Groomers use non-slip surfaces. To help dogs stand still and steady, groomers invest in special non-slip padding for appropriate surfaces such as grooming tables or bathtubs. It helps prevent fatigue which makes for a calm dog.
Some groomers use calming aids in their salons. They'll infuse the space with calming pheromones in the air or essential oils through a diffuser. Perhaps they'll use certain shampoos with soothing ingredients, like lavender.
Groomers make the dog feel at home by offering him treats and giving him love before getting down to the bath. Letting the owner help get the dog into the tub might help, if the owner is present. If not, groomers quickly lift the dog into the tub. Some groomers have a loop in the tub to restrain finicky dogs.
No groomer should administer sedatives to your dog unless a vet prescribed the drug for that particular animal. Doing so is in breach of the law!
Aromatherapy/ Calming Aids
Many pet groomers include aromatherapy to calm nervous dogs. They may use shampoos and conditioners with calming scents that include lavender, chamomile, and bergamot. Lavender is known to reduce nervous feelings and promotes restful sleep. Are you planning to take your dog to the groomer?
Slowly start introducing brushing his coat in the more difficult areas first. These include around his face and ears, his paws, and his tail. Give him plenty of praise and treats to reward him for getting it right. Turn the clippers on if you are using them and let your pup get used to the noise.
This could be due to various reasons- anxiety, fear, confusion, or bad previous experiences while being groomed. If your dog had a bad previous experience with groomers, they may become extra defensive the next time they enter a grooming salon.
There's a lot of prep work that needs to be done, including taking care of the basics like shaving or brushing out a dog's coat, cutting their nails, brushing their teeth and cleaning out their ears. Groomers will always brush a dog's coat before they bathe them to avoid tangles and knots!
Some groomers are more experienced with anxious or aggressive dogs than others. Your vet may also be able to prescribe medication that helps your pup stay calm during their grooming session.
Give your dog melatonin for a natural, over-the-counter option. This natural supplement that many humans take to help them sleep can be helpful for sedating dogs as well. If your dog weighs less than 5 kg (11 lb), give it 1 mg of melatonin. If your dog weighs 5–15 kg (11–33 lb), give it 1.5 mg.
Use positive reinforcements.
Positive reinforcement plays a role in training and can be a staple in grooming as well. Giving a treat before visiting the groomers (or before an at-home grooming session) may help keep them calm. You may want to give another treat for sitting patiently during their bath and grooming.
Provide a Calming Touch
Dogs love to be patted and pet and grooming time is no different. Patting and holding your nervous dog throughout the grooming process can help to reassure your pet that everything is ok and that there is nothing to be afraid of.
For many pets, a trip to the grooming salon can be an unpleasant or even traumatic experience. If not dealt with, dog grooming anxiety not only increases the risk of your pet developing more serious behavioral issues but can also turn a grooming session into a dangerous situation for both the groomer and pet.
Practice frequently! Your puppy won't get comfortable with any of the grooming sessions if he doesn't get used to doing it. All of his toenails should be trimmed fully once a week with just a small amount removed. Teeth should ideally be brushed every week.
Dogs are happier after grooming due to the many health benefits and overall cleanliness that it provides. Grooming also provides an opportunity to be social with other dogs and groomers.
Most owners of cats or dogs with longer fur opt to take their pet to the groomers once every 4-6 weeks, while shorter-haired breeds may only visit every 8-12 weeks.
A short cut can last a dog two to three months, but if your groomer leaves more than an inch of fur on your dog at a cut, you should get your dog groomed every four to six weeks to prevent matting. The same goes for dogs with curly and wavy coats.
They might be nervous, cold, bursting with anticipation, or having a really stimulating dream, but an underlying medical condition or an injury could also cause such tremors.
But how often does your dog really need to be groomed. According to professional groomers, there's a sweet spot at the six-week mark. That's long enough to not be burdensome, but still short enough that his fur, nails, and skin won't suffer too much in the interim.
Get your dog used to being handled.
Work with your dog at home to get him used to being handled before you take him to the groomer. Pair a predictor word, like “ears,” with a gentle touch on that specific area; reward your dog with a treat during or immediately after giving the cue and handling the area.
Bringing your pup in every few weeks for a light grooming session can help them get used to being handled by another person and become more comfortable with being groomed overall. You can also desensitize your dog at home by doing light grooming or body handling yourself!
Many things may cause stress, so try playing some music to lighten the mood. Lastly, let him play for a while before grooming. If he's happy, relaxed and enjoying the playful integration, there's a greater chance that he'll stay still during the session.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl® is 2–4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9–1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl® per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl® per pound of your dog's weight, given two to three times a day.
Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine). They produce less sedation than Benadryl does but could still make your dog drowsy. Warning: Make sure your OTC allergy medicine only contains antihistamines.