Dog Grooming Guide

What’s the difference between a bath and a full groom?

Bath service

A bath service at PawPlex may include bathing, drying, brushing, ear cleaning, and nail care depending on the service selected. A bath service is usually the right fit for a dog that needs routine cleaning and coat maintenance without a haircut.

Full groom

A full groom at PawPlex usually includes a bath, drying, brushing, nail care, and a haircut or trim based on your instructions and your dog’s coat condition. See the Dog Grooming service page for the full list of what’s included, or the Cat Grooming service page if you’re booking for a cat.

When booking, tell PawPlex your dog’s breed, size, coat type, current coat condition, and the look you want. Photos help the groomer match your preference.

What should I tell PawPlex before my dog’s appointment?

Before your appointment, confirm that PawPlex has the current vaccination records required for the service you’re booking. Share any allergies, skin problems, recent injuries, medication, anxiety, or behavior concerns your dog has, and let the team know if your dog has had a difficult grooming experience in the past. If your dog gets carsick or anxious, avoid feeding a large meal right before drop off, and bring your dog on a secure leash or in a secure carrier.

How should I prepare my dog for a grooming appointment?

A few things at home make the appointment go smoother for your dog and the groomer. Brush out loose fur and any easy tangles a day or two before the visit rather than the morning of, so the groomer starts from a cleaner baseline instead of spending appointment time on prep work you could have done in advance.

If your dog isn’t used to being handled, spend a few minutes at home touching paws, ears, and the tail area so grooming isn’t the first time your dog experiences that kind of handling. A short practice session standing still on a table or counter, with treats and calm praise, can also help a dog that’s nervous about the grooming table.

A bath right before drop off usually isn’t necessary. PawPlex bathes your dog as part of the appointment, and a groomer works more effectively on a coat that hasn’t just been washed with home shampoo, which can leave residue or change how the coat responds to brushing.

What happens at drop off?

Arrive at your confirmed time and allow a few minutes for check in. Be specific about the length, shape, face style, ear style, tail style, and any areas you don’t want trimmed. Share a phone number that can be reached during the appointment, since the groomer may need your approval if your dog’s coat condition, behavior, skin, or health makes the requested service unsafe or unrealistic. Pickup time is an estimate until the groomer has examined your dog and started the service.

How does PawPlex handle a matted coat?

Mats can pull tightly on the skin, trap moisture, hide irritation, and make brushing painful. If your dog’s coat is severely matted, PawPlex may need to give a shorter haircut than requested so the mats can be removed safely. PawPlex prioritizes your dog’s comfort and safety over keeping a specific coat length, and extra time or special handling for a matted coat can affect the final price. Regular brushing between appointments is the most reliable way to avoid reaching this point.

How do I care for my dog’s coat between grooming appointments?

Regular brushing between visits is the single biggest factor in how comfortable and affordable each appointment stays. Coat type determines both the tool and the frequency. Short, smooth coats generally need only a weekly pass with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt to lift loose hair. Longer or curly coats need brushing every two to three days, since these coats tangle and mat far faster, especially behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and around the tail.

Brush down to the skin, not just across the top of the coat. A brush that only glides through the surface layer can leave a mat hiding underneath that looks fine from a quick glance. If you find a small tangle, work it loose gently with your fingers or a comb before it tightens into a mat that has to be clipped out.

A consistent at-home routine between appointments is what keeps a dog eligible for a full groom instead of a shorter safety cut, since it prevents the matting described above from building up in the first place.

Why do regular nail trims matter?

Nail care is included as part of PawPlex’s bath and full groom services. Nails that grow too long can force a dog’s foot into an unnatural position while walking, which affects gait and can lead to joint strain over time. Long nails are also more prone to snagging and tearing, which is painful and can lead to infection.

Dogs that spend more time on soft ground like grass and carpet, rather than pavement, tend to need more frequent trims since walking surfaces naturally file nails down less. A dog that starts clicking noticeably on hard floors is usually a sign a trim is due. Getting a dog comfortable with having its paws handled at home, described above, makes each nail trim faster and calmer for everyone involved.

What’s the best way to manage shedding?

Most shedding is best managed with regular brushing and a de-shedding tool suited to your dog’s coat type, not by shaving the coat down. Many double-coated breeds, meaning dogs with both a soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat, use that coat to regulate body temperature and protect skin from sun exposure. Shaving a double coat removes that protection and doesn’t reliably reduce shedding once the coat grows back, since it often comes in patchy or a different texture.

A de-shedding treatment focused on pulling out loose undercoat, combined with a consistent brushing routine at home, is generally the more effective approach for a heavy shedder. Frequency of brushing at home during peak shedding seasons, typically spring and fall for many breeds, should increase compared to the rest of the year.

Does grooming change for senior dogs?

Older dogs often need a gentler approach to grooming rather than a completely different service. Senior skin tends to be thinner and more sensitive, joints may be stiffer, and a longer appointment standing on a table can be more tiring than it once was. Tell PawPlex about any arthritis, mobility issues, hearing or vision changes, or medications your senior dog is on so the groomer can adjust handling, positioning, and pacing accordingly.

Shorter, more frequent brushing sessions at home also tend to work better for senior dogs than one long session, since it’s easier on stiff joints and sensitive skin while still keeping the coat manageable between professional appointments.

How long does grooming take, and what does it cost?

Most grooming appointments at PawPlex take about three to four hours, though timing can change based on coat condition, dog size, behavior, drying time, and the services requested. Full haircut prices begin at different amounts based on your dog’s size and coat type, and final pricing can change based on coat condition, temperament, and the amount of work required. Full details are on the Pricing page. Dogs with current required vaccines may be eligible for a complimentary day of daycare with grooming. Confirm eligibility when you book.

What happens at pickup, and how do I care for my dog’s coat afterward?

• Wait for PawPlex to confirm that grooming is complete before arriving.
• Review the finished groom before leaving and ask questions while the groomer is available.
• Ask about the recommended schedule for the next bath, brush out, nail trim, or haircut.
• Watch for unusual redness, itching, or sensitivity after grooming and contact PawPlex with concerns.
• Brush at home using tools that are safe for your dog’s coat type, following the coat care guidance above.

If drop off or pickup timing is tight, PawPlex also offers pet transportation to handle pickup and drop off for you.