Dog Grooming in Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Moor days, river days and smart coats.

Local authority: City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Postcode district: LS29
From Bradford: 10 mi north
Main roads: the A65, Wells Road and The Grove
Where dogs walk: Ilkley Moor, Riverside Gardens and the River Wharfe

Ilkley Moor is the obvious draw. In late summer the heather blooms purple and the bracken turns rusty brown, and both leave their mark on coats. The bracken in particular drops spores and tiny parts that cling to the undercoat, while heather twigs lodge deep in the feathering. Run a comb through the legs and chest after every moor walk.

Rocky ground around the Cow and Calf and across the high moor is hard on paw pads and nails. Dogs that scramble over gritstone can chip or split nails, so a regular nail trim keeps the shape neat and reduces the chance of splitting. Check the pads for cuts, and rinse out any grit that has worked between the toes.

Riverside Gardens and the River Wharfe offer a gentler outing, with a shallow stretch of water that tempts retrievers and spaniels in for a paddle. Wet coats left unbrushed tangle fast, especially behind the ears and under the front legs. A towel dry, a quick brush and a proper blow dry at the groomer help to prevent matting.

Many local dogs are well-kept family pets, including cockapoos, cavaliers and Yorkshire terriers, and owners often want a neat, tidy finish for the town's cafe terraces. A regular full groom every six weeks or so suits a poodle cross, while a hand stripped terrier coat holds its shape longer. Ask for a style that is practical for the moor, too.

ServiceTypical range

General estimates only. Prices vary by groomer, dog and area.

Hand Stripping£50 to £110 per session Full Groom£40 to £90 per full groom Bath and Brush£25 to £55 per bath and brush

See every service

Three things to do first.

Look at your dog's coat and decide whether it needs a trim, a wash or a rescue from tangles.
Ask each groomer how they work, whether they cover Ilkley and how they handle a nervous dog.
Pick one brushing spot after your usual walk around Ilkley Moor, Riverside Gardens and the River Wharfe and do it every time for a fortnight.

Nearby communities. Also in this guide.

Local resources. Learn more about Ilkley.

Reading these pages

Straight talk. Clear limits.

CoatCoat firstPages start with the coat, because the right service depends on the hair, not the breed name.

PricedGeneral rangesEach cost is an estimate in pounds that moves with the groomer and the dog.

CandidNothing assuredAvailability, results and response times are not promised, and no groomers are listed.

From K9PN. See the Disclaimer for details.

Good questions

Before you begin.

Does bracken harm dogs?

Bracken is toxic if eaten in quantity, so discourage your dog from chewing it. Brush any spores and fragments from the coat after a walk.

How do I stop my spaniel's ears matting after a paddle?

Towel dry the ears thoroughly, comb gently behind them and book regular grooms so the feathering stays shorter and easier to manage.

How often should I check for ticks on the moor?

Check after every walk in bracken or long grass, especially in warm months. Remove ticks promptly with a proper tool and ask your vet if you are unsure.