Taking your dog to the veterinarian for a pet grooming session can be a hassle for owners of anxious pups. While you don’t like to see your dog upset, regular grooming is essential for keeping pets happy and healthy. It’s helpful to find ways to ease their stress during these visits. Luckily, there are a few helpful methods of calming nervous dogs during a grooming session.

How to Decrease Anxiety During Pet Grooming

1. Get Them Used to Being Handled

You know grooming is good for your dog, but they have no clue what these strangers are doing. The ears, muzzle, tail, and paws are especially sensitive spots that groomers need to handle. Help your dog adjust to these touches at home. Gently pet these areas, using a soothing voice to let them know they’re safe, and allow friends and family to do the same. The more you do this, the less confused and concerned your dog will be with the groomer.

2. Begin Sessions Gradually

When it comes to pet grooming, alarming your dog is the last thing you want to do. Start off slow with some relaxing brushing, then pet the spots that need to be treated. Have the groomer show your dog what they’re using. For noisy tools, such as hair dryers, ask your groomer to run them a bit before using them to avoid startling your dog.

3. Identify Any Stressors

Sometimes, dogs dislike specific aspects of grooming that can be replaced with an alternative. If your dog doesn’t like running water near their face, for instance, request that the groomer use a wet cloth to clean that region instead. Invest in a pair of doggy ear muffs if your pup is sensitive to loud sounds, or a mat that keeps them from slipping on grooming tables.

4. Bring Their Favorite Treats

A good way to form positive associations with pet grooming is to bring treats. Reward your dog for good behavior, and praise them for remaining calm throughout. Consider breaking out the treats for some of the more challenging tasks, like nail clipping and bathing.

5. Offer Comforting Scents

Smells are an important means of communication for dogs. Items that smell like you and your home are comforting and trustworthy, so reassure your dog by bringing plenty of objects that share your scent. T-shirts, blankets, and stuffed toys can all be used to ease nerves during a grooming session.

The professionals at Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital understand that some animals get antsy about pet grooming. That’s why they have a specialist who does their best to ensure every pet feels safe and secure. This veterinary hospital is dedicated to offering exceptional medical services, customer service, and preventative care. If you’re in the Columbia, MO, area, schedule your appointment today by calling (573) 449-3791 for the Keene Street office, or (573) 449-7387 for Buttonwood Drive’s facility. You can also visit them online for more information on their offices and services.