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.

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.

It’s important to make sure your dog is up to date on its vaccines before taking it to a groomer. Vaccinations keep your dog and the other dogs that use the establishment healthy. Viruses can linger long after a dog is gone, so an unvaccinated dog can infect a number of other dogs days or even months after their visit. Find out about your dog groomer’s vaccination policies, and think carefully about receiving services from a company that does not require vaccinations. Here are the main vaccinations that are generally required for dog grooming:

• Parvovirus: Parvo is a nasty virus that can kill dogs within 48-72 hours of infection. The virus is incredibly persistent and, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, is resistant to heat, cold, humidity and drying. It’s spread by dog-to-dog contact or contact with contaminated feces, environments (food and water bowls, collars and leashes, etc.,) or people.
• Adenovirus 2: Dogs receive this vaccination to protect against canine infectious hepatitis. The vaccination can also helps prevent canine cough.
• Canine distemper virus: Distemper has no known cure and can cause serious pain, illness, and even death, although recovery is possible with medical intervention.  
• Rabies: This disease attacks the central nervous system and — when untreated — will lead to death. The CDC recommends euthanizing an unvaccinated animal that has been exposed to rabies, although six-month isolation followed by vaccination is also permissible.
• Para-influenza: Canine para-influenza leads to kennel cough and an unhappy dog

Dog grooming prices for nail trims can vary based on the the size and temperament of your dog, where the nail trimming takes place, and whether you bundle the trim with other grooming services. The average cost to get your dog’s nails trimmed usually ranges from approximately $10 to $25. Nationally, the average for dog grooming prices is $60-$80, which usually encompasses not only nail trimming but also bathing, haircuts and other services.

The cost to trim a dog’s nails can vary based on whether the dog is at a doggy day care and has the service as an add-on, whether you bring your dog to a groomer’s business, or whether you have a mobile groomer provide nail trimming at your home. Nail trimming costs less than nail grinding, which usually is done with a Dremel or similar tool. Nail trimming should be a regular part of of your dog’s care, as overgrown nails can be painful and cause problems.

Do you have a dog that you get groomed regularly? If you do, you’ve probably wondered how much — or even if — you’re supposed to tip your dog groomer. Treat your dog groomer as you would your own hair stylist. A 15 percent to 20 percent tip is an appropriate amount to show your appreciation for a dog grooming job well done. If your dog didn’t get clean or their nails didn’t get properly clipped, then you certainly don’t have to tip. But if you’re satisfied with the service, consider the tip part of the standard dog grooming price, and just plan it into your dog care budget so you’ll have a happy groomer and a well-groomed dog. Here are a few examples of when you should tip extra:

• Your dog bit the groomer! Not good. A big tip will help.
• Your pooch barked like a wild beast or wrestled the groomer the entire time.
• Your dog’s hair was extra gross and dirty — think dog poo or major mud matted in their hindquarters.
• Your senior or disabled dog can’t stand on their own and needs extra care and support.

Mobile dog groomers come to your home and bathe, trim, and groom your dog. Mobile grooming is often easier on your dog, as they don’t have to go to a strange place to get groomed, and it saves you the effort of transportation. Prices for mobile pet grooming services can vary. Nationally, the average for dog grooming prices is $60-$80, including both standard and mobile services. Mobile dog grooming prices may be higher if the company has a dedicated truck or van than if they do the grooming on your premises. Mobile dog grooming prices will also vary based on the services you need, the area you live in, and your dog’s temperament and breed. Here are some examples of average pet grooming prices:

• Nail trim: $15-$25.
• Ear cleaning: $20.
• Anal gland expression: $25.
• Bath: $25-$50, depending on dog size.
• Haircut: $45.
• All five of these services bundled: $110-$160, depending on dog size.

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.

Dog grooming costs depend on the service your pet requires. Nationally, the average price for dog grooming ranges from $40 to $100, varying by location. Not surprisingly, dog grooming on New York’s Upper East Side costs nearly double what it costs in a small town in Montana. Dog groomers typically handle every aspect of your dog’s beauty and hygiene, from tooth brushing to hairstyling. One potential way to save is to have your dog groomed at your doggy daycare — sometimes they offer discounts on dog grooming prices for clients. Here are some examples of average dog grooming costs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Please note these prices would include transportation fees for picking up and dropping off your dog to your home:

• Nails: $30 a la carte or $20 when bundled with another service
• Toothbrushing: $30 a la carte or $20 when bundled with another service
• Tooth scraping (removal of plaque from teeth to prevent infection), with anesthesia: $600
• Tooth scraping, without anesthesia: $400.
• Wash and dry: $60
• Ears: $30 a la carte or $20 when bundled with another service
• Grooming package: $130 — includes wash, nails, teeth, ears, gland expression and haircut