Although not all our furry 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 moderate 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 Stress-Free Visits to Pet Groomers
If your furry friend hates being groomed, it could make this essential aspect of pet care difficult. 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 at 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 make the groomer’s job easier and your visits less stressful.
2. Practice Visiting the Pet Groomer
Ask for the groomer’s consent to visit their center for a tour and let your pet hear the sounds of grooming equipment. The groomer’s center may 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 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 serious allergies, it’s vital to take your pet to veterinary dermatologists from facilities like Catawba Animal Clinic to address your pet’s condition.
3. 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 dog remain relaxed during pet grooming in Rock Hill, even when touched on sensitive spots.
4. Exercise Them Before the Appointment
Tiring and exercising your furry companion can help keep them calm and relaxed even in an unfamiliar environment or situation. A tired dog is a satisfied dog, so take them out for walks or play with them on your lawn to release their pent-up energy before their grooming session.
Is your pet struggling with 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 injured and sick pets recuperate faster. You may visit this page to learn more about the common conditions vet acupuncture specializes in treating.
5. Give Them Treats
Canines are usually encouraged 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 session can lessen their anxiety and accustom themselves to this 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 despises being groomed does not mean you’ll need to eliminate professional grooming and stick to doing it at home. Getting your pet professionally groomed regularly is essential to keeping their skin and coat healthy and ventilated and eliminates external parasites that may dramatically affect their well-being if neglected.
