While some dogs look at grooming sessions as an enjoyable time, others may find it to be stressful. Here, our vets at Crossroads Animal Clinic in Arlington talk about anxiety in dogs during grooming and offer advice for helping your furry friend relax.
Grooming Anxious or Nervous Dogs
Grooming is a crucial part of your dog's overall care. Matted fur, goopy ears, and overly long nails are uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to more serious health issues if left unattended.
From bathing to brushing, ear cleaning to nail trimming, grooming can quickly become a nightmare if your dog is nervous or anxious about the grooming process.
How can you help your dog stay calm during grooming?
Grooming Should Start When They Are Puppies
No matter which grooming option you choose you should begin this when they are still young. By beginning a regular routine of brushing, nail trimming and ear cleaning early, your dog will begin to see grooming as normal and not something to fear.
- Professional Groomers: If you have a fearful or anxious puppy, professional groomers are trained in a variety of methods to help put your dog at ease. Taking your puppy to the groomer while they are young will help to teach your dog that visiting the groomer is a normal and enjoyable day out.
- At-Home Grooming: Beginning at-home grooming while your puppy is young is a great way for both of you to begin feeling relaxed and comfortable about the grooming process. Beginning grooming while your puppy is still small and manageable will also help you to become more confident.
Always Stay Calm
Throughout the grooming process and even before it starts, you should remember to stay as calm as possible. If your dog senses that you are nervous they will think there is something to fear.
- Professional Groomer: If possible, consider walking your dog to the groomer's. The added exercise provided by a walk is a great way to burn off nervous energy and help your dog arrive at the groomer's feeling calm and confident.
- At-Home Grooming: Have all the grooming tools ready before bringing your dog into the room. Being prepared will help you to remain calm throughout the grooming process. Speak to your dog calmly and let your dog safely sniff and explore tools such as brushes and clippers. Wait until your dog is calm before beginning grooming, and have treats handy to reward good behavior.
Tire Them Out
If your dog has a difficult time with grooming then you could try tiring them out before you begin. Long walks, running, chasing a ball or playing with other dogs at the dog park are great ways to sedate your dog without the help of medications. Once your dog has used up all of their energy, grooming will become a relaxed and simple process.
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.
Pets, Cuddles & Affection
Dogs love attention and this can be especially so when they are being groomed. 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 to Help Them Relax
Just like humans, a number of 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, combined with the calming effect of touch may help to make your dog feel more relaxed.
Pheromones to Invite Calm
If your canine friend is nervous or anxious in spite of your efforts to keep grooming calm you may want to try using a synthetic pheromone diffuser. Pheromones are chemical compounds that transmit signals between animals. Scientists have isolated the compound that transmits a sense of calming relaxation to dogs and have created a range of products that can help to keep pets calm during grooming.
Using a synthetic pheromone diffuser bathes your room in an odorless, non-sedative, synthetic hormone which can help to relax dogs, but has no effect on humans or other animals. Speak to your vet to find out more about using a synthetic pheromone diffuser to help calm your dog during grooming.
Sedation to Help Your Dog Relax During Grooming
If your dog is extremely anxious or fearful during grooming it may be necessary to visit your vet to discuss medical sedation options.
While a number of effective anti-anxiety and sedation medications are available for dogs, not all sedation medications work for all dogs. Sedation medications that your vet may recommend for your dog include diazepam, acepromazine, gabapentin, or fluoxetine.
Never give your dog sedation medications without first consulting your veterinarian.
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.