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.

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.

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.

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