Dog Grooming Services: What's Included & How Often (UK Guide 2025)

Quick Answers

Your dog comes back from the groomer looking amazing but acting traumatised. Or maybe you're paying £60+ and wondering if you're getting ripped off.

Professional dog grooming should make your dog look and feel better, not worse. The right groomer will handle your dog gently, work at their pace, and send them home happy and clean.

But here's what most people don't know: not all Dog Grooming Services are the same, and the cheapest option often costs you more in the long run (stressed dog, poor results, having to go elsewhere).

We'll show you exactly what to look for, what different services actually include, and what you should expect to pay in the UK. Plus, how to spot the red flags that mean you should walk away.

Thinking about DIY grooming? Our essential grooming tools guide covers everything you need to get started safely at home.

What's Actually Included in Different Dog Grooming Services?

Most grooming salons offer confusing packages with vague descriptions. Here's what you're actually paying for.

Basic Groom: The Essentials (£25-40)

Perfect for: Dogs with short coats, maintenance between full grooms, or if you just need the basics done properly.

What you get:

• Health check - Good groomers spot problems early
• Proper brushing - Removes loose fur and small mats
• Professional bath - Right shampoo for your dog's skin type
• Blow-dry and brush-out - Gets them properly dry
• Nail trim - Includes filing so they're not sharp
• Ear cleaning - Prevents infections
• Hygiene trimming - Tidy up around paws and private areas

Full Groom: The Works (£45-80)

Perfect for: Dogs with longer coats, specific breed cuts, or when you want them looking their absolute best.

Everything from basic groom, plus:

• Professional coat cutting - Breed-specific or custom styles
• Face and head styling - Makes a huge difference to their look
• Detailed paw work - Neat, rounded paws that look professional
• Teeth brushing - If your dog allows it
• Finishing touches - Cologne, bows, bandanas (if you want them)

The difference is obvious: Basic groom = clean and tidy. Full groom = professionally styled and show-ready.

How Professional Groomers Actually Work (The 7-Step Process)

Good groomers don't just wing it - they follow a systematic process that keeps your dog safe and comfortable. Here's what should happen during your dog's appointment:

• 1. Health check & chat - Checking for lumps, cuts, skin problems. Discussing what you want.
• 2. Pre-bath prep - Brushing out mats, trimming nails (easier when they're dirty).
• 3. The bath - Right temperature, right shampoo, thorough rinse (leftover soap causes itching).
• 4. Proper drying - Blow-drying while brushing to prevent mats forming.
• 5. The cutting - Coat styling, breed-specific cuts, or whatever you've requested.
• 6. Finishing touches - Face trimming, paw shaping, making everything look neat.
• 7. Final check - Making sure everything's perfect and booking your next appointment.

Red flag: If a groomer rushes through these steps or skips the health check, find someone else.

Specialized Services: When Your Dog Needs More Than Basic Grooming

Some dogs need extra help beyond the standard wash and cut. Here's when to consider specialized services:

De-shedding Treatments (£15-25 extra)

Perfect for: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, or any dog that leaves tumbleweeds of fur around your house.

What it does: Removes the loose undercoat that's about to fall out anyway. Reduces shedding for several weeks (commonly 3–6 weeks). Your vacuum cleaner will thank you.

Hand Stripping (£20-40 extra)

Perfect for: Wire-haired terriers, some spaniels, and other breeds with coarse coats.

What it does: Removes dead hair from the root (not cutting) to maintain the coat's natural texture and color. Requires a groomer who actually knows how to do it properly.

Puppy Introduction Sessions (£20-30)

Perfect for: Puppies 12-16 weeks old (after second vaccinations) who've never been groomed.

What it does: Short, gentle sessions to get them used to the grooming process. Prevents them from being terrified of grooming for life.

What You Should Actually Pay for Dog Grooming in the UK

Let's talk money. Grooming prices vary wildly across the UK, and knowing what's reasonable helps you avoid getting ripped off (or wondering why that £15 groom went so badly).

Location matters: London and the Southeast often cost 20–50% more; some popular breeds can be 70–80% higher. Northern England, Wales, and Scotland are usually cheaper.

Extra Charges to Expect

• De-matting: £10-25 extra (fair - it's hard work and takes ages)
• Flea treatment/deflea: from £20-30+ (many salons require rebooking after home treatment due to hygiene policies)
• Teeth cleaning: £5-12 (basic brushing, not a dental)
• Nail painting: £3-8 (if you're into that sort of thing)

Mobile Dog Grooming is often priced higher than basic salon rates due to travel and one-to-one service, but local markets vary — compare quotes locally. Worth it if your dog hates car rides.

Why Prices Vary So Much

Several things affect what you'll pay:

• Coat condition: Matted fur = extra time and effort = higher cost
• Dog's behavior: Anxious or difficult dogs need more patience (and time)
• Breed requirements: Some breeds need specialized techniques
• Location: Central London vs. rural Wales - big difference
• Timing: Peak periods (Christmas, summer holidays) book up; some salons apply peak pricing

For an in-depth analysis of how each of these factors impacts grooming costs, including regional price variations and budgeting tips, read our comprehensive guide to dog grooming prices and cost factors.

How Often Should You Actually Groom Your Dog?

Optimal grooming frequency depends on your dog's coat type, lifestyle, and individual needs. Regular professional grooming combined with consistent at-home maintenance ensures your dog remains comfortable, healthy, and looking their best. For detailed guidance on determining the right schedule for your dog, see our comprehensive guide on how often you should groom your dog.

How to Choose the Right Groomer for Your Dog

Not all groomers are created equal. Here's how to find one who won't traumatize your dog (or your wallet):

Special Considerations for Folkestone Dog Owners

Living in Folkestone comes with unique challenges for dog owners. Here's what local groomers should understand:

Coastal weather conditions can affect coat health through salt air exposure and humidity changes. Rinse after sea swims and dry thoroughly to remove salt and sand; avoid over‑shampooing which can strip natural oils. Local groomers understand these challenges and can recommend appropriate products and frequency adjustments for optimal coat care.

For comprehensive local Dog Grooming Services, explore our Folkestone groomers directory featuring qualified professionals who understand the specific needs of dogs in the local area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in a full grooming service?

A full grooming service includes everything in a basic groom plus complete coat styling, breed-specific cuts, detailed trimming, and professional finishing. This typically involves bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, sanitary trimming, coat cutting or styling, and blow-drying with professional equipment.

How much does dog grooming cost in the UK?

Dog grooming costs in the UK typically range from £25-£80 depending on service type, dog size, and location. Basic Dog Grooming Services start around £25-£35 for small dogs, while full grooming for large dogs can cost £55-£80. Specialized services like hand stripping may cost more.

How often should I have my dog professionally groomed?

Grooming frequency depends on your dog's coat type and lifestyle. Short-coated breeds typically need grooming every 8-12 weeks, while curly or long-coated dogs require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Double-coated breeds benefit from grooming every 6-8 weeks with seasonal de-shedding treatments.

What's the difference between basic and full grooming?

Basic grooming focuses on hygiene and maintenance including bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Full grooming includes all basic services plus complete coat styling, breed-specific cuts, detailed trimming, and professional finishing techniques.

Should I wash my dog before taking them to the groomer?

Generally, you should not wash your dog before professional grooming. Professional groomers prefer to assess the natural coat condition and use appropriate products for your dog's specific needs. If your dog has had a sea swim, a fresh‑water rinse and thorough drying to remove salt and sand is fine — avoid shampooing before the appointment. For extreme dirt or odor, contact your groomer for specific guidance.

Conclusion

Professional Dog Grooming Services provide essential care that goes far beyond appearance, contributing significantly to your dog's health, comfort, and overall wellbeing. Understanding the different service levels, pricing factors, and frequency requirements helps you make informed decisions about your dog's grooming needs.

Bottom line: Cheap grooming often costs more in the long run. A traumatized dog becomes harder to groom, and you'll spend more fixing problems than you saved initially.

Looking for professional dog grooming in Folkestone? Get in touch to discuss your dog's needs and book a consultation. We'll make sure your dog actually enjoys the experience.