How Long Does Dog Grooming Take? [Dog Grooming Advice]

Grooming your dog not only ensures your dog is clean and nice-smelling but is crucial for your pet’s overall health. Ideally, you should groom your dog every 4-6 weeks, depending on the breed’s coat requirements.

But how long does grooming take? The length it takes to groom a dog depends on the breed, coat needs, and other factors. So, the grooming session may range from 30 minutes to a few hours.

There are several ways to ensure the grooming process goes smoothly so you can get your pup back more quickly. Additionally, preparing yourself will ensure your dog has a positive experience with each grooming visit.

The Grooming Process

Every dog groomer’s process differs slightly from the next, and each pet has its own needs. Generally, the services include baths, brushing, ear cleaning, nail trims, and anal gland expression. Dogs with longer hair will typically get a full-body haircut as well.

Typically you can expect the grooming process to go as follows:

1. The groomer brushes any knots out of the dog’s fur.
2. Then, the dog will get a bath with shampoo that suits its coat requirements.
3. Next, the groomer will examine the ears for any signs of infection and clean them.
4. Your pet’s groomer will then blow dry it and give it another good brushing.
5. If needed, the haircut will come next. Some dogs only need a trim, while others require a full cut.
6. Last, your groomer will perform the nail trims, anal gland expression, and tooth brushing, depending on the package you purchased.

Factors That Influence Grooming Time

Several factors may lengthen or shorten the grooming time. Additionally, waiting times or accidents may prolong a standard grooming appointment. Here are a few things to remember regarding how long grooming takes:

Services Needed

Groomers offer different packages for their services. A dog that needs a bath, brush, and nail trim will go much more quickly than a dog that needs a full haircut added to it.

If you opt for the complete package, plan to set aside at least two hours. Although the process itself may take less time, it may be a bit before your dog gets taken back.

Your Dog’s Comfortability With the Grooming Process

If your dog is unfamiliar with or uncomfortable at the groomers, it’ll likely take longer than normal. Some dogs may feel anxious during haircuts, nail trims, etc., making it challenging for the groomer.

On the other hand, calm dogs allow groomers to perform their jobs hassle-free, which makes the grooming session go more quickly.

Breed and Size of the Dog

The dog’s breed and size are significant factors in the length of time it takes to groom. For example, a smaller dog with long hair may take longer to groom than a large dog with short fur. If a dog is large and has long hair, then it’ll take even longer.

Shih Tzus and Poodles are excellent examples of dog breeds that will take longer to groom, no matter the size. These types of dogs have unique, long hair that requires extra care.

Flea Infestation

Sometimes, you may not realize your dog has fleas until the groomer notices them. In this case, the groomer must remove and kill the fleas before performing other services.

Flea removal can be a lengthy process, depending on how many fleas there are. Your dog will likely need a longer shampooing process and extra combing to ensure they’re fully flea-free before they leave.

Extra Treatments

You may opt for extra beauty options like painted nails, hair styling, or hair coloring that may take a groomer longer to perform. Some specialty haircuts will take longer than standard trims as well. Several groomers offer an array of hair coloring designs, which can take several hours in and of itself.

It can be helpful to add on a de-shedding treatment for dogs who shed. Although it’s not permanent, de-shedding treatments help reduce shedding in-between appointments. So, if you opt for a de-shed, it’ll add some extra time to your session.

If you have an anxious dog, your groomer may offer spa-like treatments to help ease your dog’s anxiety. These groomers will use pet-friendly essential oils and take more time with your dog to ensure your pup is relaxed.

Unexpected Accidents

Accidents can happen no matter how well-behaved your dog is or how talented your groomer is. For example, a dog may flinch and cause an injury with scissors or other sharp objects. In this case, the groomer will need to clean and bandage the wound.

Injuries aside, it’s possible for an emergency to come up with another dog, your dog to have an unexpected allergy or other unplanned issues.

When something unexpected happens, your groomer will likely need to set time aside to tend to the accident.

What To Do To Ensure a Seamless Grooming Process?

It’s sometimes hard to predict how long your dog will be at the groomer. However, being prepared can prevent your pet from experiencing dog anxiety and make the process more easygoing.

Get Your Dog Used To Grooming Sessions in Puppyhood

When you adopt a new puppy, it’s crucial to introduce your dog to the grooming process while they’re young. The first grooming session will likely be minimal unless you have a breed that requires a trim.

Ultimately, the first few appointments aim to get your pup used to the different sights, sounds, and smells of the groomers.

Dogs not used to being at the groomers may be easily intimidated when the groomer nears their face with scissors or turns on a loud nail grinder.

By getting your puppy acquainted with the atmosphere, you will build a positive association with the groomers versus an anxious one.

Brush Your Dog Regularly

Every dog needs regular brushing to keep its coat clean and healthy. Dogs with longer hair require daily brushing, while shorter-haired breeds may get away with 1-2 times per week .

Regular brushing massages your pup’s skin, stimulates blood circulation, distributes the skin’s natural oils, and helps remove loose fur and dandruff. And, of course, you’ll remove any knots or catch mats in your dog’s hair.

Stay vigilant to avoid letting a long-haired dog get matted. Matting is dense knots or tangles, which are painful for your pup. Extreme matting can cause irritated skin or infections and can cut off the airflow to your dog’s skin.

Dogs with thick mats typically need to be shaved during their grooming appointments, as they’re impossible to brush out.

Keep Up on Basic Hygiene

There are some grooming measures you will need to take in-between appointments. You’ll need to keep your dog’s nails short to keep its feet healthy and comfortable. Long nails can make walking or running uncomfortable or painful for your dog.

Long nails also break more quickly, which requires a veterinarian appointment to rule out infections or serious injuries. Use a specially designed dog nail clipper and clip the ends, avoiding the quick, when you notice them growing too long.

Additionally, you’ll want to clean your dog’s ears monthly, especially if it’s a breed prone to ear issues. Only clean the outer ears with a dog-friendly ear cleaner. Never insert anything into your dog’s ears.

It’s also a good idea to wipe up any eye discharge your dog may have. 

Lastly, your dog needs daily teeth brushing with a special doggy toothbrush. Again, getting your dog comfortable with tooth brushing at a young age is helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding “how long does grooming take?”

How long does it take to groom a dog at home?

The amount of time it takes to groom your dog at home depends on the breed, behavior, and size of your dog. Expect to spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours on grooming at home. The first few grooming sessions may take longer if you perform a haircut.

Do dogs feel better after their grooming?

Most dogs feel better after a grooming session due to the health benefits that come with it. It also gives your pup a chance to socialize with other animals and people. Some dogs may feel anxious while there, though they’ll be much happier and more comfortable in the long run.

Are dogs ever sedated for grooming?

If a dog has certain health conditions or severe anxiety, some groomers may prescribe a medication like gabapentin. This is a common pet sedative that helps ease the tension for your dog during the visit.

It’s generally safe for healthy pets and has minimal side effects.