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 mild anxiety, but others can have full-blown panic attacks. If your pet responds 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 buddy dislikes being groomed, it could make this vital aspect of pet care difficult. However, there’s no need to despair as there are helpful things you can do to help your pet conquer their grooming anxiety.

Here are five ways to do so:

1. Exercise Them Before the Appointment

Tiring and exercising your furry buddy can help keep them relaxed and calm even in an unfamiliar environment or situation. A tired dog is a satisfied dog, so take them out for walks or have fun on your lawn to release their pent-up energy before their grooming session.

Is your pet suffering from soft tissue injuries or hip dysplasia? Try animal acupuncture. Since it stimulates certain nerves that regulate blood flow, tissue repair, and pain relief, it can help injured and sick pets recuperate faster.

2. Get Your Pet Used to Being Touched

Helping your pet get used to being touched is a primary step to reducing their grooming anxiety. Make sure to touch areas the groomers will handle, such as the ears, paws, eyes, muzzle, groin, tail, and muzzle. Doing so helps your dog relax during grooming appointments, even when touched on sensitive spots. You may click here to learn more about what to expect during your pet’s appointment.

3. Practice Bathing and Brushing Your Dog in Your Home

Work with your pet in your home by brushing their fur daily and bathing them as frequently 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.

4. Practice Visiting the Pet Groomer

Ask for the groomer’s consent to visit their facility for a tour and let your pet hear the sounds of grooming tools. The groomer’s facility 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 pleasant experience, practice visiting the center until your pet gets familiar with walking around the location.

Professional and home grooming routines can help determine and manage numerous skin conditions. However, in cases of severe allergies, you must take your pet to a dog dermatologist to address their situation.

5. Give Them Treats

Pets 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 lessen their anxiety and accustom themselves to this kind of regular appointment. Small dog treats and praise can help your pet associate grooming with positive experiences.

Final Thoughts

Helping your dog conquer their fear of grooming visits can pay off in the long run. Just because your dog hates being groomed does not mean you’ll have to eliminate professional grooming and stick to doing it in your home. Getting your dog professionally groomed regularly is vital to keeping their skin and coat healthy and ventilated and removes external parasites that may significantly affect their well-being if ignored.