Does Your Pet Have Anxiety on the Way to the Groomers?

Dogs can often sense when owners are about to take them to an undesired area or make them do something they are not fond. Often groomers’ anxiety can be detected through your dog’s behavior and physical signs. Before heading for the groomers, check your pet for these signs of anxiety. It is important for you, the owner, to create a safe environment for your dog to feel calm and happy again.

2 Major Factors to Detect Groomers Anxiety:

1. Checking Out Your Dog’s Behavior

Observe your dog to see if he/she:

• has the tendency to shy away from others
• become more aggressive, defensive or destructive with their surrounding
• urinating/defecating in unprecedented areas more than usual
• excessive howling
• unresponsive to commands

2. Checking for Physical/Bodily Change

• Chews/licks limb excessively
• Pants harder than usual
• Tucks tail in between legs

 

If these signs are detected, prepare your dog for the groomers with the following 5-step practices.

5 Steps to Ease Groomers Anxiety:

1. Starting grooming at an early age

2. Make grooming a happy experience

• Shower them with affection, attention, and treats

3. Prepare your dog for the groomers ahead of time

• Get your dog used to being:
  • Handled on an elevated surface
  • Massage their ears, limbs, and body
  • Friendly with strangers
  • Calm around foreign noises

4. Keep your dog calm and happy before sending them to the groomers

5. Consider mobile grooming

• This convenient method takes away the pressure of the car ride and anxiety of being shipped to somewhere far beyond their home

As the owner, your pet looks onto you with trust and love. You are their leader and friend. It is important to always try to keep your loving dog feeling safe and happy within your care. Be sure too look out for these signs and prepare them for what they may consider the worst. Mobile Pet Grooming may be the right choice for you and your pet. Click here to learn more about it and request an appointment.