Keep your family dogs happy, healthy and clean with regular dog grooming. A dog groomer is a business owner or employee of a dog grooming business who specializes in dog hygiene and grooming. To find a reputable dog groomer, research reviews, ask for references and confirm that the groomer has good standing in the dog grooming community.

A dog groomer should be comfortable and competent working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments. Typically a groomer will have trained with other groomers and taken educational courses to keep abreast of the latest safety information and techniques. There are brick-and-mortar dog grooming businesses, as well as mobile dog groomers who bring all their equipment and provide their services at your home or location. In some cases, brick-and-mortar businesses will also pick up and return your dog for an additional fee.

A dog groomer is a service professional who provides dog grooming and basic hygiene care for your dog. Dog groomers are typically animal lovers who are competent and comfortable working with a wide range of dog breeds and temperaments. Dog groomers are knowledgeable about the care needs for different kinds of dog coats. A poodle will have different haircut needs than a shih tzu, for example, so it pays to have a trained pro provide the proper cut. Good dog groomers know how to safely clean your dog’s teeth, bathe your dog, and cut their nails without going too short. They understand how to trim the hair from around your dog’s face, express anal glands, and clean your dog’s ears. Many people who choose dog grooming as a profession also pursue other dog services such as attending veterinary school, running a doggy day care center, working as a professional dog walker, and more.

Dog grooming is so much more than giving your dog a bath. Dog grooming is a broad term that covers all aspects of canine cleanliness and hygiene. The services included in dog grooming will vary based on your needs and what you choose to pay. Unless they are rolling in cowpies or playing in mud puddles, most dogs are okay getting a shampoo bath only as needed. You’ll know when they need it if they smell bad or are bringing dirt into the house. Some dogs, like shepherds and shih tzus, have thick coats that can get matted and tangled without regular care. Pro dog groomers can deftly blow dry a dog’s hair after a bath so that it is shiny and smooth. Dog grooming can include brushing that detangles dog hair and also thins the undercoat to minimize shedding.

Dog grooming also includes hygiene services such as toothbrushing and ear cleaning. Clean teeth are important to the health of your dog, and the pros have the patience and proper technique to get it done. Regular dog grooming can stave off tear stains, those reddish stains below your dog’s eyes. Anal gland expression is something not many people want to do on their own, even if they love their dog. A dog groomer can safely and efficiently release any blocked anal gland fluid. Other dog grooming services include nail trimming and clipping. Nationally, dog grooming prices range from $60 to $80. Most dog groomers offer discounts to customers who purchase monthly packages or bundle multiple grooming services at one time.

Trimming your dog’s nails is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and well-groomed. Well-clipped nails are also a factor in your dog grooming costs. When a dog’s nails get too long, they have the potential to break or split, which can cause them pain and mean a costly visit to your local veterinarian. Overly long dog nails can also cause discomfort for your pup, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors. Be sure to calculate regular nail trimming into your budget for dog grooming. The dog groomer may use trimmers to clip the nails, or they may use a small drill (like a Dremel) to grind down the nails. A good professional groomer will know not to clip too close to the base of the nail, where nicking a nerve or a blood vessel could injure your dog. Nail trimming costs can vary based on geographic location and whether you bring the dog to the groomer or if the groomer picks up and drops off your dog. Transportation fees for pickup and drop-off service can add a lot to the cost. A simple dog nail trim may cost between $10 and $30, depending on location. Nail grinding may cost $2-$8 more than standard clipping. Many dog groomers offer discounts for bundled services, so you could get a nail trim at a reduced rate when you purchase it with a bath.

Dog grooming is a broad term that encompasses a range of beauty and hygiene services provided to your pet by a dog grooming professional. Services can include bathing, nail trimming, tooth brushing, haircuts, ear cleaning and gland expression. The American Humane Society recommends bathing (shampooing) your dog every two to four months, but breed and hair type can affect frequency. A dog groomer may charge extra for bathing a dog that’s unusually dirty or smelly from rolling in a bog or being sprayed by a skunk, for example. Nail trimming should be done every two to four weeks, depending on how quickly your dog’s nails grow. If you hear their nails clicking when they’re walking on hard surfaces, a trim is overdue. Experts say you should brush your dog’s teeth at least a few times a week. If you find this difficult because of your dog’s size or temperament, it’s helpful to have a regular groomer you entrust to regularly give them a thorough cleaning. The type of dog you have will determine how often it will need a haircut. A dog with short, wiry hair will rarely need a haircut, while a long-haired breed such as a shih-tzu will need regular combing to prevent painful matting and a cut every six weeks to three months, depending on length. Often, you can save on dog grooming prices by bundling multiple services into one visit with the same provider. Another opportunity for savings is to find a doggy day care service that also provides dog grooming.