A wash is a quick clean-up that includes a bath, drying, and light brushing, while a full groom is a complete service package including a haircut, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and more. Choosing between the two depends on your dog’s breed, coat condition, and grooming needs.
Understanding the Basics of Dog Grooming
Dog grooming goes far beyond making your pet look good—it’s essential for their health and well-being.
- What is dog grooming?
It’s the routine maintenance of your pet’s hygiene and appearance. This includes bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat styling. - Why is it important?
Proper grooming helps prevent skin conditions, detects health issues early, reduces shedding, and keeps your pet comfortable. - Range of services available:
- Basic wash (bath, dry, brush)
- Full grooming (includes haircut, nail care, ear cleaning, etc.)
- Add-ons like teeth brushing or flea treatments
- Basic wash (bath, dry, brush)
Many grooming services fall into one of two categories: a quick wash or a full grooming session. But which one does your dog really need?
What Is a Dog Wash Service?
A dog wash service is the pet equivalent of a basic car wash—quick, efficient, and aimed at refreshing your dog’s appearance without all the extras.
What’s usually included:
- Shampoo bath
- Rinse and towel/blow dry
- Light brushing
- Optional quick trim (face, feet, sanitary areas)
When is it best to choose a wash?
- After muddy walks
- In between full grooming sessions
- For short-haired breeds that don’t need haircuts
- When your dog just needs to be cleaned up fast
Benefits of a wash-only service:
- Saves time
- More affordable
- Helps maintain cleanliness between full grooms
Popular wash-related services:
- Mobile dog wash
- Self-service dog wash stations
- Express wash & tidy
What Is a Full Groom for Dogs?
A full groom is like taking your dog to a high-end spa—it’s comprehensive, thorough, and tailored to their specific needs.
Services typically included in a full groom:
- Full bath and dry
- Haircut or breed-specific styling
- Nail trimming and filing
- Ear cleaning (and plucking if needed)
- Anal gland expression (when required)
- De-shedding treatment or conditioning
- Optional: Teeth brushing or coat styling
When your dog needs a full groom:
- Long-haired or double-coated breeds (e.g., Poodles, Shih Tzus)
- Heavily matted or shedding coats
- Seasonal grooming for hot or cold weather
- If your dog hasn’t been groomed in months
A full groom is ideal for:
- A total makeover
- Maintaining breed-standard appearances
- Dogs that need skin or coat treatments
Dog Wash vs Full Groom – Key Differences
Here’s a clear side-by-side breakdown:
Feature | Wash Only | Full Groom |
Includes Haircut? | No | Yes |
Nail Trimming Included? | Optional | Yes |
Ear Cleaning? | Sometimes | Yes |
Coat De-Shedding? | No | Yes (if requested) |
Time Required | 30–45 minutes | 1.5–3 hours |
Price Range (Australia Avg.) | $25–$50 | $75–$150+ |
Best For | Quick clean-ups | Comprehensive hygiene & styling |
Choosing the right service depends on how much attention your dog’s coat and hygiene need at any given time.
How to Choose the Right Grooming Service for Your Pet
Several factors influence the grooming needs of your dog:
- Coat Type
Long, curly, or double-coated breeds usually need full grooms.
Short-haired dogs may do fine with regular washes. - Activity Level
Active dogs that love the outdoors may need more frequent cleaning. - Season & Climate
Warmer months might require more grooming to reduce shedding or keep pets cool. - Skin Conditions
Dogs with allergies, dry skin, or hotspots benefit from medicated grooming treatments. - Temperament
Anxious or reactive pets may prefer quick washes over long grooming sessions.
When in doubt, consult your vet or professional groomer—like those at Careers Collectiv’s partner grooming networks across Australia.
How Often Should You Wash or Fully Groom Your Dog?
General grooming frequency by coat type:
- Short-haired breeds:
- Wash every 4–6 weeks
- Full groom as needed
- Wash every 4–6 weeks
- Long-haired or double-coated breeds:
- Wash every 2–4 weeks
- Full groom every 4–6 weeks
- Wash every 2–4 weeks
Your dog grooming schedule should be adjusted based on breed, coat type, and lifestyle.
Signs your dog may need a full groom:
- Tangled or matted fur
- Long, curling nails
- Dirty or waxy ears
- Excessive shedding
- Unpleasant odor
What happens if you skip grooming?
- Skin infections
- Painful matting
- Overgrown nails causing posture issues
- Unnoticed lumps, bumps, or parasites
Adjust your schedule by season—dogs may need more grooming during shedding periods or before summer.
Cost Comparison: Dog Wash vs Full Groom
Average grooming prices in Australia:
- Dog Wash: $25–$50
- Full Groom: $75–$150+ (depending on breed size and coat condition)
What affects the cost?
- Breed and size of your dog
- Coat length, texture, and matting level
- Optional add-ons (e.g., flea treatments, teeth brushing)
Why does a full groom cost more?
- More time and effort
- Specialised tools and training
- Detailed work like haircuts and nail filing
Careers Collectiv recommends budgeting for full grooms every 6–8 weeks for high-maintenance breeds to avoid extra charges for matting or detangling.
Add-On Services That May Be Included in a Full Groom
Many salons offer upgrades that can enhance your dog’s grooming experience:
Popular add-ons:
- Teeth brushing
- Flea and tick treatments
- Paw balm and pad conditioning
- De-matting or de-shedding
- Medicated baths for sensitive skin
- Cologne or coat polish
When should you add extras?
- If your dog has dental issues
- If it’s flea/tick season
- If you’re preparing for a dog show or event
These services may come bundled with premium grooming packages or added à la carte.
Professional vs At-Home: Can You DIY Either?
DIY Wash:
- Pros: Convenient, cost-effective
- Cons: Messy, may miss skin issues, limited tools
DIY Full Groom:
- Pros: Saves money long-term
- Cons: Risk of injury, uneven haircuts, harder for anxious dogs
What tools you’ll need at home:
- Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner
- Slicker brush and comb
- Nail clippers or grinders
- Ear cleaning solution
- Grooming scissors or clippers
When to hire a professional:
- Your dog is large, reactive, or matted
- You want breed-standard grooming
- You’re not confident using clippers or trimming nails
- You want to better understand the ethics behind proper pet care, many professional groomers are trained in animal behavior, so it’s also a good time to learn animal welfare.
Careers Collectiv always encourages pet owners to consult with certified groomers before attempting a full groom at home.
Common Myths About Dog Grooming Services
Let’s bust a few grooming myths:
- “Short-haired dogs don’t need grooming”
False. They still shed, get dirty, and need nail/ear care. - “Bathing is enough”
Not quite. Haircuts, nail trims, and ear care are all essential parts of a full grooming routine. - “Full grooming is just for show dogs”
Definitely not. Any dog can benefit from a full groom—especially for hygiene and health. - “You only need grooming in summer”
Dogs need grooming year-round. Matted coats and overgrown nails don’t take a winter break.
Understanding the truth helps pet parents make smarter grooming decisions.
Pet Grooming Services in Australia – What to Look For
If you’re looking for a grooming service in Australia, here’s what to consider:
- Licensing and Certification
Ensure the groomer is qualified and trained, especially for breed-specific styles. - Cleanliness and Safety
The salon should be hygienic, well-lit, and use sanitised tools. - Experience with Your Dog’s Breed
Not all groomers specialise in all breeds—check first. - Customer Reviews and Reputation
Search for reviews, testimonials, and local feedback. - Convenience and Flexibility
Mobile services or online bookings (like those promoted by Careers Collectiv partners) offer more flexibility for busy pet owners.
Choosing the right service can make all the difference in your dog’s grooming experience.
