Although not all our animal companions are afraid of grooming visits, it could be the worst nightmare to some, second only to vet 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 vital appointments, we’ve prepared simple guidelines to help overcome their anxiety.
Continue reading to learn more.
How to Have Hassle-free Visits to Pet Groomers
If your furry friend hates being groomed, this crucial aspect of pet care might be challenging. However, there’s no need to despair as there are effective pointers you can do to help your pet conquer their grooming anxiety.
Here are five ways to do so:
1. Practice Brushing and Bathing Your Dog in Your Home
Work with your pet in your home by brushing their fur daily and bathing them as often as necessary, depending on the season, their fur thickness, and their comfort level. Get them used to the sound of a blow dryer or basic grooming tools as much as possible. Doing so can simplify the groomer’s job and make your visits less stressful.
2. Exercise Them Before the Appointment
Tiring and exercising your furry buddy can help keep them calm and relaxed even in an unfamiliar situation or environment. A tired dog is a satisfied dog, so take them out for a walk or play with them on your lawn to release their pent-up energy before their grooming session.
Is your dog struggling with soft tissue injuries or hip dysplasia? Try vet acupuncture from facilities like Catawba Animal Clinic. Since it stimulates certain nerves that regulate blood circulation, tissue repair, and pain relief, it can help injured and sick dogs recover more quickly.
3. Practice Visiting the Pet Groomer
Ask the groomer’s permission to visit their center for a tour and let your pet hear the sounds of grooming tools. The groomer’s center may seem strange and unfamiliar to your dog, especially if your pet is about to get professionally groomed for the first time. To make the grooming visit a more enjoyable experience, practice visiting the center until your pet gets familiar with walking around the place.
Professional and home grooming routines can help identify and manage numerous skin conditions. However, in cases of severe allergies, it’s essential to take your pet to a veterinary dermatologist to address your pet’s situation. You may visit this link to see common conditions vet dermatologists specialize in treating.
4. Get Your Dog Used to Being Touched
Helping your pet get used to being touched is a major step to reducing their grooming anxiety. Make sure to touch areas the groomers will handle, such as the paws, ears, groin, muzzle, eyes, tail, and muzzle. Doing so helps your pet relax during cat grooming in Rock Hill, even when touched on sensitive spots.
5. Give Them Treats
Pets are usually inspired to perform tasks or behave well if they know they will be rewarded with treats. Giving rewards when your pet is nice and calm during their grooming time can lessen their anxiety and accustom themselves to this kind of routine 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 need to eliminate professional grooming and stick to doing it in your home. Getting your dog professionally groomed regularly is essential to keeping their skin and coat healthy and ventilated and eliminates external parasites that might significantly affect their well-being if neglected.
