A basic groom-bath, dry, brush, nails, ears-already runs $30-$90+ for most dogs, with larger breeds or doodles landing even higher.
The problem is the menu they hand you after that: upgrades, special rinses, and little extras that are easy to say yes to in the moment.
Here are the ones to side-eye.
1. "Spa" shampoos and fancy scent sprays
Most shops include a good-quality shampoo in their base price. Upcharges for "oatmeal," "blueberry facial," or designer scents sound fun, but rarely change anything long-term unless your dog has a specific skin issue.
If your vet hasn't told you to use a medicated product, the regular shampoo is usually fine. That $10-$15 "spa" upgrade is mostly for your nose, not your dog's health.
2. Teeth brushing at every visit
Teeth brushing at the groomer is often $5-$15 per session.
Done once every month or two without any at-home care, it doesn't do much. Daily or frequent brushing at home is what actually makes a difference.
If you want them to do a deep clean now and then, fine-but you'll get more value from buying a toothbrush and dog paste and making it part of your routine.
3. Expensive "de-shedding packages"
Some shops roll a special de-shedding shampoo, conditioner, and tools into an add-on package. For heavy shedders, a thorough brush-out is great-but that should be part of a good groom already.
Ask what's included in the base service. If a quick brush is already there, you might not need the upgraded "fur-blast" bundle every time.
4. Nail grinding plus nail trim
A nail trim is essential. Grinding can be helpful for smoothing rough edges, especially for dogs that scratch kids or floors. But paying for both every single visit when your dog's nails are short and smooth already is overkill.
If money's tight, stick with basic nail trims most visits and save grinding for when the nails are extra thick or sharp.
5. Anal gland expressions "just because"
Some dogs genuinely need this done. Others do not. Routine expressions when they're not needed can irritate the area and make things worse. Many groomers charge extra for it.
If your dog isn't scooting, licking excessively, or showing signs of a problem, ask your vet before making anal glands a standing grooming add-on.
6. Perfume and cologne sprays
That "fresh from the groomer" smell mainly comes from cologne sprays. They're usually an add-on or built into higher-tier packages. Some dogs are fine with it; others end up itchy or sneezy.
You can always ask them to skip fragrance entirely or stick to the lightest version. Your dog would rather smell like themselves, anyway.
7. Bow, bandana, and photo packages
They're cute. They're also built into the price somewhere. If you're on a budget, it's okay to skip the themed bandana, bow, "holiday photo add-on," or social media feature that bumps your total.
If you love the look, ask if they'll pop on a simple bandana for free and call it good.
8. Extra "detangling" fee you could have avoided with a brush at home
A lot of groomers charge per-minute de-matting once they're past the basic 10-15 minutes included.
That's fair-it's hard work. But it's also one fee you can avoid if you keep up with a slicker brush and comb at home between grooms.
Five minutes a few times a week does more for your dog's coat (and your bill) than any special detangling product.
9. "Luxury" upgrades when your dog is stressed out already
Some places now offer things like aromatherapy, special music rooms, or "VIP suites" for grooming. If your dog is anxious, calmer handling and shorter visits matter more than fancy added charges.
Ask what they actually do differently for stressed dogs besides charging more. You might be better off finding a quieter groomer who's strong on handling instead of paying for spa buzzwords.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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