What's Included in a Full Dog Groom? (With Prices)

Quick answer: A full dog groom includes a consultation, brush-out, bath, high-velocity dry, haircut, face and feet trim, nail trim, and ear cleaning. At Doggy Day Spa in Neenah, WI a full groom is $74 small, $94 medium, $144 large, doodles from $74, with bath & nails at $40/$55/$75. Call or text 920-209-5588.

If you have never taken your dog to a professional groomer before -- or if you have but were not quite sure what they were doing back there -- this guide is for you. A "full groom" is the gold standard of professional dog grooming, and it covers a lot more than just a haircut.

Here at Doggy Day Spa in Neenah, every full groom follows a consistent process designed to keep your dog clean, comfortable, and looking their absolute best. Here is exactly what happens from start to finish.

Step 1: Check-In and Consultation

When you drop off your dog, we start with a quick conversation. We will ask about the style you want, any areas of concern (skin issues, sensitive spots, behavioral notes), and whether your dog has had any changes since their last visit. If it is your dog's first time with us, we take a few extra minutes to get acquainted and assess the coat condition.

This is also when we check for matting. If there are mats that cannot be safely brushed out, we will discuss options with you before we begin -- we never want to surprise you with a shorter cut than expected.

Step 2: Pre-Bath Brush-Out

Before the bath, we do a thorough brush-out to remove loose hair, small tangles, and debris. This step is especially important for double-coated breeds and doodles, where tangles can tighten significantly when wet. Skipping the pre-bath brush is one of the biggest mistakes amateur groomers make.

Step 3: The Bath

Your dog gets a warm bath using professional-grade shampoo selected for their coat type. We carry multiple formulas: moisturizing for dry skin, de-shedding for heavy-coat breeds, hypoallergenic for sensitive dogs, and deep-cleaning for the ones who found something unfortunate to roll in.

We scrub thoroughly -- chest, belly, legs, paws, face, and tail. This is not a quick rinse. It is a proper cleaning that reaches the skin, not just the surface of the coat. Dogs with heavy coats may get a double wash.

Step 4: High-Velocity Blow Dry

This is one of the biggest differences between a home bath and a professional groom. Our high-velocity dryers blast loose undercoat, dander, and remaining debris out of the coat while drying it completely. For shedding breeds, this step alone removes more loose hair than weeks of brushing at home.

Complete drying is critical. A damp coat -- especially on thick or curly-coated breeds -- can lead to matting and skin issues. We make sure your dog is fully dry before moving on.

Step 5: The Haircut

This is where the artistry happens. Using clippers, shears, and thinning scissors, your groomer shapes your dog's coat according to breed standards, your preferences, or a combination of both. Common styles include:

• Breed-specific cuts -- Schnauzer skirts, Poodle clips, Bichon rounds
• Puppy cuts -- even length all over, clean and easy to maintain
• Teddy bear faces -- rounded, soft-looking head and muzzle
• Custom blends -- "shorter on the body, keep the legs fluffy" or any combination you like

We work with you to find a style that looks great and fits your maintenance comfort level. If you are not sure what to ask for, we are happy to make recommendations based on your dog's breed and coat.

Step 6: Face, Feet, and Sanitary Trim

These detail areas get special attention:

• Face: Trimming around the eyes for visibility and cleanliness, shaping the muzzle, cleaning up the eyebrows
• Feet: Trimming the paw pads to remove hair buildup (which can cause slipping on hard floors) and tidying the feet
• Sanitary area: A hygienic trim around the rear and belly to keep things clean between grooming appointments

Step 7: Nail Trim and Filing

Every full groom includes a nail trim. We clip the nails carefully, avoiding the quick, and smooth them with a file or dremel so there are no sharp edges. If your dog's nails have gotten overgrown between appointments, we will trim them back gradually -- the quick recedes over time with regular trimming.

Need just a nail trim between grooms? We offer standalone nail trims for $15 any time.

Step 8: Ear Cleaning

We clean the outer ear with a gentle solution to remove wax and debris. For breeds prone to ear hair growth (poodles, doodles, Shih Tzus), we carefully remove excess hair from the ear canal to improve airflow and reduce infection risk. If we notice anything concerning -- redness, unusual odor, discharge -- we will let you know so you can follow up with your vet.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

The final step is all about presentation. We do a last check for any stray hairs or uneven spots, add a spritz of pet-safe cologne, and top it off with a bandana or bow if you like. Your dog leaves looking (and smelling) amazing.

Full Groom Pricing

Pricing varies based on size, breed, coat condition, and the complexity of the cut. Dogs with severe matting or very thick coats may incur an additional charge for the extra time required. We are always transparent about pricing before we begin.

Spa Add-Ons

Want to go beyond the basics? Our spa add-ons let you customize your dog's experience:

• Teeth brushing -- freshens breath and helps with dental hygiene
• De-shed treatment -- intensive undercoat removal for heavy shedders
• Moisturizing paw balm -- especially popular in winter when Wisconsin sidewalk salt dries out paw pads
• Blueberry facial -- gentle face wash that helps with tear staining
• Flea and tick treatment -- seasonal protection during the warmer months

Add-ons range from $5 to $25 each. Ask about them when you book or during drop-off.

How Long Does a Full Groom Take?

Plan for about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your dog's size, coat type, and the style of cut. Doodles and large dogs with thick coats take the longest. Small dogs with simple cuts can be done in under two hours.

We do not rush. Every dog gets the time and attention they need to leave looking and feeling their best.

If your dog has never been professionally groomed before, read our guide to what to expect at a first puppy groom. And if you are wondering about timing, our grooming frequency guide can help you set the right schedule. You can also view our complete grooming services and pricing on the main site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a full dog groom cost in Neenah, WI?

At Doggy Day Spa a full groom is $74 for small dogs, $94 for medium dogs, and $144 for large dogs. Doodles start at $74. A bath and nails (no haircut) is $40, $55, or $75 depending on size. Final pricing varies with coat condition and cut complexity.

What is the difference between a full groom and a bath?

A full groom includes a haircut, face and feet trim, nail trim, and ear cleaning on top of the bath and high-velocity dry. A bath & nails is just the wash, dry, and nail trim with no haircut, priced at $40/$55/$75 by size.

How long does a full groom take?

Plan for about 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your dog's size, coat type, and the cut. Doodles and large dogs with thick coats take the longest. Doggy Day Spa has 20+ years of experience and a 4.8★ rating from 39 reviews. Call or text 920-209-5588 to book.

Related Reading

• Dog Grooming Prices in the Fox Valley
• How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?
• The Complete Goldendoodle Grooming Guide