Grooming and coat
What happens at a typical dog grooming appointment?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A standard groom usually includes a bath and blow dry, a full brush out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and a haircut or trim if needed, taking roughly one to three hours depending on coat type and size. Larger dogs and heavily matted coats typically take longer than small, well maintained ones.
The general sequence
Most groomers start with a brush out to remove loose hair and check for mats before the bath, since wetting a matted coat can tighten tangles further. This is followed by a bath with a shampoo suited to the coat, a thorough blow dry, then nail trimming, ear cleaning, and finally scissoring or clipping if the breed's coat needs shaping.
How long it takes
A small, short coated dog with no matting might be finished in an hour, while a Standard Poodle or Old English Sheepdog with a full coat can take two to three hours, longer if there is matting to work through. Booking the first slot of the day is sometimes an option for dogs that do better with a shorter wait time in the salon.
What to bring or mention beforehand
Letting the groomer know about any sensitive areas, past bad experiences, medications, or specific coat concerns before starting helps them plan the appointment and handle the dog more comfortably. Mentioning any skin changes or unusual lumps you have noticed also gives the groomer a chance to flag anything worth a vet visit.
Key takeaways
- A typical groom includes a brush out, bath, dry, nail trim, ear clean, and a haircut if the breed needs one.
- Appointments range from about an hour for a small short coated dog to two or three hours for a full coated breed.
- Sharing any sensitivities, past issues, or skin concerns beforehand helps the groomer work more safely and calmly.