As our furry companions age, their grooming needs may change. Senior dogs require special care and attention to keep them looking and feeling their best.

Unfortunately, there are many dog guardians out there who seem to think that just because their dog is older and spending more time in bed than out of it, grooming can take a back seat. Some dogs arrive at the groomers so matted, there’s no choice but to shave them, or with nails so long they end up needing veterinary care.

In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the importance of grooming for senior dogs and the best practices to ensure their well-being.

Why Grooming is Essential for Senior Dogs

Grooming plays a crucial role in the overall health of senior dogs. Regular grooming helps prevent matting, skin infections, and other health issues. It also allows pet owners to check for any lumps, bumps, or abnormalities that may require veterinary attention. Sometimes groomers are the first to spot an issue because they’re so hands on with the dog. Additionally, grooming helps senior dogs feel more comfortable and can improve their quality of life.

Grooming Needs for Senior Dogs

Senior dogs may have different grooming needs compared to younger dogs. Their fur may become matted more easily, and may require more frequent brushing to prevent tangles. Older dogs with arthritis or mobility issues may benefit from shorter grooming sessions to reduce stress and discomfort. It is important to tailor the grooming routine to the individual needs of each senior dog.

The Benefits of Professional Grooming

While regular at-home grooming is essential, professional grooming can provide additional benefits for senior dogs. Professional groomers (not all in my experience!) are trained to handle older dogs with care and can provide services such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sanitary trims. In some cases, grooming salons may also offer specialized services such as hydrotherapy baths for senior dogs with joint pain.

Does Your Dog Hate Going to the Groomer?  

Did your dog always enjoy or at least tolerate visits to the groomer, but lately seems reluctant? Believe me, it’s a very common issue confronting many senior dog parents. It makes sense though!

Arthritis, back, or hip problems make it uncomfortable to stand.

Vision problems make them fearful – not knowing where they are, or what’s happening to them.

What’s the solution? Find a new groomer or do it yourself at home?

We’re going to dive deeper into this topic, but first I want to share one of my experiences with having a senior dog groomed.  

Several years ago, my husband and I adopted an old deaf, and mostly blind dog named Josephine (RIP).

Because she was a Shih Tzu it wasn’t just about needed a bath, she needed her fur cut, especially around her eyes. I lost count of the number of groomers I called, asking if they would groom her. Every single one of them said no, and I found that shocking. 

Am I ragging on groomers? No, I’m just sharing my experience.

Having no choice, my husband gave her regular baths, and we bought clippers to go the DIY route. I trimmed her fur while my husband distracted her with treats. The biggest challenge was dealing with the fur around her eyes. No way was I going to risk going near her with a pair of scissors. Our only option, and yes it was our only option, was to take her to the animal hospital to be lightly sedated with a mask, while someone trimmed the hair around her eyes.

It was a very scary and traumatic experience for Josephine and us, and one we never repeated. With no other choice and with lots of treats from my husband, I managed to trim around her eyes on my own.

How to Find a Groomer for Your Senior Dog

Whether your current groomer is no longer comfortable grooming an old dog with health issues, you’re not happy with the way she’s handling your dog as he ages, or you’ve moved and need a new groomer, here are things to consider in your search.

Compile a List

• Start by asking people you know who have dogs – especially if they have older dogs
• Ask your vet and staff if they have any recommendations
• Do an internet search for groomers in your area, and see if they mention experience with senior dogs
• Post in local FB business pages or groups in your area

Speak to the Groomer

When you find a groomer that seems promising, get in touch, tell her about your dog and the issues she’s having, and ask if you can meet in person at her salon to have a chat. I assume you’re as protective of your dogs as I’ve always been of mine, and anyone can tell you anything on the phone. I want to get a sense of the person I’ll be dealing with, and it doesn’t hurt to see where they work.

Questions to Ask

♦ How much experience she has with older dogs who may have vision or hearing problems, skin growths, trouble standing, snippy when handled…and how she deals with them.

♦ Does she use a high-powered nozzle to wash the dogs. This could be scary for some dogs, so if this is what she uses, does she have an alternative.

♦ How does she dry the dogs. Towel or noisy powerful dryer.

♦ Does she have a nonslip mat on the table. In the bathtub.

♦ What about blind dogs – does she keep talking to them to reassure them.

♦ How does she handle an overly stressed dog. Does she stop for a few minutes and try again. Break up an appointment into two sessions if necessary.

♦ How about pee breaks.

If, for whatever reason you’re not sure – say thank you and get in touch with the next person on your list.

Keeping the Appointment as Stress Free as Possible

Should I stay or should I go?

Some dogs are more anxious when their guardians hang around, others need that comfort.

If you’re concerned because it’s someone new, tell the groomer you’re going to hang around the area for a few minutes in case she calls. This way, you can get there quickly.

When we first brought our puppy mill rescue Saffy to the groomer, my husband and I stayed the entire time. Although we had confidence in our groomer, Saffy was such a wreck from being confined for 8 years breeding, we were the only comfort she ever knew, and I didn’t want to leave her. In her case, it was the right decision.

What time to make your appointment

Getting the first appointment of the day means no chance of previous clients running late, delaying your dog’s appointment and adding to his stress levels.

Arriving a bit ahead of when he’s scheduled to be done, means he can leave as soon as he’s finished, no need for the groomer to put him in a cage while he waits for you.   

Don’t worry about perfection

Perhaps when your dog was younger you were interested in fancy hairstyles, no matter how long it took.

Now it’s less about winning beauty pageants (although I’m sure that would be the case no matter what!), and more about the safety and comfort of your dog.

You want your groomer to do a great job, be careful, and be quick.

What about a mobile groomer?

They pull up in your driveway, groom the dog in their van, and you’re done. It couldn’t get any handier than that! This might be the best option for your dog if he’s anxious. No car rides, no waiting around in unfamiliar environments.   

Step by Step Tips for Grooming Your Senior Dog at Home

If you’re considering grooming your dog yourself at home, keep reading!!

*Take extra precautions to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety

*Use gentle grooming tools like soft brushes and combs to avoid irritating their sensitive and thinner skin and for extra care if they have growths

*Take breaks during grooming sessions if he or she becomes tired or restless

*Consult your vet if you notice any changes in his skin or coat

DIY Dog Grooming Supplies

Brushes – Since senior dogs are prone to lumps and bumps and may be less tolerant than they used to be, you want a brush with soft bristles or made of rubber. If you find you need something a bit firmer, you can always get it later. 

Dog clippers – lots of types and prices to choose from

Nail trimmers

Dog ear cleaner

Gauze pads

Toothbrush and toothpaste – doggie toothpaste only please! Some doggie toothbrushes have a brush at either end – one for bigger dogs, and one for smaller. You can also get a toothbrush that fits over your finger, but make sure the size is right for your dog’s mouth.

Shampoo – there are many shampoos available for all skin types. If you’re not sure which one to buy, try a sensitive skin or oatmeal based formulation.

If you think you’re going to groom your dog on a regular basis, it will probably be more cost effective to invest in good quality equipment from the beginning – but of course that’s entirely up to you.

You can find everything you need at your local pet supply store, and of course online.

Brushing and clipping

Brushing your dog regularly helps keep the coat shiny, and plays an important role in the overall health of your dog.

If your dog will be standing while being groomed, make sure it’s on a non-slip surface. If he’s more comfortable lying down, then lying down it is. 

If you’re not feeling too confident about clipping your dog’s nails or fur, you can either take lessons on how to do it properly, or make an appointment for a quick dry cut and nail clip at the groomers.

Bathing

You can use your bathtub, shower, or outside in the garden if it’s a nice warm day. Put the hose and nozzle on a gentle setting, and use a very mild dog shampoo, or whatever your vet recommends if he has a skin condition.

Dry your dog slowly and gently with towels. No scary hair dryer noises, and he may enjoy a good massage in the process just like my dog Jack did.

If you still need to use a blow dryer, put it on a low setting, and brush him at the same time. You want him as dry as possible, so he doesn’t catch a chill.

Things to do regularly

Clean the gunk out of his eyes with a bit of warm water on a gauze pad.

Check his ears for any smell or discharge, which could signal infection. Any concerns, call the vet.

Check his teeth for plaque, you want to see pink gums, and notice if there’s any bad breath. Mouth problems could be either dental disease, or a more serious condition. A trip to the vet is in order – sooner rather than later.

Brush his teeth at least once a week, but as often as you can is better. 

Clip your dog’s nails yourself or have them done professionally.

If your dog has had diarrhea (which is not uncommon in senior dogs), check the fur around his butt. If you need to do a quick trim, use small scissors, and baby wipes or doggie wipes will clean things up nicely.

Misc

If he can’t stand being fussed with for long, keep grooming sessions short. You may give him a bath one day, then brush him the next.

As my dogs got older they didn’t tolerate the cold as well as they used to, so you may need to keep your dog’s coat a bit longer in the winter. A sweater will also help.

You know your dog well, so during one of your grooming sessions you may discover a lump or bump that hadn’t been there before. Please see your vet as soon as possible if that happens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grooming is an essential part of caring for senior dogs. By understanding their unique grooming needs and taking the time to provide regular care, pet parents can help their senior dogs look and feel their best. Whether grooming at home or seeking professional services, the well-being of our senior dogs should always be a top priority.

 

Is your dog still happy going to the same groomer or did you have to find someone new? Did he or she start finding the whole experience too traumatic and you’ve gone the DIY route? I’d love to hear your experiences, so please share your stories below.

 

**I help senior dog parents struggling with anticipatory grief and quality of life issues by offering practical tips, advice and one on one support. I am also a Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, helping you navigate through your pet loss journey.

Visit my services page to book a FREE 20 minute discovery call, or email me (Hindy) at hpearson141@gmail.com if you have any questions.