From Fur to Finish: How Long Does It Take to Groom a Dog

Dog grooming is an essential part of being a dog owner. It keeps your pet lovely and fluffy but also prevents fleas and other health risks that can cause discomfort to your dog and spread to other pets and even your children.

But proper dog grooming takes some time and effort, and in this article, we will break down the grooming process, each step, how long each takes, and some expert tips for a successful dog grooming session. Run the bath and get ready!

The Grooming Process for Dogs

Dog grooming should generally involve brushing and combing, bathing/drying, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and, finally, styling for a fully-fledged pet grooming session! Obviously, this can be difficult given how resistant many dogs are to baths.

Also, depending on the breed, you will have different lengths of dogs’ nails and hair, which could complicate and lengthen the process. And, of course, you might also need different nail-trimming and hair-cutting implements like scissors for the tasks and to employ various techniques, from breed to breed.

That’s a long way of saying we can’t put an exact number on how long it takes to groom your dog, but we will look at each step that you can bring into your grooming experience to make your dog feel as fresh and healthy as possible.

How Long Each Grooming Step Takes

• Bathing and Drying: getting your dog into the bath is the hard part, but bathing your dog in shampoo and conditioner should only take about ten minutes, and then three or four more minutes to dry. Soak your furry friend to the skin, lather them up (but be careful of their eyes!), rinse them off, and dry them with a dog towel. It will take a little more time if your dog’s fur is spongy or they have long hair.
• Brushing and Combing: Lift your pooch out of the tub, set them somewhere comfortable, and then brush or comb them until they are shining and lovely. Again, this should take around five to ten minutes. While your dog is under the towel and comfortable, this might also be a good time to give them a haircut and style.
• Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning: We recommend giving our dog an ear cleaning and nail trim every two to three months for maximum comfort. Our dogs’ ears are often subject to various infections, so it’s important. Nail clipping should take between 10 and 20 minutes.
• Haircuts and Styling: The length depends on your skills here. Professional grooming workers are experienced and often provide it as part of the service. Also, the breed is a factor here too. For instance, a cocker spaniel has a lot of hair on its ears and needs regular grooming, whereas a German Shepherd is a different story. On average, haircuts will take about ten to 15 minutes to do.

Tips for a Successful Grooming Session

It’s essential to be patient with your dog when preparing them for grooming sessions. They will not be ready for many processes, especially if it is their first time. Introduce each part slowly, and of course, choose the right grooming tools and products for their breed and coat type. Golden Retrievers have different coat types than Shih Tzus, for instance.

Dogs need routines, and bathing often breaks them. That’s why you could have an anxious dog on your hands. In cases like this, making them see the reward in bathing is important. Again, start slow with them. Perhaps you can forgo the entire grooming process for the first time. Focus on the important bit – bathing and drying. Reward them enthusiastically and then maintain a regular grooming schedule. Over time, your dog is likely to get used to it.

Otherwise, it might be worth hiring a dog groomer. Many of them offer excellent dog grooming programs and are expert dog whisperers. In short, the worst-case scenario is hiring a professional.

Conclusion

Taking the time to groom your dog properly will not only make your dog feel more content and comfortable and minimize their risk of health issues; it will also make them silky, tidy, and prevent malting hair and causing other domestic inconveniences.

For more expert tips on all aspects of dog parenthood, why not check out Acme Canine’s backlog of articles and find out something special and helpful to improve your dog’s life?

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I groom my dog?

While every dog breed has a different time frame, it’s generally a good rule of thumb to have your dog groomed once a month.

Can I groom my dog at home, or should I take them to a professional groomer?

Bathing, drying, and clipping your dog is okay to do yourself. But when it comes to haircuts, it’s best left to a professional dog groomer.

What should I do if my dog doesn’t like being groomed?

If your dog doesn’t take well to the grooming process, you can try using equipment to make it more pleasant for them (such as dog grooming gloves) or implement a rewarding process with treats and affection. Otherwise, it might be a tough job; there are often just easier ways of doing it.

How do I choose the right grooming products for my dog’s coat type?

Research is your tool. Many different coat types include smooth coats, double coats, long coats, wire coats, and curly coats. For curly coats (found on small dogs like Bichon Frises or poodles), you will need a soft, curved, slicker brush to fluff the coat. For bathing, you will need a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for this coat.

Start by finding out what coat your dog has and go from there. You should research more if they have skin problems, dead hair, or other issues.