Grooming your dog is vital to his/her health standards for hygiene. Some dogs, however, might appear to act a little differently after going to the groomer. This may happen for a few reasons, and usually, your dog should return to his usual self in a day or two. Some behavioral change is expected after grooming; therefore, knowing the variations in behaviors after grooming will help you support your dog during the transition.
Stress and Anxiety Caused by the Grooming Experience
Lack of comfort during grooming is often considered one of the most prevalent causes of dogs’ strange behavior after grooming.
Going to the groomer involves:
- Lack of home and owner privileges
- Vibrations and noises made by dryers, clippers, etc.
- Walking by and being massaged by many people
- Getting their hairs shaved very closely or even touching the skin
This can become rather terrifying or intimidating to your pet. For this reason, even the easiest-going dogs may become stressed when it is time to get groomed.
When they get home, this manifests in “weird” behaviors like:
- Pretending to be indifferent, screaming for attention, or showing signs of depression
- Constant biting and gnashing of teeth, frequent shaking
- Loss of appetite
- Apathy to toys or activities that they usually find fun
For most dogs, these behaviors are normal and should only last for 24to 48 hours after grooming because the stress hormones will have worked their way out of their system.
Pain From Cuts, Nicks, or Skin Rash
If grooming is done too close to a dog’s skin, since it requires using sharp instruments such as scissors or clippers, this could make your dog sensitive to the tools or friction. Groomers are very careful, but still, minor injuries like nicks, cuts, or razor burns may be experienced. Another suspect is skin reactions from shampoos or fragrances.
If your dog is showing an overly sensitive demeanor, or seems in pain after grooming, they could be experiencing minor injuries.
Other signs include:
- Crying anytime your pet is touched on certain parts of his body or being stroked
- Over-grooming of the paws/fur
- Refusal or balking when their collar or leash touches shaved areas
Feel your dog over carefully and take him to the vet if you find that he has an injury. You could be prescribed analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics to treat them.
Confusion That Accompanies a Significant Alteration
They may react by:
- Fixating on looking directly at mirrors or reflection
- Barking, growling, or refusing to look into mirrors
- Acting surprised or fearful of their reflection
- Subsequently, they do not answer their names or commands, o don’t engage with toys they like
Comfort your dog often by talking to them softly and cuddling them, as this makes them stabilize and gets them used to their new appearance. Bring in familiar odors by using their favorite blanket or toy at home with them. Usually, a dog will be back to normal within a short duration like a couple of hours to a couple of days.
When to Call the Vet
As a rule, alterations of behavior after grooming are moderate and fade away by themselves in most incidents.
However, contact your vet promptly if your dog shows signs of:
- Prolonged anxiety, fatigue, or low mood
- Aggression whenever approached or touched
- Failure to eat even after 24 hours
- Self-destroying behaviors such as biting / chewing themselves
- Displaying apparent bruises or cuts from grooming mishaps
These can point to medical problems that need drugs or other intervention. The best thing is to have them checked before that happens so that action can be taken without further delay.
Pet Care Tips: How to Support Your Dog After Grooming
While your dog may act weird post-grooming, there are many ways you can help them through this transition:
Provide Reassurance
Exercise caution when touching your dog, and make sure you pet and brush them often and praise them too. Don’t scream or punish your pet; instead, talk gently and softly. To foster their growth and develop confidence, encourage their favorite treats, toys, and activities. More physical activity, and perhaps even more time playing outside, can also help to reduce anxiety.
Keep Them Cozy
There is less fur to warm them after grooming. Make sure they have a comfortable, cozy bed, and another blanket or shirt with your scent. Maintain the house at a warm setting for a sparsely insulated puppy.
Introduce New Look Slowly
You should use mirrors and reflections only if your dog seems to have issues recognizing his reflection. Cover large mirrors with blankets until your dog feels at ease once more. Positive reinforcement for no barking or aggression towards the mirrors.
Check Skin Condition
Gently use your hands to go over the coat, especially areas on the skin that seem painful, red, swollen, or irritated. You should consult your vet if your dog develops any health problems after grooming. Do not touch any sores and kiss or interfere with any inflammation.
Stick to Routine
Avoid interpreting signs of aggression as a response to feeding, walking, or playing with your dog at their usual time. Regular schedules can do much in preventing grooming stress. To reduce stress symptomology, ensure that rest and self-comforting activities are conducted during this period.
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