When your dog starts leaving red scratches on your arms during playtime, their nails might be a tad too long. Time to take them to the groomers! While you’re at it, it might be a good idea to have your dog bathed, and trimmed.
The average price of dog grooming packages like this can be expensive but it’s worth it to have a healthy dog. You see, grooming isn’t only about hygiene. It’s about keeping them well too.
If you let your dog’s nails get overgrown it hurts them and it can cause infections. Check out this guide to learn how much it will cost you to avoid unfortunate health issues like this with regular grooming.
What’s Included in a Typical Grooming Package?
Most grooming packages include the basics like shampooing, trimming, brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing. You can expect to spend around 80-130 dollars to have all of this done for your pooch.
You can call a few different salons when choosing a dog groomer to see if you can find anything cheaper but this is going to be around the basic price range. Some groomers will allow you to pick and choose different services instead of paying for an entire package as well.
Extra Services
There are a few extra services that you can get that will drive the dog grooming cost up. Some of these extra services such as de-matting are good for the health of the dog and are a needed expense.
De-Matting
Long-haired puppers are great to pet but all that hair comes at a price. It gets tangled up and matted if not cared for properly. Getting the tangles out of dog fur isn’t the same as getting them out of human hair.
You can’t use detangling spray and pull at it with a brush until it comes out. You’ve got to use special grooming tools or else you will hurt the dog and damage its coat. It’s better for a professional to take care of it.
De-Shedding
Another woe of being the proud owner of a long-haired dog is shedding. No matter how much you brush them, you end up with a pile of dog hair on your furniture and bed. Professionals know the proper de-shedding technique that will help keep the amount of loose fur in your home to a minimum.
Flea and Tick Treatment
Having fleas and ticks is extremely uncomfortable for your canine and it can make them sick. Always check your dog for them when you bring them back in from a walk. If they manage to pick up any stray fleas and ticks, ask your groomer about getting them removed right away.
Blueberry Facial
Yes, you can go the extra mile and pay to let your dog have a complete spa day. Facials and all. We promise, there’s actually a good reason to spring for the blueberry facial.
It cleans your dog’s face better than regular washing can which is great for dogs with tons of facial rolls. Like with humans, puppy facials scrub away dead skin cells and it gets stains out of their fur.
Nail Polish
Getting your dog’s nails trimmed is one thing but getting them painted is another. It’s silly but it’s a fun silly. If you have a little extra cash to throw around why not let your dog sport neon pink tosies?
Factors That Can Increase the Average Price of Dog Grooming
Special services aren’t the only thing that can affect dog grooming prices. You may have to pay more depending on what kind of dog you have and its temperament, for example.
Breed
Dog breeds with fluffy double-layer coats are a little harder to groom than dogs with short hair so it costs extra. This extra charge also extends to larger dog breeds.
It will take a lot longer to groom an Alaskan Malamute than a Dachshund due to the sure size difference.
Your Dog’s Temperament
You may have to dish out more money depending on your dog’s temperament. If your dog is super-aggressive, there will be a hazard pay involved.
Sensitive, nervous dogs take a little extra care so as to make sure they’re comfortable. Groomers don’t mind doing it but it is a lot of work so you might end up paying more.
Transportation
If you’ve got a busy work schedule that doesn’t permit the time for you to drop your dog off with groomers, there are some who will offer to pick your dog up for you. If you don’t have transportation at all, it might be convenient for you to book with a mobile groomer. They will come to your house in a van that’s decked out in all the gear needed to clean your pup.
These transportation services will save you time but they do cost extra. Somebody has to pay for the gas they use up, after all.
The Area Where You Live
Dog grooming will be more expensive depending on where you live. If you stay in a big city, you can expect a price that’s closer to the 130-dollar mark. If you live in a small city or town where the cost of living isn’t too high, you may pay 60-70.
Being a Regular Customer
Most salons do value their regular customers. Some of them even offer discounts if you book with them often. So, it’s a good idea to pick a groomer and stick with them.
Paying for a Hygienic Pupper
The average price of dog grooming can be a bit high. It’s worth it though to have a happy and healthy dog. Without normal bathing, trimming, and nail clipping, your dog can suffer from painful tangles and infections.
Keeping all these factors in mind, invest in your best friend and look for a groomer who can provide what they need for a price that you can afford.
Your dog isn’t the only one of your pets that needs a little TLC. Check out this post to find out how to care for your aquarium fish.
