What Is Included in Dog Grooming? Full Groom vs Wash & Tidy Explained
What Is Included in Dog Grooming? Full Groom vs Wash & Tidy Explained
A full dog groom includes a bath with shampoo and conditioner, blow-dry, full body clip or trim, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and a sanitary clip. A “Wash & Tidy” includes bath, dry, brush, and basic trim but no full clip. Most groomers also include a nail trim and ear check in both services, though some charge extra for severely overgrown nails or infected ears.
When you book a grooming appointment, you might see terms like “Full Groom,” “Wash & Tidy,” or “Bath & Brush” on the price list. But what exactly does each service include? Understanding the difference helps you choose the right service for your dog and avoid surprise charges on your bill.
The “Full Groom” Service
A Full Groom is the most comprehensive service. It’s designed for dogs with longer coats that need regular clipping and styling. Here’s what’s included:
| Service Component | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Bath | Shampoo, conditioner, and thorough rinse |
| Blow-Dry | Full body drying with hand-held or cage dryer |
| Full Body Clip | Clipping to your preferred length (e.g., #7 blade, #4 blade, or scissor trim) |
| Styling | Face trim, leg shaping, tail styling |
| Nail Trimming | Clip and file nails to safe length |
| Ear Cleaning | Remove excess wax and debris (external only) |
| Sanitary Clip | Trim hair around genitals and anus for hygiene |
| Brush Out | Final brush to remove loose hair and check for mats |
The “Wash & Tidy” Service
A Wash & Tidy (also called “Bath & Brush” or “Maintenance Groom”) is ideal for dogs who don’t need a full clip but still require regular maintenance. This service is typically $20-$30 cheaper than a Full Groom.
What’s included:
- Bath: Shampoo, conditioner, and rinse
- Blow-Dry: Full body drying
- Brush Out: Thorough brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting
- Basic Trim: Light trimming of face, feet, and sanitary areas (no full body clip)
- Nail Trimming: Clip and file nails
- Ear Check: Visual inspection and basic cleaning if needed
What’s NOT included: Full body clipping or styling. This service is best for short-haired breeds or dogs who were recently clipped and just need maintenance.
Understanding the “Sanitary Clip”
The sanitary clip (also called a “sanitary trim”) is a hygiene-focused trim that removes hair around your dog’s genitals and anus. This prevents:
- Urine and faeces from getting trapped in the coat
- Skin irritation and infections
- Unpleasant odours
- Difficulty with elimination (especially in long-haired breeds)
This is included in both Full Groom and Wash & Tidy services. It’s a standard practice recommended by the RSPCA Australia for maintaining your dog’s hygiene between full grooms.
Nail Trimming: What to Expect
Nail trimming is typically included in both services, but there are exceptions:
- Standard Trim: Included in the base price
- Overgrown Nails: If nails are severely overgrown (quicks are long), some groomers charge an extra $10-$15
- Black Nails: No extra charge—experienced groomers can safely trim black nails
- Nail Filing: Usually included, but some salons charge $5-$10 extra for a “pedicure” (polish and filing)
If your dog’s nails are bleeding or infected, the groomer may recommend a veterinary visit instead. According to the Australian Veterinary Association, severely overgrown nails can cause posture problems and joint pain.
Ear Cleaning: What’s Included vs Extra
Most groomers include external ear cleaning in their base service. This involves:
- Removing visible wax and debris from the outer ear
- Trimming excess hair around the ear opening (for breeds like Poodles and Schnauzers)
- Visual inspection for signs of infection (redness, odour, discharge)
What’s NOT included:
- Deep Ear Cleaning: If your dog has a severe ear infection, the groomer will refer you to a vet
- Plucking Hair: Some groomers charge $10-$15 extra for plucking hair from inside the ear canal (common in breeds like Cocker Spaniels)
- Medicated Ear Treatment: This requires a veterinary prescription
Additional Services (Usually Extra Cost)
These services are typically not included in the base price:
- Dematting: $15-$30 per 15 minutes of extra work
- Flea Treatment: $20-$40 (usually done at vet clinics, not groomers)
- Teeth Brushing: $10-$20
- Anal Gland Expression: $15-$25 (some groomers include this, ask when booking)
- Creative Cuts: $20-$50 extra for hand-scissored patterns or show trims
- De-shedding Treatment: $20-$40 for heavy shedders (double-coated breeds)
How to Choose the Right Service
Choose a Full Groom if:
- Your dog has a long or curly coat (e.g., Poodle, Cavoodle, Shih Tzu)
- It’s been 6-8 weeks since the last full clip
- You want a specific style or length
- Your dog’s coat is matted and needs a reset
Choose a Wash & Tidy if:
- Your dog has a short coat (e.g., Labrador, Beagle, Boxer)
- You had a Full Groom 2-4 weeks ago and just need maintenance
- You’re on a budget but still want professional care
- Your dog doesn’t need clipping, just cleaning and brushing
When booking, always discuss your dog’s specific needs with the groomer. To find a dog groomer near you that offers the services your pet needs, browse our verified directory.
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