Dog parents will know that owning a dog comes with a lot of responsibility, especially when it comes to their grooming needs. In order to keep our dogs happy and healthy, it’s important that dog parents dedicate time, effort and money for their grooming. Besides maintaining their physical appearance, grooming helps to support your dog’s skin and coat health, as well as prevent certain conditions.
In this article, we advise dog parents on grooming costs. We evaluate the cost by discussing the different factors that influence how much you pay for dog grooming depending on your dog’s breed, coat type, lifestyle and overall health. We also look at how often a dog should be groomed, why it’s worth using a professional dog groomer, and how dog parents can save money on services. By learning all of which influences the price, dog parents will have a better understanding of how much dog grooming is in the UK.
How often should a dog be groomed?
How often a dog should be groomed depends on a variety of factors. Short-haired dogs may only need grooming every few months, whilst medium to long-haired breeds, as well as dogs with thicker, double or curly coats, may need grooming as often as every few weeks to maintain their coats.
Besides their coat type, there are other factors that determine how often a dog should be groomed, such as their age. Puppies may not need as frequent haircuts, but will need their fur brushing, nails trimming and ears cleaning for hygiene purposes. On the other hand, older dogs may need grooming more often to maintain their hygiene, especially if they have an underlying medical condition that affects their coat and skin. It also depends on your dog’s coat condition - if it is more prone to matting, tangling or shedding, or if they engage in a lot of messy play. You may also prefer a certain hairstyle for your dog, which will require a professional dog groomer to maintain.
Most dogs will shed or moult regularly depending on the season. However, some breeds, such as the Poodle Cross Breeds, have become popular because they tend not to shed as much hair. Instead, their coats will continue to grow and will often start to matt. This is why regular brushing is essential for these breeds, and their coat will need clipping regularly to keep it comfortable and knot-free.
Are dog groomers worth it?
Whether or not dog groomers are worth it depends on you and your dog. Dog grooming takes a lot of time, effort and patience, and whether you are able to do this at home depends on your personal circumstances, as well as your dog’s breed, coat type, age and health.
Dog groomers are trained professionals who have the necessary skills and equipment to provide a quality service. It’s up to you to decide if you think how much dog grooming costs is worth it, and it depends on if there’s a viable alternative. If your dog has a high-maintenance coat, for example if it’s long, thick or curly, they may require specialised grooming to prevent matting and support their coat health. This may also be more difficult and time-consuming for you to manage at home, and may not be suitable for a busy schedule.
The cost of dog grooming is also influenced by the specific tools and products that they use, which may be expensive for dog parents to purchase themselves. Furthermore, dog grooming requires a lot of patience, especially as some dogs can become stressed during the process. Dog groomers are trained to handle dogs safely, including dogs with mobility issues or medical conditions.
What factors influence dog grooming costs?
As we mentioned, there are various factors which can affect how much you pay for dog grooming, including your dog’s breed, size and coat type. For instance, smaller dogs with short and smooth coats, such as Beagles and Boxers, are cheaper to groom compared to larger dogs. On the other hand, dog breeds with more complex coat types, such as Poodles and Bichon Frises, will need more time for styling, and therefore the cost of grooming these dogs will be higher.
How much do dog groomers charge in the UK?
How much dog grooming is in the UK depends on your dog, its breed, size and coat type, as well as its grooming requirements. On average, dog groomers charge around £43, however this can range from £20-£100+, depending on your area, choice of treatment and the products used.
It’s important to remember that the prices above are just an estimation for small to medium-sized dogs, and dogs with longer or thicker coats may cost more. How much you pay for dog grooming also depends what treatments your dog needs and which services are included in the packages offered. For instance, some dog groomers provide a basic bath and brush, and offer additional services at an extra charge, while others offer a full grooming package to include haircut, nail trimming and ear cleaning. Dogs with wiry coats may also need hand stripping, such as Terrier dogs, which can cost between £50-£100 alone.
Can you save money on dog grooming?
It is absolutely possible to save money on dog grooming, as long as it doesn’t risk the quality of your dog’s coat. We’ve included some practical tips below for dog parents to reduce the cost of their dog’s grooming sessions.
- Regularly groom your dog at home to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
- Learn how to safely trim your dog’s nails and clean their ears at home.
- Wash your dog at home using dog-friendly shampoos and conditioners.
- Call a handful of local groomers to find out prices and package details.
- Find out if your local groomer offers any loyalty discounts.
It’s also worth noting that most veterinary practices will offer appointments with their nurses for nail trimming and ear cleaning. This is often included as part of care packages which also include vaccinations, as well as flea, tick and worm prevention treatments.
While there are ways dog owners can cut down how much dog grooming is, it’s essential to ensure your dog’s comfort first and foremost. Professional dog groomers have the expertise and skills required to handle dogs with care. It’s important that dog parents are aware that certain grooming activities, including cutting and clipping, can be unsafe to practise at home. Some dogs may find grooming stressful, either due to their temperament, mobility issues or underlying health conditions, whereas dog groomers are trained to handle these situations. And besides this, if your dog has a high-maintenance coat, it may be difficult to find the time, effort and patience to care for this properly at home. It’s essential that your dog’s coat is well looked after, to prevent skin problems and protect their coat quality.
You may wonder if how much dog grooming costs is worth it - and we’re here to reassure you that it is. Dog grooming is essential to maintain your dog’s skin and coat health. In fact, dog groomers are trained to detect skin conditions whilst grooming your dogs, which can guide you to seek veterinary help if necessary. A common issue that dogs experience are ticks, and your dog groomer will be able to advise if your dog has ticks. You can also learn more on preventing ticks on dogs to keep them safe and comfortable.
