Dog Grooming Basics

At Sundance Pet Grooming, every pet receives gentle, detailed care from nose to tail. Our 6-part grooming process ensures that your dog not only looks great—but also feels great. Here’s what every session includes:

1. Pre-Groom Assessment & Welcome

We start by greeting your pet and performing a quick wellness check.
We assess coat condition, skin sensitivity, nail length, and any special needs.
This helps us tailor the grooming session to your pet’s comfort and coat type.

2. Deep Cleansing Bath

We use warm, hypoallergenic shampoo customized for your dog’s coat and skin type.
A gentle massaging bath removes dirt, dander, and loose hair while promoting circulation.
Conditioner is applied (if needed) to moisturize the coat and skin.

3. Blow Dry & Brush-Out

Your pup is towel-dried and then hand-blow-dried using a pet-safe dryer.
We brush out the coat thoroughly to remove tangles, undercoat, and shedding fur.
This step helps prevent matting and keeps your dog’s coat soft and healthy.

4. Nail Trim & Paw Care

Nails are trimmed carefully to a safe length to support healthy posture and paw comfort.
Paw pads are checked and trimmed if needed, and we clean between the toes.
We also apply paw balm upon request to protect against dryness or cracking.

5. Ear Cleaning & Sanitary Trimming

We gently clean the ears and pluck ear hair if necessary to reduce the risk of infection.
A sanitary trim is performed to keep sensitive areas clean and hygienic.
Anal glands can be expressed on request (optional, and only when needed).

6. Style Cut or Final Touch-Up

Based on your preferred style or breed standard, we perform the haircut or tidy trim.
Final details include facial trimming, feathering, or shaping as needed.
Your dog gets a finishing spritz of pet-safe cologne or perfume so they can strut their stuff feeling and smelling a-MAZE-ing!

Grooming Helps Treat Matted Fur

Matted fur isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can be painful and harmful to your dog’s health. Mats pull tightly on the skin, restricting airflow and trapping moisture, which can lead to irritation, hotspots, or even infections. Regular professional grooming helps prevent and safely remove mats before they become severe. For dogs already dealing with tangles, a skilled groomer uses specialized tools and techniques to gently detangle or, in more serious cases, trim away matted areas without causing unnecessary discomfort. With consistent brushing, coat maintenance, and professional care, your dog’s coat can stay smooth, breathable, and healthy from head to tail.

Grooming Helps With Long Nails

At Sundance Pet Grooming, nail care is an essential part of every grooming session. We carefully trim your dog’s nails to a safe, comfortable length using gentle techniques that minimize stress and avoid injury to the quick. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect posture, and even lead to joint issues over time, especially in active or senior dogs. That’s why we encourage pet parents to stay on top of regular nail maintenance—whether by booking routine grooms or learning how to safely clip or file at home between visits. Our team is always happy to provide tips and show you how to check your dog’s nails, because healthy paws mean a happier, more mobile dog.

Nobody Wants to Talk About Dog Butts. But They Need Care, Too.

Though it’s not the most glamorous part of grooming, expressing a dog’s anal glands is an important health service that can prevent discomfort and potential infections. These small scent glands, located on either side of your dog’s rectum, naturally release during bowel movements—but in some dogs, especially smaller breeds, they can become impacted or inflamed. Signs of trouble include scooting, licking, or visible swelling near the tail. At Sundance Pet Grooming, we offer gentle, external expression of the anal glands when needed, helping your pet stay clean, comfortable, and odor-free. Regular monitoring and expression can prevent buildup, infection, or the need for more invasive treatment by a vet.

Ears Are Another Area That Need Regular Cleaning

Regular ear cleaning is a key part of maintaining your dog’s overall health and comfort. Dogs’ ears—especially those with floppy or hairy ears—are prone to buildup of wax, moisture, and debris, which can lead to infections if not properly managed. At Sundance Pet Grooming, we gently clean the ears during each grooming session, removing excess wax and buildup while checking for signs of irritation, odor, or infection. Clean ears not only smell better but help prevent painful ear conditions that may require veterinary treatment. We’re also happy to guide owners on safe at-home ear care routines to keep those ears fresh, healthy, and infection-free between appointments.