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 reacts the same way during essential 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 buddy hates being groomed, this vital 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 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 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 various skin conditions. However, in cases of severe allergies, it’s essential to take them to a pet dermatologist in Rock Hill to address their situation.
2. Practice Bathing and Brushing Your Dog in Your Home
Work with your pet in your home by brushing their fur every day and bathing them as frequently 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 simplify the groomer’s job and make your visits less upsetting.
3. Get Your Pet 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 remain relaxed during grooming appointments in facilities like Catawba Animal Clinic, even when touched on sensitive spots.
4. Exercise Them Before the Appointment
Exercising and tiring your furry buddy can help keep them calm and relaxed even in an unfamiliar situation or environment. A tired dog is a happy dog, so take them out for walks or play with them in your backyard to release their pent-up energy before their grooming session.
Is your dog suffering from soft tissue injuries or hip dysplasia? Try animal acupuncture. Since it stimulates certain nerves that regulate blood circulation, tissue repair, and pain relief, it can help injured and sick pets recuperate faster.
5. Give Them Treats
Canines are often motivated to perform tasks or behave well if they know they will be rewarded with treats. Giving rewards when your dog is nice and calm during their grooming time can reduce their anxiety and accustom themselves to this type of routine appointment. Small dog treats and praise can help your pet associate grooming with positive experiences.
Final Thoughts
Helping your pet overcome their fear of grooming visits can pay off in the long run. Just because your dog despises being groomed does not mean you’ll need to eliminate professional grooming and stick to doing it in your home. Getting your pet professionally groomed routinely is necessary to keep their coat and skin healthy and ventilated and eliminate external parasites that might dramatically affect their well-being if ignored.
