Stop Overpaying for Grooming: What You Can DIY vs Leave to the Pros

Trying to save money on grooming? Whether you’ve got a dog or a cat, this episode will help you figure out what you can safely and confidently do at home, and what’s better left to the professionals so you can stop overpaying for grooming. 

Amy talks with Liz Hampton, Director of Grooming and Education at Fluffology, who brings more than 30 years of experience as a National Certified Master Groomer. Liz shares how pet parents can make smart grooming decisions that keep pets comfortable, healthy, and stress-free - without spending a fortune.

Together, they break down where you can save $ by DIY grooming, the mistakes that can end up costing more in the long run, and the tools and habits that make home grooming easier and safer for both dogs and cats.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why grooming is about more than looks and how it impacts your pet's health        • Which dog and cat grooming tasks are safe and best to handle at home
• When professional grooming is worth the investment
• Tools and techniques that make at-home grooming less stressful
• How to save money without sacrificing your pet’s comfort or safety

Whether you’re trimming nails, brushing out mats, or stretching time between visits to the groomer, you’ll walk away with practical steps to build a grooming routine that fits your lifestyle and your pet’s needs.

CONNECT WITH LIZ HAMPTON
Fluffology | [Website: https://fluffology.com/] | [Instagram: @fluffology_la]

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Pet Parent Hotline Insiders Group: facebook.com/groups/thepetparenthotlineinsiders

Transcript

Episode: Grooming DIY vs Pro — Save Money Without Stress

Host: Amy Castro
Guest: Liz Hampton, Director of Grooming & Education, Fluffology; National Certified Master Groomer
Summary: What you can safely DIY at home versus when to book a professional groomer, plus nail, ear, and teeth basics for dogs and cats, tools that actually help, and how to keep stress low for anxious pets.

Links: petparenthotline.com | Guest: Fluffology (North Hollywood) [https://fluffology.com/]

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Veterinary Disclaimer: This show is educational and not a substitute for individualized veterinary advice. Consult your veterinarian about your pet’s specific health needs. For safety-critical grooming procedures, consult a qualified professional groomer.

Transcript Note: Edited lightly for clarity and readability. Filler words and repeats may be removed. Original timestamps are preserved and approximate.

Amy Castro (00:00.172)
You love your pet, but let's face it, going to the groomer can get expensive fast, but trying to do it yourself can turn into a DIY disaster that's gonna make your pet not wanna show their face at doggy daycare on Monday. So how do you draw the right line? What's safe to do at home? And when should you call a pro? Today we're gonna talk about grooming without guilt, how we can save money, reduce stress, and keep our pets looking great, but also comfortable and healthy. So stay tuned.

Amy Castro (00:34.136)
You've reached the Pet Parent Hotline, your lifeline to practical solutions for your toughest pet parenting challenges. I'm your host Amy Castro, and I'm here to help you cut through the noise and turn expert advice into step-by-step strategies so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets again.

Amy Castro (00:58.552)
I remember the first time I ever took a dog to the groomer and the before and after pictures would blow your mind. It is an amazing feeling when your pet comes out of the groomer looking like a million bucks, but it is not such a good feeling when you think, great, now I have to sell a kidney to pay for it. Or maybe you are like me and you have tried cutting your pet's hair yourself to save a little money and then had the entire family laugh at them. Grooming can feel like an all or nothing situation. Either you shell out big money at the salon every couple weeks, or risk a DIY disaster, or worse, hurting your pet. But here is the truth. Grooming is not just about how your pet looks. It is how we keep our pets healthy and comfortable and it can be a great way to connect with them. The bottom line is it does not have to be all or nothing. You do not have to do everything yourself, but you also do not have to turn everything over to a groomer.

What you need to do is figure out what is safe and smart to do on your own, and then leave the rest to the professionals if you do not feel comfortable. My guest today is Liz Hampton, Director of Grooming and Education at Fluffology, a top rated grooming salon and pet store in North Hollywood. Liz has been in the grooming world for more than 30 years, and she shares her experience every single day with Fluffology's talented team of stylists. She is also a National Certified Master Groomer who loves helping other groomers grow their skills.

But today she is here to help you grow your confidence in grooming at home too. So Liz, welcome to the show. One point that I want to make for listeners is that all of the things we chat about are worth considering before you get a pet. Certain pets are going to need more grooming and will likely need professional care. Others are better candidates for DIY.

Liz Hampton
Thank you for having me.

Amy Castro (02:52.366)
I think a lot of times people get a pet, but they do not necessarily take into consideration the grooming aspect. That is where they get into a lot of trouble. From what you see, would you agree?

Liz Hampton
Percent. Yeah, educating yourself beforehand is always going to set you up for success for sure.

Amy Castro
All right, first, when people think about grooming, they picture those Instagram dogs that look like a zebra or a movie star. Grooming is not just about looks, correct?

Liz Hampton
Correct, it is far more important than the aesthetic. I am a huge advocate of making sure you understand a little about how coat works so you can understand your pet’s needs. Every breed is slightly different. There are universal fundamentals, but there are many differences in coat types, especially in the mixed and designer breeds that really require more than the average person expects. It is a great idea to do some education at the get go and not just trust the source you are getting the dog from, whether rescue or breeder. Do some outside homework.

Amy Castro (04:18.063)
If you do not know what you are dealing with, you do not know how to groom it. In Texas, a lot of people shave their dogs down, and they can literally ruin the coat.

Liz Hampton
Yes, absolutely. No dog is meant to be shaved. Their hair protects them from cold, heat, and the elements. Shaving can create problems for them. Removing undercoat is different from cutting length. The more dense the coat, the more damage you cause when you cut it short. People assume shorter makes a dog cooler. The opposite can be true because nerve endings trap air near the skin to keep them cooler or warmer. Their body does that work. If you stay on top of undercoat, you keep the skin where it needs to be and the heat where it needs to be.

Beyond coat, other aspects of grooming are key to health. Skin health is huge. Impacted undercoat, dander, oils, and debris can compromise skin. Find your pet's sweet spot for bathing, brushing, and combing. In a salon we can see every square inch with our dryers, notice change, and help you get veterinary care if needed. Nail health is vital to prevent joint issues. The longer nails go, the longer the quick goes. Trim often so the quick recedes. And anal glands are a hot topic. In general, groomers should not be expressing healthy glands. If there is a problem, they should go to the doctor. Healthy, firm stools usually handle glands naturally.

Amy Castro (09:53.612)
Starting early is everything. If you start with kittens and puppies, even pretend trims weekly, the two year old animal will not turn it into a wrestling match. If you cannot keep up with it, admit that and hire help. You can pay now with time and learning, pay a groomer, or pay the vet later for a problem you created by not keeping up.

Liz Hampton
Start them young and be consistent. Create a routine. Teach tolerance for handling before you try the full task. Reward them for letting you touch feet, then progress. With consistency they learn that good things happen. Even adult pets can be rehabilitated. Do the work when you are patient. If you rush, you will force it and that is when it will not end well.

Amy Castro (10:49.582)
Beyond nails, what other DIYs are safe and worthwhile so when I go to the groomer they can focus on the bath and haircut?

Liz Hampton
Brushing and combing are your foundation. They prevent matting, support skin health, and reduce shedding. For smooth coats and short haired cats, use a silicone brush. Do not get harsh metal tools that scrape skin. Tools must match coat type. Most groomers are happy to recommend and even teach technique so you do not spend hours or hurt the pet. We want to prevent de-matting because true de-matting takes force, is painful, and damages coat which leads to more matting.

Create a home schedule. If you use a groomer sporadically, choose a lower volume, one on one style salon so your less experienced dog has a calmer experience. Monthly grooming is ideal for many pets because follicles cycle about every 28 days and the average coat grows about half an inch a month. Beyond two months gets harder for most dogs.

Do happy visits. Pop into the salon for a treat. Do the same at the vet with a scale and a cookie. Build positive associations so it is not always procedures.

Amy Castro (22:20.204)
Two more DIY areas. Teeth brushing and ears. Is it safe for people to clean ears at home?

Liz Hampton
Yes, with care. Ears vary by dog and can reflect allergies or skin issues more than bath water. We do not arbitrarily pluck ear canals anymore. If there is profuse hair blocking airflow and trapping debris, you can finger pull only the hair at the canal opening with a bit of powder for grip. Do not irritate the inner ear flap. Use quality ear cleaners with drying agents. You can use a Q-tip on the folds in dogs because you cannot reach the canal, but be gentle. Routine ear checks and wipe outs are important. Drop ears may need more care, but any ear can have problems. Redness, odor, head shaking, or scratching means call your vet.

On teeth, if you are paying a groomer to brush every four to eight weeks, that money is wasted. Dental care is about prevention. Daily brushing from puppy or kittenhood helps. Use diet, chews, water additives, and enzymatic gels to reduce tartar. Once tartar is there, you need professional dental care. Superficial brushing on heavy tartar can push bacteria into gums and be dangerous. If you will not brush daily, plan for professional cleanings.

Amy Castro
Another budget point. If you go to a high volume shop as an irregular client with a matted dog and say you brushed, your dog will probably be shaved and you will be unhappy. How do people balance cost, look, and maintenance?

Liz Hampton
Be realistic about lifestyle and goals. Doodles are a good example. Coat textures vary widely and many have very soft undercoat that mats easily. The longer the coat, the more daily maintenance and more frequent grooms. The shorter the coat, the less you need to do and the less often you need to go. Your stylist can outline the maintenance for the look you want.

Pay attention to friction areas like ears, armpits, chest, and where collars or harnesses rub. Work in small sections and always brush and comb to the skin. If you cannot get a comb to the skin, do not bathe. Water tightens mats at the skin. Sometimes the kindest option is a reset clip and then start fresh on a plan that fits your life. Do not try to de-mat at home. It is risky and injuries happen fast. If you want to learn DIY skills, many groomers offer private lessons. Use guard combs on home clippers and never force scissors or clippers. Clean, brushed, dry coat cuts best. Home tools are less powerful, so go slow.

Amy Castro
I have nicked a dog cutting a mat behind the ear and it needed stitches. It happens fast. So yes, there is a lot you can do at home, and some jobs like removing tight mats are best left to pros for safety. Final advice for someone unsure where to start, especially if money is tight?

Liz Hampton
If money is the issue, a comfortable, mat free pet matters more than a show cut. Many groomers will help when someone is truly in need. Ask. There are also groomers who will come to your home and sometimes cost less than a salon. There are many learning resources now. If you DIY, use guard combs, respect safety, and never force tools. If DIY makes you miserable, stay on top of brushing and schedule regular cuts at a length that fits your life. When they look good, they feel good, and everyone is happier.

Amy Castro (43:40.898)
If people want to learn more about Fluffology, you are in North Hollywood and your setup is unique. One on one suites, quiet tubs, bathing systems, less movement, and a focus on lower stress, which is great for anxious or rescue dogs.

Liz Hampton
Yes. We designed it to lower stress. One stylist per suite, everything within reach, quieter equipment, and time to build a relationship. There are one on one groomers in many cities, including Texas. If a shop says cage free, still ask questions. That can mean dogs loose in the shop, which is not ideal for every pet. Trust your gut. If staff does not take time with you, keep looking.

Amy Castro
We will link to Fluffology so listeners can see the setup and get ideas for what to look for locally. Liz, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Liz Hampton
Thanks for having me. I hope it helps. People can reach me through Fluffology with questions.

Amy Castro
It all comes down to who your pet is, what their breed and personality need, and what you are comfortable handling yourself versus outsourcing. Once you decide that, you will know your path. Thanks for listening to the Pet Parent Hotline.

Amy Castro (47:39.798)
If you enjoyed the show, do not keep it to yourself. Text a friend right now with a link and tell them you have a show you need to hear. Ask them what they think. And remember, your pet’s best life starts with you living yours. Be sure to take good care of yourself this week, and your pets.