Grooming anxiety in dogs is a common trait faced by pet owners, whether it’s nail clipping, bathing, or that oh-so-scary sound of a hairdryer. But fear not—there are ways to turn this stressful ordeal into an almost soothing experience for you and your furry friend.
The joys of having a furry friend at home include unconditional love, wagging tails, and the dreaded grooming session. You’re not alone if your dog turns into a ball of nerves when they see a brush.
Interestingly, this topic has gained relevance to dog owners in the UAE, where the pet industry has been experiencing a significant boom.
According to a study, the pet grooming services market in the United Arab Emirates is forecasted to expand and reach a value of $US 65.6 million by 2030 covering an expected growth of CAGR of 8.4% between the period of 2024 to 2030.
As more pet parents prioritize their pets’ well-being, grooming has become an essential service, with boutique salons, mobile groomers, and even pet spas popping up across the region.
This blog discusses how pet grooming can be challenging and how, through the best ways, you can tackle grooming and make the process less troublesome and easy for your furry friend.
But what do dogs fear about grooming? It is one of the most intriguing questions.
Why Do Dogs Feel Anxious During Grooming Sessions?
Grooming sessions involve a range of activities—bathing, nail trimming, brushing, and ear cleaning—that may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable to dogs. Acknowledging ways to calm an anxious dog and further understanding the most common reasons dogs get anxious during grooming are:
- Unfamiliar noises or tools such as dryers and clippers can overwhelm a dog and make them fearful.
- In some cases, past damaging trauma associated with a grooming session can make your dog anxious and create a lingering fear in them.
- Your furry friends can dislike being touched on specific parts of their bodies, especially their ears and paws, which can make them anxious during a session.
- Being away from owners can accelerate dogs’ stress and make them feel separation anxiety.
- The prolonged grooming sessions can make a dog restless and uncomfortable.
7 Best Ways to Manage & Calm the Dogs During Grooming
Anxious dogs can make grooming sessions challenging, but you can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed with the right approach.
First and foremost, check for signs your dog needs grooming and then apply these seven effective ways to calm your furry friend.
Exercise Before Session
A long walk or short play session can help your dog release excess energy, making it more relaxed during grooming.
You can take your dog for a 30-minute walk or a game of fetch before the session. This will burn off excess energy and help your dog feel more relaxed during grooming.
Curate a Calming Atmosphere
Groom your dog in a calm, quiet area free from distractions. A familiar space can reduce their anxiety significantly. You can use a separate room with calming music or white noise to drown out external sounds.
Take Consistent Breaks During Sessions
If your dog shows signs of stress, pause the session and give it time to relax. Always keep the sessions shorter, as they can be less overwhelming.
If your dog shows signs of stress, such as panting or whining, pause for a few minutes. Use this time to give it a belly rub or let it play happily before resuming.
Use Positive Reinforcements
Reward your dog with loving gestures, praise, treats, or toys during and after grooming. Positive reinforcements are essential in managing an anxious dog as they associate grooming with good experiences.
If your dog lets you trim one paw without resistance, immediately offer a small treat. This helps them associate grooming with positive outcomes.
Add Calming Aiding Products
Products like calming sprays, diffusers, or collars infused with pheromones can help create a soothing atmosphere.
For instance, grooming for dogs in Dubai provides services such as spraying a calming lavender or chamomile mist around the grooming area or placing a pheromone collar on the dog’s collar before the session begins to calm them.
Familiarize Dog With Process
One of the best ways to calm an anxious dog is to slowly and non-threateningly familiarize it with grooming tools and processes.
Let the dog sniff the brush or clippers before using them. Reward their calm behavior with treats. A familiar blanket or toy can provide additional comfort.
For instance, before using clippers, let your dog sniff them while they’re turned off. Once comfortable, turn the clippers on from a distance to gradually familiarize them with the sound.
Desensitize Them to Touch
Touch your dog’s paws, ears, and tail regularly during non-grooming times to reduce their sensitivity to being handled.
For example, during playtime, you can gently hold and massage your dog and reward them for staying calm so they associate touch with positive experiences.
What to Avoid During the Sessions?
Understanding ways to calm an anxious dog can ease your process of grooming them; here are a few pointers you can keep in mind to ensure what to avoid during sessions completely:
Avoid Rushing During Sessions
Grooming should be a calm and relaxing process. Rushing can make your dog more anxious and increase the chances of mistakes or injuries.
Abstain Using Loud-Harsh Tools
Loud clippers or dryers can scare your dog. Use quieter tools or let your dog gradually get used to the noise.
Don’t Ignore Dog’s Body Language
Pay attention to signs of stress, like excessive panting, whining, or cowering. Ignoring these signals can escalate their anxiety.
Do Not Force Anything in-between Sessions
When visibly stressed, forcing a dog into a grooming session can reinforce negative feelings toward grooming. Therefore, never compel them to sit.
Final Thoughts
Grooming your dog is about maintaining physical health, building trust, and ensuring emotional well-being. Ensuring these elements in your dog’s next grooming session will be beneficial in the long run.
By understanding dog’s fears and implementing strategies to calm them, Bruno’s Play Center can make grooming a positive and stress-free experience for your furry friend.
Patience and consistency are key to helping your dog feel comfortable and safe during grooming sessions.
