Gentle, Respectful Grooming For Your Dog's Golden Years

Our Approach With Senior Pups

At The Woof Wash, we believe senior dogs deserve extra care, patience, and love—especially during their grooming sessions. Our senior dog grooming services are thoughtfully designed to support aging dogs with mobility issues, sensitivities, or health conditions. We move slower, listen closely, and always prioritize your dog’s comfort over perfection.

Whether your dog needs a simple tidy-up or a full groom, we tailor each session to meet them where they are—emotionally and physically.

What Is a Senior Groom?

A senior dog groom is a modified grooming service for older dogs, usually age 8 and up, depending on breed and health. These grooms focus on comfort, safety, and stress reduction, and may include adjustments like:

Shorter sessions or breaks
Low-heat drying or towel-only drying
Special handling for arthritis or hip issues
Alternative positioning to avoid discomfort (standing not always required)
Soothing products for sensitive skin

Some dogs may no longer tolerate full grooming—we respect that. Even a light cleaning can help them feel better and stay healthy.

Why Grooming Is Still Important for Older Dogs

Grooming isn’t just about looks—especially for seniors. Regular grooming helps:
Prevent matting, which can cause pain or skin issues
Detect lumps, hot spots, or infections early
Keep nails at a safe length to prevent joint stress
Promote hygiene and reduce odors
Support dignity and quality of life
We’re here to help you care for your aging pup in a way that’s loving and realistic.

What’s Included in a Senior Grooming Session:

Every senior dog is different, so we tailor each session—but typical services include:

Warm bath with gentle, vet-approved products
Soft drying methods (air fluff, towel, or low-heat dryer)
Nail trimming with special care for brittle nails
Sanitary, paw, and face trimming
Skin and coat check
Breaks as needed—we never rush

We’re flexible. If your dog can’t stand for long, we groom them sitting or lying down. If they’re nervous or tired, we take breaks or shorten the service.

Our Approach to Senior Dog Grooming

Senior grooming takes more than skill—it takes heart. Our groomers are trained to recognize pain cues, spot age-related concerns, and adjust their approach to make the experience as calm and comfortable as possible.

We communicate clearly with you before and after the groom, so you feel confident your dog is in safe, compassionate hands.

How to Prepare for a Senior Groom:

Let us know if your dog has specific health conditions, medications, or mobility issues
Bring any comfort items (blanket, mat) if helpful
Try to schedule their appointment after a walk or potty break
Plan for extra time—we go at their pace

When Is It Time to Adjust Your Dog’s Grooming?

If you’ve noticed your dog:

Struggles to stand for long
Has grown sensitive to dryers or brushing
Gets anxious or tired during grooming

We’re happy to help you decide what level of care makes sense.

Pricing

Senior grooms are priced the same as our regular grooming services. We don’t charge extra for age—every dog deserves thoughtful, gentle care, no matter their stage of life.

If your senior pup needs special handling, breaks, or accommodations, we’re happy to adjust the experience to keep them comfortable at no extra cost.

What if my senior dog can’t tolerate a full groom?

That’s okay. We can split services over multiple sessions or keep it simple with just a bath and tidy.
Is grooming safe for senior dogs?

Yes—with the right modifications. We tailor everything to your dog’s age, health, and comfort level.
Do you use vet-approved products for older dogs?

Yes. We only use gentle, high-quality products that are safe for sensitive or aging skin.
How often should senior dogs be groomed?

Every 6–8 weeks is ideal to avoid matting, nail overgrowth, and skin issues, though we’re happy to work with your dog’s tolerance.
Can you groom Doodles or curly coats?

Yes! We gently introduce brushing and coat care for Doodles and other high-maintenance breeds early on.
How often should puppies be groomed?

Every 4–6 weeks is ideal to build comfort and maintain a healthy coat.
How long does the 30% discount last?

Our puppy pricing discount extends through 18 months of age to encourage consistency and make early grooming more affordable.
When should my puppy get their first groom?

Most puppies benefit from their first grooming session around 12 weeks, once they’ve had their first round of vaccines.
Is Calm Care only for small or older dogs?

Not at all. Dogs of any size, age, or breed can benefit from Calm Care if they struggle with the grooming process. We have techniques tailored for all types of dogs and sensitivities.
What is Calm Care at The Woof Wash?

Calm Care is our specialized approach to grooming dogs who are nervous, fearful, or have had negative experiences in the past. It’s designed to build trust, reduce stress, and help your dog feel safe—at their own pace.
Do I need to book Calm Care in advance?

Yes. Calm Care appointments are limited so we can give each dog the time and attention they need. Please call or request Calm Care when booking.
Can Calm Care help my dog get better with grooming over time?

That’s the goal! With consistency and trust-building, many dogs gradually become more tolerant—even happy—about grooming. We’ll keep notes, adjust our approach, and cheer your pup on every step of the way.
How do I know if my dog needs Calm Care?

If your dog shows signs of fear, stress, or resistance during grooming—like shaking, panting, hiding, or snapping—Calm Care might be a better fit. We’re happy to help you decide during your intake.
Is Calm Care sedation-based?

Nope! Calm Care relies on patience, gentle handling, clear communication, and low-stress techniques to help dogs feel more comfortable. We go at their pace—not the clock’s.
What if my dog is anxious or scared?

We specialize in low-stress grooming and take as much time as needed to create a calm, safe experience. We also offer a Calm Care service as an alternative grooming approach for dogs who struggle with traditional grooming.
How do you determine pricing?

Our pricing is based on your dog’s breed, size, coat condition, and the services requested. We’ll always provide a quote before we get started. In some cases, additional charges may apply for things like heavy matting, extra baths, or behavioral challenges that require more time or care.
How long does a grooming appointment take?

Most grooms take between 1.5–3 hours, depending on size, coat condition, and temperament.
Do you groom puppies or senior dogs?

Yes! We offer gentle intro groom packages for puppies and comfort grooms for senior dogs. Visit our services page to learn more!