Some aggressive dogs may not calm down during grooming sessions despite your best efforts. However, they'll still need to be groomed. Some solutions may include special anxiety-reducing jackets (during nail trims), organic and all-natural medications, or muzzles.
Groomers might cover an aggressive dog's face with a towel while moving the dog. Aggressive dogs are restrained with a loop and most groomers have muzzles on hand for the toughest dogs. Neither of these devices will hurt your dog. Both ensure your dog stays on the table during the groom for her own safety.
Despite your best efforts, some aggressive dogs may refuse to calm down during grooming sessions. They will, however, require grooming. Special anxiety-reducing jackets (during nail trims), organic and all-natural medications, or muzzles are some possible solutions.
Some solutions are muzzles, medications, or special anxiety reducing jackets. Muzzles: If your dog tends to snap and bite during grooming, putting the muzzle over it can make the task easier. Some muzzles are padded to avoid discomfort for your dog.
Keep your back straight. Place one hand under the dog's neck and onto the head. Pass your other arm under the dog's abdomen, close to the hindlimbs, and place your hand on the flank on the far side. Hold the dog towards yourself, supporting the dog by cradling it between your arms and body.
If a groomer injures your animal, you can file a small claims suit or lawsuit against the groomer or salon. A story about your animal's injuries on a local television station or in the newspaper can help prevent additional tragedies.
Acepromazine. Acepromazine causes sedation. It's commonly given as an injection as part of anesthesia (one of a combination of drugs) for surgery. The drug may also be sent home as an oral medication and given to a dog 20-60 minutes before events like grooming, a vet visit, or car travel.
If your dog doesn't react well to a brush, try a grooming glove that fits your hand to make it seem like they are being petted, not brushed. Start by brushing one small section at a time. Focus on sections that are easy to reach that don't bother your dog. As you move the brush through their fur, offer treats.
Muzzles may help with grooming
Bathing or nail trimming can set off fearful reactions in dogs, especially if it's done by a groomer the dog doesn't know. Keeping a muzzle on your dog can help keep you or a professional groomer safe while your dog gets used to the grooming process.
You should only muzzle your dog while grooming for as long as necessary. If your dog is very anxious or aggressive, you might need to muzzle them for the entire grooming session. However, if your dog is relatively calm, you might only need to muzzle them for part of the session.
Pet parents should try to find a dog groomer who will accommodate an anxious pet. 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.
Keeping Up with Cleaning Protocols
One of the hardest parts about working at a dog grooming salon is keeping up with the cleaning. We have a constant flow of dogs coming in and out of our facility. Some people think that professional dog groomers just playing with puppies all day, and they are wrong!
General Anesthesia: For critical cases, the dog may require to be put under general anesthesia for the grooming. Of course, this is done at the vet's office. This is frequently done in cases of overly troublesome dogs or when there may be pain or the need for the dog to remain still for extended periods of time.
Desensitizing their pet to grooming sounds – Desensitization is an effective technique for treating animal anxiety. For grooming, this can involve running nail clippers or a blow dryer next to the pet in short intervals and rewarding them with a treat afterwards.
When pet hair and dander is inhaled, the tiny hairs and other harmful particles can travel down into the lung and stay there. In time this can inflame the lung lining and scar the airways, which can then progress into a chronic lung condition. We sometimes call this 'Groomers Lung'.
Be gentle and firm, but do not yell at or punish a hyper dog as this only increases excitement and makes the behavior worse. Conduct multiple short sessions rather than one long one, if necessary. Brush your dog while she is eating, or provide a chew toy or rawhide bone while grooming.
Sedatives are usually administered orally or injected into a dog's veins; it all depends on the required level of sedation. For oral sedation, acepromazine is most commonly prescribed by vets. Injectable sedatives include Telazol, dexmedetomidine, or a combination of acepromazine and butorphanol.
Benadryl: This mild antihistamine sedative helps calm your pet when it is nervous about clipping its nails. Melatonin supplements: Help regulate body rhythm and help calm down your dog. Natural sedation methods: Herbs like California poppy, chamomile, rosemary, or valerian are natural relaxants.
Dogs have more sensitive hearing than humans and the noise can cause them stress. Many groomers also use a high velocity dryer that blasts the water off the dog's coat without using heat. The pressure can be startling, and many dogs can be upset by it, especially as the groomer gets near their feet or head.
If your dog is aggressive and/or has bitten another dog or a person in the past, a muzzle can be used for safety. Even if your dog has no bite history, if you think the risk of a dog bite exists—for example, your dog lunges and barks at other dogs or people—a muzzle can provide additional peace of mind.
Here are some behaviors to avoid when your puppy starts biting: Don't hold your puppy's mouth closed when they nip at you. This method can send the wrong message to some developing pups.
On the one hand, people can feel more confident when their dog is wearing a muzzle and this can help your dog stay calmer. However, while wearing a muzzle can prevent bites, it will not improve aggression and can potentially make aggression worse if misused.