Whether and how often dogs need to go to the groomer depends largely on the length of their coat and the amount of grooming they do themselves. The longer the coat, the more often the dog should be groomed.
In general, the dog should visit the groomer every 6 to 12 weeks.
Otherwise, unsightly and painful matting can occur, especially on the belly area. Furthermore, the coat of long-haired dogs tends to drag on the floor over time and pick up all the dirt, wetness and more.
The dirt gets caught in the hair, leading to knots and debris. In this context, care must always be taken to maintain an appropriate coat length, which is achieved through regular trimming.
Through proper grooming by a dog groomer, you can prevent skin irritations or eczema.
What are the services offered by a dog groomer?
- Washing
- Bathing
- Blow-drying
- Scissoring
- Cutting
- Trimming
- Combing
- Unfelting
- Puppy habituation
- Claw and ear care
The range of services is vast and not every groomer offers all services.
These dog breeds need a groomer
Not every four-legged friend needs to visit a groomer.
Short-haired breeds such as the Beagle or the Boxer have such a low-maintenance coat that hardly any effort is required.
The situation is different with long-haired breeds and rough-coated dogs. Here, a regular cut is usually unavoidable.
The coat of longhaired dogs, which have particularly soft hair, is simply trimmed.
The coat of rough-haired dogs, on the other hand, must be trimmed, whereby the main task is to remove dead fur.
In addition, many longhaired dogs have an abundant undercoat that is much thicker than the existing top coat. It is more like wool that needs to be removed regularly.
If the undercoat is not cared for properly, the hair can become matted and in the worst case form plates lying directly on the skin. These in turn trigger itching, cause pain and in the worst case lead to unsightly skin diseases and injuries.
Below is a small list for you, which clearly shows you which dogs should definitely go to the groomer:
- West Highland White Terrier
- Poodle
- Maltese
- Border Collie
- Afghan Hound
- Komondor
- Briard
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Havanese
This is not an exhaustive list. In any case, all those dogs whose coat you can’t easily groom should go to the groomer.
The appointment at the groomer – What to expect from your dog
What exactly the groomer will do to your furry friend depends mainly on the breed.
Some dogs only need to have the dead undercoat removed. For other dogs, it is necessary to trim the profile properly so that no hair gets into the eyes, for example.
Still other dogs need a complete haircut in addition to the typical wash – which all breeds get. Really good groomers work mainly with a comb and scissors.
Only rarely are clippers used. In addition to the usual grooming routine, groomers also trim the excess fur on the paws.
It is good if your groomer uses good grooming products, which you can also examine in advance.
At the same time, they will take care of professional claw care. For the dog itself, the visit to the groomer is a real wellness day.
Whether you can be present at the appointment depends on your chosen groomer. Some offer you the opportunity to be present while your dog is being groomed.
Others insist that you run errands during the time and come back to pick up your dog groomed at the end of the time.
What is right for you depends on your dog. Some say it’s better to leave your dog alone at the groomer’s and others say that’s too risky.
They don’t know what the groomer will really do with the dog and would like to keep an eye on their own dog.
Prices for the dog groomer
Regarding the costs, you should plan between 50 and 70 Euros. The price depends on the size of the dog on the one hand and on the steps required on the other.
In addition to the difference in prices between northern and southern Germany, each dog groomer offers a different complete package.
While at one groomer you pay one price for trimming, cutting and grooming, at another bathing and blow-drying costs extra.
Another offers carding including paw, claw and ear care. And so you will find a different offer at every groomer.
You first have to find out which package is right for you.
Depending on the salon, these prices may be quoted for 1 hour or as a complete package, regardless of how long it takes.
Some dog groomers charge by the hour, with these you should ask beforehand what would be charged for your dog.
Try out the dog grooming salon and see if your dog likes the procedure and if you have a good feeling there, especially at the beginning.
Planning a visit to the groomer – this is what you should pay attention to!
Hairdressing appointments should generally be booked in advance. Depending on the breed of dog, it is recommended to visit a groomer every six to 12 weeks.
It is only fair to your groomer that you cancel your appointment in advance if you are unable to keep it. You may incur additional charges from one groomer or another.
Especially breeds like the Poodle, Havanese or Shih Tzu should rather go once more than too little.
To get your dog used to regular grooming right from the start, you should visit a groomer for the first time when your dog is still a puppy.
This way you can get your four-legged friend used to the procedure.
Grooming the dog yourself – Is it possible?
In general, it is of course possible to groom your dog yourself. However, you should always make sure that the work is done carefully and cleanly.
Maybe you can find a course that shows you some tricks of the trade that you can do yourself as a dog owner. Besides brushing your dog regularly, there are some small things you can do yourself with your dog without any problems.
Of course, this has to be practised, but it will also educate your dog and make you more confident when you go to the groomer again.
The coat can be cut with clippers or scissors. The latter is much more laborious and time-consuming.
However, it is usually sufficient to cut the particularly sensitive areas with scissors.
These include, for example, the area around the eyes or in the ears.
Before the first haircut, it is advisable to seek advice from a vet or dog groomer. This will help to clarify whether the dog’s coat needs to be trimmed or cut.
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Conclusion – when does your dog need to go to the groomer?
Your dog will be properly groomed at the groomer. His coat and skin will receive soothing care.
Whether you book the package including claw care or have individual services charged depends on your choice.
There are some differences in price, but in any case you should get to know the salon beforehand to find out whether you and your dog feel comfortable there.
If you prefer to do it yourself, you can get some initial instruction in courses and at least try out simple exercises on your own dog to see how it feels to cut, trim or clip your dog.
