dog grooming?

Instead of dog owners going to the groomer, it’s the groomer that visits their home via a van or other suitable larger vehicles. Mobile dog grooming service is a convenient option for many dog lovers. Busy dog owners, the elderly, and immobile dog owners can make the most out of this service. Mobile dog grooming offers the same services as regular dog grooming—brushing, bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and special pamper packages. An inverter is often used in the mobile dog groomer’s vehicle to provide electricity for the lights, dog clippers, A/C, dryer, and other equipment.

8. How much is mobile dog grooming?

Some mobile dog grooming companies offer various packages for all types of dog breeds. The prices can range from £30 to over £40 depending on the services provided. Others have different pricing for each dog breed. The cost of their grooming services is anywhere from £30 to £60.