Although not all our animal companions are afraid of grooming visits, it could be the worst nightmare to some, second only to veterinary visits. Some pets might feel irritable or have mild anxiety, but others can have full-blown panic attacks. If your pet responds the same way during important appointments, we’ve prepared simple guidelines to help overcome their anxiety.
Continue reading to learn more.
How to Have Stress-Free Visits to Pet Groomers
If your furry buddy hates being groomed, it could make this crucial aspect of pet care difficult. However, there’s no need to despair as there are helpful things you can do to help your pet conquer their grooming anxiety.
Here are five ways to do so:
1. Get Your Dog Used to Being Touched
Helping your dog get used to being touched is a primary step to reducing their grooming anxiety. Make sure to touch areas the groomers will handle, such as the ears, paws, muzzle, groin, eyes, tail, and muzzle. Doing so helps your dog remain relaxed during grooming appointments, even when touched on sensitive spots. See dog grooming in Rock Hill to learn more about what to expect during your pet’s appointment.
2. Practice Visiting the Pet Groomer
Ask the groomer’s permission to visit their facility for a tour and let your dog hear the sounds of grooming equipment. The groomer’s facility might seem unfamiliar and strange to your dog, especially if your pet is about to get professionally groomed for the first time. To make the grooming visit a more pleasant experience, practice visiting the center until your pet gets familiar with walking around the place.
Home and professional grooming routines can help identify and manage various skin conditions. However, in cases of severe allergies, you must take your pet to vet dermatologists in facilities like Catawba Animal Clinic to address their situation.
3. Exercise Them Before the Appointment
Exercising and tiring your furry companion can help keep them calm and relaxed even in an unfamiliar environment or situation. A tired dog is a happy dog, so take them out for a walk or play with them in your yard to release their pent-up energy before their grooming session.
Is your dog suffering from soft tissue injuries or hip dysplasia? Try vet acupuncture. Since it stimulates certain nerves that regulate blood flow, tissue repair, and pain relief, it can help sick and injured dogs recover quicker. You may browse the web for more info about vet acupuncture.
4. Practice Bathing and Brushing Your Dog at Home
Work with your pet at home by brushing their fur every day and bathing them as often as necessary, depending on their fur thickness and level of comfort. Get them used to the sound of a blow dryer or basic grooming tools as much as possible. Doing so can make the groomer’s job easier and your visits less stressful.
5. Give Them Treats
Dogs are often motivated to perform tasks or behave well if they know they’ll be rewarded with treats. Giving rewards when your dog is nice and calm during their grooming time can lessen their anxiety and accustom themselves to this type of regular appointment. Small dog treats and praise can help your pet associate grooming with positive experiences.
Final Thoughts
Helping your dog overcome their fear of grooming visits can pay off in the long run. Just because your dog hates being groomed doesn’t mean you’ll have to eliminate professional grooming and stick to doing it at home. Getting your dog professionally groomed regularly is essential to keeping their coat and skin healthy and ventilated and eliminates external parasites that may significantly affect their well-being if neglected.
