Grooming Anxious & Nervous Dogs
Grooming is an essential part of dog care. Matted fur, goopy ears, and overly long nails are uncomfortable for dogs and can lead to serious health issues if left unattended.
However, grooming can be a stressful experience for many dogs, leading to anxiety and difficult behavior. From bathing to brushing, ear cleaning to nail trimming, grooming can quickly become a challenging task to do safely if your dog is nervous or anxious about the process.
How to Keep a Dog Calm While Grooming Them
Many people wonder how they calm their dog down for a grooming session. Our vets advise owners to take a patient and gentle approach. Here are some strategies to help ease your dog's anxiety:
Begin Grooming Young
Starting at-home grooming when your puppy is young is a great way for both of you to get comfortable with the process. Introducing grooming while your puppy is small and manageable will also help you become more confident.
If you have a fearful or anxious puppy, professional groomers are trained in various methods to help put your dog at ease. Taking your puppy to the groomer while they are young will help teach your dog that visiting the groomer is a normal and enjoyable experience.
Exercise
Vigorous exercise is one of the best ways to calm a dog before grooming. Long walks, running, playing fetch, or letting your dog play with other dogs at the park are great ways to tire your dog without using medication. Once your dog has used up all of its energy, grooming will be more relaxed and straightforward.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective way to train your dog to stay calm and relaxed during grooming. Offering treats and praise when your dog sits still to be brushed or lets you clip a nail will teach your dog good grooming manners. Take it slow, even if that means only clipping one nail at each attempt; stay calm, positive, and patient.
Provide a Calming Touch
Dogs love patting, and grooming time is no different. Patting and holding your nervous dog throughout the grooming process can help reassure your pet that everything is okay and that there is nothing to be afraid of
Aromatherapy
Like humans, several scents are known to have calming effects on dogs. To help calm your dog during grooming, try rubbing some lavender essential oil onto your fingertips and then running your fingers through your pet's fur. The relaxing scent of lavender and the calming effect of touch may help make your dog feel more relaxed.
Medical Sedation for Dogs
In certain severe cases, your vet may recommend sedation during grooming appointments. This is typically only advised if your pet displays serious behavioral issues that endanger the groomer or themselves during grooming. If your dog consistently displays severe behavioral problems at the groomer that have not improved with desensitization and training, you may want to consult your veterinarian about medical sedation.
Please note that medical sedation is usually only an option during the grooming appointment if your dog is being groomed at the veterinarian's clinic, not with an outside groomer.
How do groomers deal with difficult dogs?
When booking a grooming session for dogs that have displayed behavior that can be difficult to handle, professional groomers may ask about your pup's background and any incidents that have occurred during previous sessions, along with the behaviors you've had difficulty with. This information will help them understand your dog's needs.
In terms of tools, a groomer will use specialized equipment such as grooming loops and no-slip mats to safely restrain dogs and handle challenging behavior without causing distress.
Our groomers at Eastgate Animal Hospital have spent several hours handling fearful, stressed, anxious, and aggravated pets. We understand how to address these behaviors and employ positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior during grooming.
Your groomer will take breaks if a dog becomes too stressed and work at the dog's pace to ensure a calm and positive experience. Gentle petting and massaging can help soothe an anxious dog. Groomers use these techniques to help relax the dog during grooming.
Is sedation an option & when is it needed?
Sedation can be an option for dogs that experience extreme anxiety during grooming or for those who have a history of aggressive behavior. However, it should only be considered as a last resort and under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Always consult with a veterinarian before considering using medication, such as sedation, to calm your dog for a grooming session. The vet will evaluate your dog's health and determine the appropriate type and dosage of sedation. Various options are available, from mild sedatives to general anesthesia.
The choice depends on the severity of the dog's anxiety and the complexity of the grooming procedure.
While sedation can make grooming safer and less stressful for both the dog and groomer, it carries risks, especially in dogs with underlying health conditions. Weigh the pros and cons with your vet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.