Did you know that 54% of homes in the United States own a dog?
With over half the country owning a canine, pet ownership continues to increase each year which means there is also a growing need for groomers.
Groomers offer various services to help maintain your dog's appearance and well-being. But, it's not as simple as a haircut, and then they're all done. There are a lot of different aspects to grooming a dog, and we must recognize the challenges groomers face!
If you have a dog and you're curious how much an average visit to the groomer will cost, keep reading! We break down the average cost per species and different grooming services.
What to Expect When Grooming a Dog
So, if you are new to owning a dog or have never taken them to a groomer before, here is a minor breakdown of what the groomer does in a typical visit.
When the dog arrives at the groomers, they will take some time to get to know your furry family member. Building trust with the animal provides a more relaxing experience for everyone!
After the groomer plays and acquaints themselves with the dog, they will get ready to start the bathing process. Most groomers have a standing, deep bathtub that will allow them to stand and wash the dog. This part of the process can be taxing work, especially if you have a dog not inclined to enjoy baths.
Once the dog is clean, they cover the dog's ears so that no air gets blown into their canals. The groomers then take a tool like a blowdryer to dry the fur to make trimming easier.
Now that the pup is dry, they will use specialized clippers to trim all the areas established by you, the owner. Some owners want a general trim, but others wish for specific styles or cuts.
Here are some other minor services that a groomer may offer:
check for parasites on or under the skin
trim nails
clean inner and outer ears
brushing teeth
gland expression
adding bows, dyes, or nail polish for extra fees
How Much Is This Going to Cost You?
We can start talking about the cost of grooming now that you know what groomers do in a typical visit. Prices will range depending on the size and type of dog you have.
Toy breed: $30+
Small breed: $40+
Medium breed: $50+
Large breed: $60+
Extra Large breed: $70+
Some other factors will affect the price you pay for grooming a dog. One major thing to consider is your dog's temperament. If your dog is aggressive or does not handle new situations well, it may cost more to care for them at the groomers. Also, potential bite risks will cost more, so keep that in mind if your dog lashes out and bites.
Some groomers offer pick-up or drop-off services, which may increase the price. Also, consider the average cost of living in your area. If you live in a city or town where the percentage is higher, you can bet the cost of grooming a dog will be higher.
Some groomers will give discounts to loyal customers, so once you find a groomer that is right for you, stick with them! Loyalty goes a long way, especially with small-business owners like most independent dog groomers.
Signs Your Dog Needs Grooming
Some dogs have the right coat of fur and skin and never need a groomer. However, issues can arise for most dogs that make the quality of life difficult for your family canine.
If you're not sure if your dog is due for an appointment, here are some signs that it may be time to call your local groomer!
Matted Or Moldy Fur
Dogs are well known for their rowdiness and ability to get filthy. Their inclination to play and roll around in the dirt makes it easy for particles to get embedded in the dog's fur. Over time if these sections aren't taken care of, they will begin to "matt."
Matted hair makes your pet uncomfortable and can lead to bacterial infections and diseases if not cared for quickly.
Nails Are Too Long
Have you heard your dog walking across tile or wood floor, and it's like a clickity-clack sound? Then, it's probably time to get your pet's nails trimmed. If your dog's nails get too long, they can become painful.
If your dog regularly goes for walks on the sidewalk or pavement, they can sometimes naturally trim themselves, but typically it has to be done by the owner or groomer most of the time.
Smelly Ears
If you kiss the top of your dog's head and notice a funky smell coming from their ears, it's time to get them cleaned.
A dog's ears are self-cleaning the majority of the time, but wax can build up in their ear canals and could cause an infection. There are methods to clean them at home, but a groomer will be able to tell you if there is an infection and how to help.
Your Dog Needs You!
You are the only person who can advocate for your canine, so make sure they get the best grooming services available. We can provide all the services you need to get your dog fresh and clean.
Bubbly Paws offers self-service grooming, full-service grooming, and much more! But, of course, you must have the best tools when grooming a dog, and Bubbly Paws provides everything you need.
Click here to make a reservation today for your pup!