Written by: Claudia Loomis
 
Published: December 3, 2024      

Introduction     

Both self-wash and spa bath grooming service have the same goal, a clean dog. However, there are many differences between the two ways of getting to the goal. It has been argued that bath time is bonding time for you and your pet, but I can attest to the fact that it is not always a pleasant experience for the dog or the owner. Let us break down some of the advantages of booking a spa bath vs using a self-wash.      

   

Bonding Opportunity     

Dog baths are a messy business, and few dogs cooperate fully with the process. Pet owners do not know the tips and techniques to make the process more thorough and efficient and less stressful for both owner and pet.      

So even though a pet parent feels that giving a dog a bath is an opportunity to strengthen their bond with their pet; sometimes it just does not turn out that way, and your pet is left feeling jilted, they may not hop in the car so readily for an adventure, if they think that adventure is taking them back to the self-wash.      

A spa bath, on the other hand, is performed by skilled hands, practiced in proper bathing protocols. Bathers and groomers can confidently calm the most wiggly or anxious pup. Afterall, they do this every day, several times a day. They have endless patience and an intense love of all animals, and they have experience and training.       

Cost and Convenience      

It is true that a self-wash will cost less than a spa bath, self-washes can range anywhere from $10-$24 depending on where you go. Many Self Wash’s require you to call ahead to schedule a time, but there are some where you can just drop in when it is convenient for you (provided it is not a Saturday or Sunday- the two busiest days for self-wash). Chances are you can book a self-wash more quickly than a spa bath appointment, so if your pet is in the need of an emergency bath-because he jumped in the pond or rolled in some poo; or you need more flexibility in planning a bath,  a self-wash is the way to go.      

When talking about convenience, what is more convenient than dropping your dog off for an hour or two, giving yourself some free time to run other errands. Pet parent’s time is valuable and is a factor that should be considered when deciding on a self-wash or a spa bath. Spa bath prices vary by the size and coat type of the dog. Prices generally start at $45 and can go up to $125 for a large heavily coated dog like a Samoyed. But to a novice who has tried bathing and drying a dog like a Samoyed, you may believe it is worth the price! I know I do!      

The End Result     

A spa bath will cost more, and you will need to book a week or two in advance. However, the spa bath will result in a cleaner, fully, dry dog with ears cleaned and nails trimmed. A Spa bath also includes brushing, which helps circulate blood to the skin and helps loosen dead coat.      

Groomers also use specialty shampoos and conditioners, not available to pet parents that meet the specific coat or skin needs of pets. So, your pet will leave the salon, looking great, feeling great and smelling great.      

In the summer months more than half of the dogs leave one of our self-washes wet, with owners having only the time or patience to towel-dry their pet. Aside from the wet dog smell you bring to your car with a wet dog; leaving a pet wet can create an environment for skin conditions like hot spots to develop. If your pet is not fully rinsed, which happens because pet parents could be rushed, or dogs may not be behaving, the soap residue on the skin can create irritation and itch. Which may have brought you to the dog wash in the first place.      

The higher price that you pay for a spa bath vs a self-wash also provides pet parents with high quality results. Groomers use professional tools and techniques that can achieve a level of cleanliness difficult for pet parents to achieve at the self-wash.      

Health and Safety      

In addition, groomers are trained to look for any abnormalities in the skin and coat and are expert at detecting brewing issues inside the ears. So a good once over by a skilled groomer can be provide an ounce of prevention or an alert that you need to visit a vet. In many cases professional groomers are the first line of defense for your pet’s wellness. Grooming is Wellness.      

Finally, safety is a huge consideration both in the self-wash and in the salon. The safety of the pet and the parent are of utmost importance. A self-wash is equipped with professional grooming equipment designed to make the task of bathing and drying your pet easier. But in the grooming salon, groomers are trained, and experienced in how to use the equipment advantageously, further reducing the risk of injury. They have extra hands available in the salon to help lift pets in and out of the tub, and onto the grooming table for drying. The brushes and combs and other grooming tools are designed for professionals and they have many diverse kinds of tools to best suit the specific needs of grooming your pet.      

Conclusion     

As outlined in this article, there are many advantages of booking a spa bath, versus bringing your dog to the self-wash. Your dog will be cleaner, and all the grooming chores completed, nails trimmed, ears cleaned, fully dried and brushed out. You will save some wear and tear on yourself and reduce the stress for both you and your pet. In addition, you will buy yourself some valuable free time. However, the cost of a spa bath is a big consideration, and when cost is a priority, the self-wash is the best option.