Dog Spa Services: The Benefits of Pampering Your Pup

It all started as an innocent romp through the field with Gus, my Golden Retriever. Frisbees were thrown. Balls were retrieved. There was lots of joyous barking. What I didn't see? The prickly burrs that nestled themselves deep into his fur. The sticky leaves that attached themselves to his tail. And of course there was that hidden stream that led to four very muddy paws. By the end of our time, one thing was certain: Gus needed a bath.

But as it turned out though, a bath wasn't enough. Between the burrs and the leaves, the matted, dirty hair and the cracked, sore paws, I decided to drop Gus off at my local dog spa for some full-scale pampering.

What is a Dog Spa?

Much like spas for humans, dog spas offer beauty, grooming and health treatments for four-legged friends. This might include pre-packaged deals or a la carte services that a dog owner can select from.

Treatments like those offered at dog spas have become a growing industry — especially with the rise in the number of people adopting pets during the pandemic. According to the 2021-2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 70% of U.S. households now own a pet, with dogs leading the pack as the most common furry friend.¹ Not surprisingly, the money spent on pets has increased as well from $90.5 billion in 2018 to $103.6 billion in 2020.¹ All this means that there are more and more ways to pamper your pooch.

Which is Best: Dog Groomer Versus Dog Spa

Wondering if Rover needs a visit to the dog groomer or the dog spa? You can decide the best fit for your furry friend based on the services your pup needs.

• Dog Groomers: Dog groomers usually provide basic cleaning services like bathing, brushing and nail trimming.² Bringing your dog to a groomer is best if you're looking for a basic cleaning and maintenance for your pup.
• Dog Spas: While many dog spas do provide traditional grooming services as well, they also offer specialty and pampering treatments such as aromatherapy spa baths, “pawdicures," and designer dog haircuts.³ Dog spas are the best choice when your pup is stressed or you just want to give your dog some extra love, care or attention.

What Services Are Offered at a Dog Spa?

Dog spas offer a number of specialty and luxury treatments. While they may have some pre-packaged deals, you can also often pick and choose the services that your pooch needs.

• Spa baths: Beyond just regular cleaning, dog spas may offer specialty baths like those for sensitive skin, deep conditioning or whitening fur.³
• Brush-outs: Whether working out matted mange or getting your long-furred friend flowing again, a dog spa brush out helps get that fur sleek and smooth.³
• Nail "pawlish" or "pawdicures": If you're looking for something more than just a nail trim, some dog spas offer “pawdicures" — pedicures for dogs — that can include paw massage, paw fur trimming and dog-safe nail polish application.³
• Masks and facials: According to Rover.com, some dog spas even offer skin and fur-care treatments like the blueberry facial offered at Petco.⁴ At Wag Hotels in Hollywood, CA, dogs can enjoy a fur treatment mask.³
• Specialty haircuts: Dog owners looking for something more than a traditional trim can request a specialty hair style for their pooch such as a teddy bear trim, top knot, or even a mohawk!³
• Anti-shedding treatments: Got a furry friend with loads of fur? Some dog spas offer anti-shedding treatments which aim to remove a dog's undercoat and reduce seasonal shedding.³
• Fur dyeing: While dyeing your dog's hair can be controversial, dog-safe fur dye can be a fun way to occasionally spiff up your pet for special occasions.³
• Anal gland expressing: Noticing your pup scooting across the carpet or excessively licking down there? Some dog breeds need their anal glands expressed which is a task many dog owners prefer to leave to the pros.⁵
• Temporary tattoos: Want to get matching ink with your furry BFF? Some dog spas offer cool temporary tattoos designed for canines.³

How Much Do Dog Spas Cost?

Services at dog spas can vary greatly as they are often based on a dog's breed, size, coat condition and temperament.⁶ Just like many two-legged spas will consult with you before skin or hair treatments, many dog spas will want to consult with you and your four-legged friend in order to determine the best services and provide an estimated total for the treatments.

According to Hepper, a basic grooming service can cost between $30+ for toy breeds to $70+ for extra-large breeds.⁷ Spa treatment add-ons can have a range as well. At Wag Hotels you can expect to pay the following for spa day supplements:³

• Wag Detox: $22
• Deep Conditioning: $15
• Pawdicure: $25
• Hair Dye & Design: $25
• Temporary Tattoo: $5
• Gland Expression: $13

Benefits of a Dog Spa

While you can bathe your dog at home, dog spas have perks for both pooch and pet owners alike. Here's how you both can benefit.

3 Spa Benefits for Dog

1. They know the best treatments for your pooch. Does your pup need an oatmeal bath or a salt scrub or a flea dip? DIY dog treatments don't always work out when you don't know what the issue is. Dog spas see hundreds of dogs and are often better suited at matching the right treatment to what Rover needs.⁸
2. Dog-suited surroundings: If you've ever tried to get your Great Dane into the shower or keep your Jack Russel from jumping out of the sink, you know that grooming at home can be downright uncomfortable for some pets. Dog spas have facilities designed to accommodate dogs of different sizes, shapes and temperaments.⁸
3. Dog-safe products: Trying to use human products to do specialty treatments like nail painting or fur dyeing can have dire consequences for your pet. Dog spas that offer these services utilize dog-safe products to ensure your pet stays safe while they are getting stylish.⁸

4 Spa Benefits for Dog Owners

1. They have all the tools.To properly clean and groom your pup may take half a dozen different tools or more from nail clippers and hair trimmers to detanglers, brushes and shampoos. Dog spas have all the tools and treatments on hand so they are prepared to properly wash whatever the size or condition of your pooch.²
2. They do the dirty work. Sure, you might not mind giving Rover a bath, but removing ticks, cleaning ears and releasing anal glands? *gulp* Those you might want to leave to the professionals!²
3. They know how to deal with less-than-calm Lassies. Some dogs don't love to get bathed, clipped or trimmed. Dog spas know how to deal with all kinds of pup personalities.²
4. There's no clean up. Taking a Labradoodle from shaggy to sleek may seem like a simple shave job. But the amount of hair that you'd have to deal with in your kitchen or back deck may be a trickier challenge than you think.²

How to Schedule a Dog Spa Day

Ready to set up a spa day for your pup? Get your pooch prepared by starting with these four simple steps.

1. Find a dog spa near you. Use a search engine like the one by the American Kennel Club to find dog spas or specific dog treatments in your area.
2. Select your services. Does Rover need to relax, get glam or get prepped for a performance? Choose your services based on your pup's needs.
3. Schedule an appointment. Once you find a dog spa with your desired services, schedule an appointment. Remember that some dog spas may require a consultation for some treatments.
4. Calculate your costs. To determine the cost of a spa day for your dog, you may need to meet with the provider so they can provide prices based on your dog's breed, size, coat condition and temperament.

CareCredit Financing for Grooming Services

Whether your pooch just needs a bath or deserves a day of pampering, scheduling an appointment at a dog spa will help ensure your pup gets cleaned, calmed and looking cute. You can use your CareCredit credit card to help pay for pet grooming, pet spas, and more.* Use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a groomer or dog spa near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is an experienced health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody, and OpenFit.