Dog Groomers For Difficult Dogs? The 117 New Answer

Sometimes it is necessary for medical or nursing reasons to sedate your dog at home. However, it’s important to consult your dog’s veterinarian first to determine the best course of action. There are many prescription tranquilizers that you can administer at home, or you could try an over-the-counter or natural alternative. If your dog’s anxiety is chronic or severe, you should also try some alternative strategies. Regardless of what you decide to do, be sure to contact your dog’s veterinarian to ensure the sedation strategy you are using is safe and appropriate for your pet.

One of the reasons most people take their dog to a professional groomer is because groomers seem to have the amazing ability to get dogs to stay still! The reality is that most dogs get anxious and fidgety around groomers as well, but groomers have a few things in their favor that will help make the grooming session a success.

surfaces

For example, groomers use non-slip surfaces. This type of padding placed on appropriate surfaces (like the top of grooming tables/around bathing areas) really helps a person keep a dog still for grooming purposes. It definitely beats the alternative – slippery surfaces make it nearly impossible to keep a dog still. Non-slip surfaces are also known to help prevent fatigue…in a way, the surface helps the dog stay calm, which also means less work for the groomer.

Tool

There is such a thing as a grooming noose. Now, before you get nervous, realize that this is essentially a specific type of leash that helps keep a dog calm and well-centered on the grooming table—without hurting the dog. Attached to a tall metal bar shaped like an inverted L, the noose holds the dog around his neck. It also prevents the dog from jumping off the table. When does it tighten? Only if the dog pulls. Some groomers use grooming slings. If the dog is particularly shaky, restraints can be used around the neck as well as around the hindquarters.

experienced voice

The words a groomer uses and the way he or she speaks to a dog can really help the dog calm down and remain still for their dog grooming session. Harsh sounds make a dog nervous. Gentle calm the dog. With gentleness, patience, and rewards, a dog can and will sit still. Rewards are especially helpful because they help distract the dog – who will then chew on the snack and distract himself from everything else that’s going on in the room!

Calming environment

Some hairdressers use soothing aids in their salons. They will fill the room with soothing pheromones in the air or essential oils through a diffuser. Maybe they use certain shampoos with soothing ingredients like lavender. When a vet writes a prescription for tranquilizers for a dog’s grooming session, the groomer can use these to keep a dog calm. Note: Only use groomers that give tranquilizers with the approval of a veterinarian.

Do you find it difficult to keep your dog calm? At D’Tails Grooming we can take care of the grooming of your dog; Please call 706-731-0089 for more information.

Have you ever had a dog that was afraid of being groomed or going to the groomer? If your dog runs and hides under the bed when you get out the brush or nail clippers, or starts shaking when you pull up in front of the groomer in your car, what can you do to make your dog more comfortable with grooming? feels?

Dogs show fear in a number of ways; They may breathe faster, gasp, whine, tremble, hide when possible, or even become aggressive. A dog that tries to flee or becomes aggressive is particularly difficult to care for and poses a danger to itself. Some cleaning implements are sharp, and a dog that doesn’t keep still could be accidentally injured. If the dog bites or scratches out of fear, it could injure the person caring for it. In any case, your dog will not be very popular with the person doing the grooming!

When you try to groom your dog, his anxiety can make the process much longer and not fun at all. Finding ways to ease or overcome the anxiety of grooming a dog is necessary to keep everyone safe and to make your dog more comfortable with the process. There are several steps you can take to make caring for an anxious dog easier and safer for everyone involved.

Dogs get just as anxious as humans. Because they don’t have the same ability to perceive actual threats as humans, they can mistakenly believe that the slightest action would harm them.

For example, grooming, whether at home or at the groomer’s, can trigger an anxiety attack in a dog. Although behavior modification can be helpful, some dogs require sedation for home grooming sessions.

When do dogs need sedation?

Many dogs live their entire lives without sedation, while others are naturally anxious and often require sedation. The following are some of the dog breeds that are more prone to anxiety during grooming.

border collie

German shepherd dog

Cocker spaniel

basset hound

chihuahua

If a dog is overly anxious, they will not allow their owner to groom them effectively. Your dog may be showing increasing signs of stress.

Many dogs experience brief bursts of intense anxiety during grooming, especially when clipping their toenails. You need to understand the signs of anxiety so you know when to sedate your dog.

How do I know if my dog ​​is anxious?

Whether you’re grooming at home or taking your dog to a professional, it’s important to recognize the signs of anxiety. If you notice any of the following signs, do not continue with the grooming session. Instead, contact your veterinarian or a canine behavior specialist for advice.

Your dog’s ears can be pulled back.

Dogs can try to escape. If the dog is having a full-blown panic attack, it can injure itself.

The dog may try to crouch or ball up and appear as small as possible.

Anxious or fearful dogs will tuck their tails between their legs.

If your dog’s eyes are fully open and more white than usual is visible, it means he’s stressed.

Dogs will pant uncontrollably when they are anxious.

Some dogs will start shaking violently while frightened.

A dog under extreme stress may have a bathroom accident.

Dogs sometimes snap, growl, or bite when overly frightened.

Your dog may suddenly start showing his teeth as a sign of aggression.

Oftentimes, dogs will tighten their muscles tightly when they are anxious or anxious.

Is It Safe to Sedate Your Dog at Home?

Seducing a dog means calming it down enough to do grooming tasks at home. Some people mistakenly believe that sedation means strict administration of drugs. While this is a method many owners use, it’s not the only one.

Sedation is safe when used under the guidance of a veterinarian. A veterinarian will assist you in making sure you are taking the right measures. Medical sedation should only be used when other methods of behavior modification have failed.

Consider the following steps to calm your dog down for grooming at home.

fun playtime

Ample playtime can tire your dog and make him more relaxed. Many vets recommend their owners to take their dogs for fetch or other fun activities.

Throwing a frisbee or ball at your dog will force him to do lots of exercise while having lots of fun. Your dog will love the interaction. Just like humans, dogs get tired after intense training sessions.

Relaxation during a care session is essential. By tiring your dog out with fun play, he’ll be much calmer when you’re trying to groom him.

If you are at home, wait until your dog is ready to relax or go to sleep, and then try grooming him gently. This calming technique may not work for all dogs and may require consistent work on your part.

Gentle touch & massage

Dogs love attention from their owners. They like being touched. Gently petting your dog will help reduce their stress levels and make them calmer.

When grooming your dog, be sure to touch them gently as often as possible. If your dog seems upset about the grooming process, take a break and offer them pets. Use a soothing voice when speaking to your dog while grooming him.

Rubbing your dog’s outer ears is a great way to calm him down. Studies have shown that rubbing a dog’s ears releases feel-good endorphins throughout the body. Your dog will immediately feel much calmer and may even become sleepy. Soothing your dog is an essential part of grooming.

Take your dog for a long walk

Before you start grooming your dog, he needs to be in a relaxed state. A natural way to calm your dog down is to take them for a long walk before grooming.

A long walk will make a dog tired, especially if you walk at a brisk pace. Most dogs are happy to come home for a nap after a long walk.

If your dog naturally gets tired after a walk, try to do the necessary grooming when you get home. Your dog’s body will be full of endorphins from exercise, so he’s more likely to remain calm while you groom.

Try aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is beneficial for both humans and dogs. Using essential oils, which are good for your dog’s skin and known to provide relaxation, will provide a calming atmosphere before and during grooming.

Don’t forget to massage the oils into your dog’s skin. The massaging effect will help to further soothe your furry friend and cause him to relax deeply.

Once you see signs of relaxation, you can gently perform any grooming tasks, such as: B. trimming your dog’s hair or even using dog nail grinders. Lavender is one of the most calming essential oils for dogs.

Use medication to safely sedate your dog

Despite carefully training your dog and using other methods of reassurance, your dog may remain anxious during home grooming sessions. Are medications an option?

Before delving too deeply into this method, it’s important to understand that giving medication to your dog without your vet’s guidance can be dangerous. Sedatives can be safe for dogs as long as they are administered under the direction of a veterinarian. One of the greatest dangers of drug sedation is overdose.

The two most popular vet-prescribed tranquilizers for dogs are acepromazine and diazepam [1]. These are available to pets by prescription only. Your veterinarian will determine the right dosage based on your dog’s weight.

If you use tranquilizers to groom your dog at home, don’t use more than the veterinarian recommends. Too much can cause side effects in your dog, including difficulty breathing.

Your dog should not be rendered unconscious with medical sedation. The dog should be sleepy but not completely unconscious.

After your dog has been groomed, it’s a good idea to let him sleep off the medication while safely snuggled in a crate.

Your vet will only prescribe a light dose of sedative for your dog, which should only make your pup drowsy for about an hour or two. After administering the sedative, do not walk your dog or expect him to perform. Allowing your dog to sleep soundly is the surest way to ensure the medication wears off.

Seducing a dog is often a trial and error process

Not all approaches to sedation work for all dogs. It’s often a trial and error process. You should start with no-medication trials and see how your dog is doing. Some owners combine several methods, e.g. B. walking their dog, followed by an aromatherapy massage. Below are some additional tips that you will find useful when tranquilizing your dog with medication.

Vets often recommend a trial run on a tranquilizer. If you plan to use a prescription-strength grooming tranquilizer, give the dog the medication first and just watch how it affects him. If you have any concerns, report them to your vet immediately. Dogs that have been sedated may have trouble maintaining their body temperature. Reduced blood flow, along with drowsiness, could make your dog more prone to accidents. Let your furry friend sleep in one of the most comfortable dog sleeping positions while the medication is draining from their system. Don’t be alarmed if your dog’s veterinarian recommends combining two canine tranquilizers. For some dogs, combining two sedatives helps provide more effective sedation without as many side effects. Some medications are not safe to combine, so always follow your veterinarian’s directions for dosing. Your vet will likely require that your dog undergo a health evaluation before prescribing tranquilizers. Some types of anxiety symptoms can be caused by health problems.

The dos & don’ts of sedation for your dog

In addition to the information above, there are some do’s and don’ts that should always be followed when it comes to sedating your dog. Before you give a dog medication and clip their nails, here are a few things to keep in mind.

DOS

Never attempt to groom your dog unless he is relaxed. A relaxed state puts your dog in a better mental state.

Be sure to use pleasant sounds and a soft voice when speaking to your dog during the grooming session.

Always use a gentle touch when trying to keep your dog calm, with or without sedation.

Try to introduce grooming products as early as possible in a dog’s life. Introducing grooming during the puppy stage will help your dog adjust better.

Stay alert and careful when grooming your dog. Practice all safety steps.

Make sure to always be patient. Remember that your dog may not be able to mentally process things the way you can.

nothing

Don’t attempt to groom your dog without exercise. Use practice sessions to get your dog used to the tools and actions.

Don’t yell at your dog!

Do not use scissors around your dog’s eyes or mouth.

Do not give your dog treats while he is sedated as this can pose a choking hazard.

Don’t rush the grooming process. Give yourself plenty of time.

Don’t give up if a calming method doesn’t work right away.

Frequently asked questions about sedating your dog for home care

Sedation is a daunting topic for many dog ​​owners. If your dog shows signs of anxiety while being groomed, it may help to ask your vet about sedation. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dog sedation.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog ​​to calm down?

Many dog ​​owners use Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to calm their dogs for grooming or when traveling. Benadryl is not a sedative but is used to treat allergies. It has sedating side effects. Most vets recommend giving a dog 1 mg per pound of body weight. Check with your veterinarian for the correct dose.

How can I safely sedate my dog ​​for grooming?

Most dog owners are concerned about dog sedation because they fear it is unsafe. If you follow your vet’s advice, sedation is safe. Never mix medications or attempt to give a dog a tranquilizer that has not been discussed with your veterinarian. Supervise your dog and never leave him alone while he is sedated.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog ​​before grooming?

The amount of Benadryl for dogs varies based on weight [2]. Most vets recommend 1 mg per pound of body weight. Although Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication, you should never give it to your dog without a veterinarian’s approval.

Can I give my dog ​​Benadryl for grooming to calm him down?

It is generally considered safe to give your dog Benadryl before grooming, but there are some words of caution. Benadryl, especially when given in too high a dose, can cause dry mouth, lethargy, and even vomiting. Only give this medication with your veterinarian’s approval.

Talk to your vet today

Concerned about your dog’s anxiety when trying to groom themselves at home? If so, you are certainly not alone. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s anxiety symptoms today. Your vet will likely offer you some of the above information to safely sedate your dog during grooming.

Dog fear is widespread. It can prevent your dog from enjoying normal canine activities…like walking around the neighborhood. So it’s important to find a way to help her relax and have fun!

While some veterinarians will prescribe pharmaceutical medications for your dog, they may not be the best choice. Anti-anxiety medications can have some pretty bad side effects (read about them). Fortunately, there are many remedies that naturally calm dogs down.

First of all, some background information on fear of dogs.

Common types of anxiety in dogs

There are 2 types of dog anxiety… behavioral and situational.

1. Behavioral Anxiety

Behavioral anxiety is when your dog is constantly afraid of something.

Separation anxiety is a perfect example. It is the most common fear in dogs. Some experts estimate that around 14% of dogs suffer from it. These dogs are afraid of being home alone or separated from you in any way. You show signs of stress when you pick up your keys or when you leave the house.

But separation anxiety is just one example… there are many other causes of behavioral anxiety, including:

past trauma

abuse

New home

loss of a loved one

2. Situational Anxiety

Situational anxiety is when your dog is afraid of something specific. Common triggers of situational anxiety in dogs include:

Storms, fireworks, or other loud noises

car rides

Go to the vet or groomer

Many dogs also suffer from chronic anxiety or anxiety as a side effect of over-vaccination, particularly rabies. If you think this is the case with your dog, it is best to consult a homeopathic veterinarian to treat his condition. Find one at theavh.org. Most conduct telephone consultations.

Anxiety can also show up or worsen as your dog ages. This is usually associated with cognitive dysfunction and disorders.

Signs of anxiety in dogs

Sometimes it’s easy to tell when your dog is anxious. In other cases, you may need to be extra careful. These are some of the most common signs of dog anxiety:

Chewing or destructive behavior

barking or crying

restlessness, pace

Excessive licking

aggression

Loss of appetite, refusal to eat

tremors or tremors

Excessive panting

What are conventional treatments for dog anxiety?

If you ask your vet about treating dog anxiety, chances are you’ll pick up a bottle of anti-anxiety medication for your dog. These include drugs like Valium, Xanax, ProZac, Paxil, or Lorazepam. You may have even heard of them…many are human drugs.

Most dogs will need to take these medications for several weeks before a change occurs. But this does not mean that the treatment stops afterwards. Some dogs may eventually stop taking them, others will require lifelong treatment.

And these drugs come with a long list of undesirable side effects, including…

Side Effects of Conventional Treatment Increased or decreased appetite

lethargy and/or drowsiness

Affected learning and memory

Increased urination

Stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting

Increased aggression and anxiety

damage to the liver

seizures

insomnia

Skin Conditions Some of these drugs can cause withdrawal symptoms if used long term and stopped too quickly. But there are many natural solutions.

Natural Remedies for Dog Anxiety

Before we talk about remedies, here are some ways you can help your dog with his anxiety in the long term.

Training tips for dog anxiety

If your dog is anxious, you can try to distract him or help him get out of the situation. Give your dog a treat or toy, ask him for tricks, pet him, or take him to a safe place. Soothing music and weighted blankets can also help.

In the long term, you can try to desensitize your dog to the stressor. For example, if your dog has separation anxiety, practice the activities you normally do before you leave… but don’t walk. Pick up and put away your keys or coat. When you go, be matter-of-fact and don’t worry about saying goodbye to your dog. Say hello to them calmly and without fuss when you get back home. You can also practice with short absences and slowly increase the absences. This will help her get used to you coming and going.

Another option is counterconditioning. To do this, you want to teach your dog to associate their triggers with something good. For example, if your dog is afraid of loud noises and something goes off, treat and pet them. This will help her associate loud noises with a good feeling. When you use desensitization and counterconditioning together, they can be even more effective.

There are also several alternative means of naturally calming dogs to relieve their anxiety. Here are 6 of our favorites.

#1 CBD Oil

The use of CBD oil for dogs is exploding due to its many benefits. It helps with pain management, seizures… and even cancer. And CBD oil also shows great results in managing dog anxiety.

How does CBD oil work?

It’s all about the endocannabinoid system. The body has cannabinoid receptors throughout the central nervous system. Your dog’s body releases endocannabinoid chemicals on its own. These connect to the receptors that stimulate your natural ability to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a natural mood stabilizer.

Research shows that CBD increases this ability. It interacts with the nervous system to ease and calm your dog’s anxiety.

CBD is great for dogs with situational anxiety as it works fairly quickly. If a storm is coming or you are driving your car, give your dog CBD oil 30-60 minutes beforehand. This will help her calm down and stay relaxed.

To give it to your dog, follow the dosage directions on the bottle. You can add it to your dog’s food or put it directly in his mouth.

DNM RECOMMENDS: Four Leaf Rover offers full-spectrum CBD oil for dogs. This organic hemp oil contains a wide range of cannabinoids that help calm your dog. Buy Full Spectrum CBD Oil Now >>

RELATED: How to Pick the Best CBD Oil for Dogs…

#2 herbs

There are several herbs that can help relieve your dog’s anxiety.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L) – There’s a reason people drink chamomile tea before bed…it’s a gentle herb with calming effects. It can help your dog relax and settle his stomach when he’s nervous. Use it when your dog gets nervous in the car and gets motion sickness.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – Valerian is the best-known herbal tranquilizer. It is safe and gentle and calms the nerves. It also promotes physical relaxation. Use during stressful events or when your dog becomes hysterical or overexcited.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – St. John’s Wort is a safe, effective alternative to antidepressants. Use for dogs with anxiety or separation anxiety (thunderstorms or fireworks).

You can use these herbs in various forms – as a tea, tincture or in capsules.

Tea When brewing tea, pour it over your dog’s food or into his water. 1 to 20 lbs…1/4 cup, 1-3 times per day

20 to 50 lbs… 1/4 – 1/2 cup, 1-3 times a day

50 to 100 lbs… 1 cup, 1-3 times a day

Tincture When using a tincture, add it to water or food, or put it directly in the mouth. 1 to 20 lbs… 1-4 drops, 2-3 times daily

20 to 50 lbs…5-10 drops, 2-3 times daily

50 to 100 lbs…10-20 drops, 2-3 times daily

Capsule If you are giving your dog a capsule, open it and add it to your dog’s food. You can also put it in a piece of meat, cheese or banana and give it to your dog like that. 1 to 20 lbs… 1/2 – 1 capsule, 1-3 times daily

20 to 50 lbs…1 or 2 capsules, 2-3 times daily

50 to 100 lbs…1 or 2 capsules, 3-4 times daily

#3 Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies are effective because they are chosen to suit specific symptoms. They are also very safe.

To give these remedies, mix 3 of the small beads in a glass of filtered water (try not to touch them with your hands). Mix them together with a spoon and apply some of the liquid to your dog’s gums with a teaspoon or a clean dropper.

Determine what’s causing the anxiety and use one of these remedies for quick relief. In general, you should start with 3 doses 12 hours apart, then stop and wait for changes before dosing again.

Aconitum 30C Aconitum is a good remedy to start with. It generally helps with anxiety and can be given every 15 minutes during a storm. Just continue until you see improvement. If you don’t see improvement, try another remedy.

Phosphorus 30C Phosphorus is good for all noise phobias. You can give it once or twice a day.

Pulsatilla 6C or 30C This is a good remedy for dogs with separation anxiety.

Borax 6C Borax is specific for fear of thunderstorms and you can give it twice a day.

Gelsemium 6C or 30C Gelsemium is often used to treat separation anxiety. It can even lead to diarrhea or involuntary urination when a dog is under extreme stress that needs this remedy. RELATED: What you need to know about homeopathy for dogs…

#4 Bach flower essences

About 75 years ago, the English doctor Edward Bach found that the essence of certain flowers helps restore emotional balance. This makes them perfect for relieving stress and calming an anxious dog. (It’s also good for your own stress).

These remedies are gentle, non-toxic, and your dog cannot overdose on them. You can use individual essences that suit your dog’s specific fears and anxieties, or you can use the well-known Rescue Remedy blend. It is available at most health food stores.

Rescue Remedy is a pre-made blend of Bach Flowers:

Star of Bethlehem

rock rose

cherry plum

Impatient

clematis

It can help in all sorts of stressful situations. Use it to relieve stress before going to the vet or hairdresser. It’s also good for separation anxiety or situations that you know cause anxiety.

RELATED: Read more about flower remedies for dogs…

#5 Essential Oils

Essential oils like lavender and violet leaf are great for calming your dog’s anxiety. You can also try blending oils. These blends come from aromatherapist Joy Musacchio:

Separation Anxiety: Neroli, Violet Leaf, Vetiver, Lavender, Rose Hydrolate. Fear of Thunder and Fireworks: Frankincense, Rose Otto, Hops and Cornflower Hydrolate. General Anxiety: Frankincense, Violet Leaf, Lime Blossom, Roman Chamomile, Hemp.

For each recipe, mix 5 drops of each oil in 2-3 ounces of a carrier oil such as almond oil or apricot kernel oil.

Spray the diluted oil on your dog’s bed or blanket, or in the air. You can also use a diffuser, but make sure your dog can leave the room if the oils make him uncomfortable.

Cautions: Never let your dog swallow essential oils. Never use undiluted essential oils on your dog.

Essential oils are very powerful for dogs, so hydrolates can be a much gentler option. Hydrosols are leftovers from the essential oil manufacturing process. They are far less concentrated than the essential oils and are considered safer for dogs.

From canine herbalist Rita Hogan, this calming spray is great for general anxiety. The chamomile and lavender hydrolates it contains calm and soothe your dog.

ingredients

½ oz Neroli (Citrus aurantium) hydrolate

½ oz Blue Chamomile Hydrosol (Matricaria recutita).

5 drops of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia).

Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle. Shake before use and spray your dog. Store in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Anxiety can affect your dog’s (and your own) quality of life. But these natural solutions can help her get some relief.

Most people fall into two categories when it comes time to sedate a dog for grooming. Some think it’s no big deal and that whenever we need to do something that makes them uncomfortable, we should sedate animals. The other people are terrified of drugging a dog to get them through a scary situation.

Somewhere between these two extremes there is a happy medium. Sedation and reassurance are means we can use to prevent our dogs from going through extreme anxiety if they don’t understand we are trying to help them. But it shouldn’t be the easy fix to get everyday grooming routines like grooming done.

Every time you administer a drug to an animal, there are risks involved. Thank goodness modern medicines are much safer than medicines used 20-30 years ago. As safe as modern medicines can be when used correctly, we should not be complacent in administering them to dogs.

It’s okay to sedate a dog for grooming if it keeps them from suffering from extreme anxiety and fear. Sedation can protect the dog and the person trying to groom it from injury. But it might be unethical to use sedation for restraint without also using other techniques to help a frightened animal adjust to the situation.

Why Your Dog Hates Grooming

Not all dogs hate being groomed. Some dogs consider it a fun way to get attention. Others are very upset and confused about bathing, brushing and nail trimming.

Common reasons dogs hate grooming:

Grooming requires close contact between human and dog

It often occurs in noisy places with many other dogs

Many dogs are afraid of people they don’t know

Your dog may not be used to being touched so much

Even if you groom your dog at home, it’s possible that your dog won’t understand what you’re trying to do and will become frightened.

Depending on your dog’s coat, grooming can also be painful. Long-haired dogs with tangled, matted fur are already in pain from the mats pulling on their skin. Then it is even more painful when a person begins to pull the fur with a brush.

Finally, dog grooming usually involves clipping the nails, which is annoying for many dogs.

A dog’s paws are very delicate and even gentle handling can be uncomfortable. Your dog may have experienced painful and frightening nail clipping at some point in his life.

Your dog may associate any type of pet grooming with clipping their claws and get upset before you can even get to their claws.

When should you allow the groomer to sedate your dog?

Sometimes it is necessary to sedate a dog to groom them for health reasons. If your groomer has suggested that your dog be sedated for grooming, this should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Many veterinary clinics have their own dog groomers. The type of sedation used will depend on your dog’s level of anxiety and health. Your veterinarian may recommend giving your dog an oral tranquilizer at home before taking him to the groomer.

Dogs that are so anxious that they injure themselves while being groomed may need injectable tranquilizers administered by the vet at the clinic. If your dog requires heavy sedation or general anesthesia, they will be monitored to protect them while they are unconscious. If there are problems with the sedative the vet is in the same building to provide assistance.

It’s risky to sedate your dog at a grooming salon without a vet on the premises. Even a mild sedative can cause unexpected reactions in dogs. A groomer does not have the medical equipment or staff needed to help your dog.

Dog sedation goes very smoothly most of the time, but if your dog is among that small percentage of complicated cases, they need to have a doctor nearby to help.

Different levels of sedation for dog grooming

Not every dog ​​requires deep sedation to be safely groomed. Veterinarians assess a dog’s behavior and anxiety level when choosing the type of reassurance to give them for grooming.

Oral tranquilizers for mild anxiety

Dogs with anxiety that is limited to shaking, shaking, and hiding during grooming might do well taking an oral tranquilizer at home before heading to the grooming store.

Oral sedatives are less predictable than injectable or inhaled sedation methods. You won’t know your dog’s exact reaction until he takes the medication and is groomed. Most veterinarians start with a lower dose than they think your dog needs and work their way up as needed.

Some of the most commonly prescribed oral tranquilizers/sedatives for dogs include:

acepromazine

alprazolam

gabapentin

trazodone

Can you use Benadryl to sedate a dog?

Contrary to what you will read on the internet, most veterinarians would not recommend Benadryl to calm a dog for grooming. It is unlikely that you would notice any major sedating effects from this antihistamine in an anxious dog.

So in short… NO – you CANNOT use Benadryl to sedate a dog!

Injectable tranquilizers for caring for anxious dogs

Once a dog’s anxiety level is at its peak, oral tranquilizers do very little to calm him down.

I’ve seen dogs given fairly strong doses of oral tranquilizers still trying to bite and thrash about while being groomed. As soon as they come home and the anxiety is over, they are heavily sedated and sleep for 4 hours. This is not an ideal situation!

Dogs with extreme grooming anxiety often require an injectable tranquilizer. Your vet will select an appropriate tranquilizer to make grooming your dog less stressful. This often means that the dog is very drowsy from the medication, but not unconscious.

The effects of injectable tranquilizers can last anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours. Stunned dogs should be monitored by medical professionals until they have fully recovered.

General anesthesia for dog grooming

There are very few dogs that need to be completely anesthetized for grooming. Dogs under this type of anesthesia are usually intubated to ensure they are breathing properly. They must be monitored by trained medical personnel at all times.

Bathing a dog under general anesthesia comes with its own set of risks due to the possible low body temperature. I will often ask a groomer to clip the coat but not bathe the dogs first to reduce the risk of hypothermia.

How Often Can You Sedate a Dog for Grooming?

Most healthy dogs can handle oral grooming tranquilizers every 4-6 months. But if your dog requires general anesthesia? This will take a toll on your dog’s health (not to mention your wallet) if you do it every few months.

Heavy sedation and anesthesia are far from easy procedures and should be avoided whenever possible. It’s far better to work with your dog to make him tolerate the grooming so he doesn’t have to go through a major medical procedure every time he needs a haircut.

Calm down a dog at home for grooming

Customers often ask their vet about something to calm a dog down for grooming at home. While I agree that being groomed at home is less stressful for a dog, I don’t think it’s safe to sedate your dog at home. If your dog requires more than light reassurance, it should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian at a fully equipped veterinary facility.

You can talk to your vet about whether your dog is healthy enough to take a mild oral tranquilizer like acepromazine to help with grooming at home. But any medication that actually calms your dog comes with risks and shouldn’t be attempted at home. DO NOT DO IT!

I’m not using exaggeration here or trying to scare you. I have seen many, many situations where sedated dogs had unexpected reactions and might have died had they not had a vet nearby. Don’t let this happen to your dog.

If you give your dog a mild oral tranquilizer, remember that he could still get very upset at being groomed. Go slowly and be careful not to push him past his fear threshold.

If you find that the oral tranquilizer isn’t strong enough to groom your dog, allow the tranquilizer to wear off and contact your veterinarian to discuss the best next step.

Over the counter dog tranquilizer pills

Now I want to address the recommendation I’ve seen all over the internet to use Benadryl as a dog grooming tranquilizer. At best, Benadryl makes already calm dogs more relaxed and a little sleepy.

Benadryl is generally safe as an antihistamine for dogs, but it could be fatal if administered in excessive amounts.

Benadryl is not a suitable tranquilizer or tranquilizer for dogs.

There are other unsafe recommendations for using over-the-counter cold medicines or medicines that people are prescribed.

I’ve seen deadly results when people give their dogs cold medicine or human prescriptions to calm them down.

I will never forget the poor dog who was fed excessive amounts of cold medicine to calm him down. He became very ill and was taken to the hospital dying of liver failure.

Please do not waste your time or put your dog at risk by trying to calm him down with over-the-counter tranquilizers or human medication. Talk to a veterinarian and get help so your dog gets proper care the first time and doesn’t have to go through repeated stress.

Natural tranquilizers for dogs

There are many rumors on the internet about natural tranquilizers. People talk about valerian root, passion flower, rescue remedy, essential oils and so on.

At best, these are mild sedatives that can help a dog relax a bit in situations that aren’t very scary. At worst, a natural tranquilizer could cause organ damage.

Just because a substance is natural doesn’t mean it’s completely non-toxic. Most of these natural tranquilizers have not been tested and are not approved for use in dogs.

I have never seen a dog that is normally afraid of grooming being drugged by a natural substance to the point where it could be groomed. You would probably have to administer a toxic dose of most natural substances to achieve any degree of actual sedation.

Please do not experiment with it! We have safe ways to sedate dogs. Don’t put your dog’s life at risk.

Cost to sedate a dog

You may be concerned about the cost of calming your dog down for grooming.

The cost of oral sedation includes a veterinary exam and the negligible cost of the pills. Most likely you will spend less than $100 (not including the maintenance fees).

If your dog needs injectable sedation, it can range from $100 to $200 depending on where you live.

General anesthesia can cost $300 to $500 or more depending on your regional location and how long the procedure lasts. If your dog is older or has certain health issues, your veterinarian may also request diagnostic tests prior to anesthesia.

Teach your dog to accept grooming/claw clipping

The best way to avoid having to sedate your dog for grooming every 4 to 8 weeks is to teach him to accept it without sedation.

I recommend training in the techniques of desensitization and counterconditioning. Desensitization means gradually building up a dog’s tolerance to the feared event. Counterconditioning involves gradually getting the dog to associate the feared event with something positive, such as a quality treat.

In order to achieve this, you have to make sure that grooming doesn’t hurt and that you don’t push the dog past its fear limit.

Yes, that takes time! As a dog owner, it’s the absolute nicest thing you can do for your anxious dog.

Enlist the help of a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement so they can show you exactly what to do. It’s important to understand the timing of when to give positive reinforcement and when to end your nurturing session.

You should also find a professional groomer willing to use the same training methods. Ask if you can stay to observe the first nursing session. You can make sure the groomer understands the training process and you can learn a few things from them at the same time.

Continue to use the amount of medication needed to keep the dog calm for routine grooming while exercising to reduce their anxiety.

Every bad experience your dog has while brushing will make it harder next time.

It is very important that your dog stays below their fear and anxiety threshold while grooming!

summary

Oral tranquilizers can be helpful in dogs with mild grooming anxiety, but should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Sedating a dog for grooming is a serious procedure that should be performed under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

Desensitization and counterconditioning training can help a dog accept the care without the need for sedatives or tranquilizers.

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Last updated February 15, 2022. Checked for accuracy December 11, 2019 by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM

KEY FINDINGS Benadryl is a brand name for an antihistamine (diphenhydramine HCl) that can help reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions and even anxiety.

Benadryl is a relatively safe and effective medication for dogs and cats, but you should check with your veterinarian first.

Know the right dosage for your dog and watch closely for side effects.

Benadryl is not yet FDA approved for veterinary use, but is generally considered safe for use in dogs with mild to moderate allergies. Benadryl is a brand name for an antihistamine (diphenhydramine HCl) that can help relieve symptoms of allergic reactions and even anxiety. Histamine is a substance released by mast cells (a type of immune cell) that is responsible for inflammation and other allergy symptoms. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which blocks histamine receptors on the cell surface, meaning the receptors cannot ‘accept’ histamine trying to attach and trigger an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of allergic reactions that can be treated with Benadryl include hives, swelling, and itching. Severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian (who can give diphenhydramine along with other emergency injections).

Benadryl use for dogs

Many vets approve of Benadryl for home use as a regular treatment. It can be suitable for:

Seasonal Allergies

food allergies

environmental allergies

snake and insect bites

motion sickness

fear

Heartworm treatment (prevents allergic reactions during treatment)

Treatment of mast cell tumors (decreases response to massive release of histamine from mast cells)

How does Benadryl work for motion sickness or anxiety?

Dogs can experience fear in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations, such as B. during a move, at the vet visit or when left alone. Because Benadryl also causes drowsiness, pet parents have also had good luck using the drug to calm their anxious dog.

Some dogs suffer from motion sickness when riding in cars, which can be due to anxiety. The Merck Veterinary Manual also recommends using Benadryl to relieve motion sickness during car journeys. In some cases, the sedative effects of Benadryl can be enough to reduce auto-anxiety and its associated symptoms. However, for dogs that continue to get stomach pains when driving in the car, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

Is Benadryl safe for dogs?

Benadryl is a relatively safe and effective medication for dogs and cats, but there is a caveat. It’s safest to check with your pet’s veterinarian first, especially if other conditions or symptoms are present.

“Benadryl is widely available over the counter and can be used on the advice of your veterinarian for mild itching from allergies, bug bites, flea irritation, and a number of other conditions,” says Dr. Justin Shmalberg, Animal Nutritionist at NomNomNow. “It’s a very safe drug; It can cause drowsiness in some pets, but my clients have never found this to occur to a worrying degree. Of course, if a problem persists, if there are open sores, or if you notice any side effects to this medication, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible.”

Benadryl dosage for dogs

The usual dosage is around 1 mg per pound, two to three times a day. Vets often recommend starting with half a dose to see how much it sedates the dog the first time. Pet owners should be aware that tablets and capsules commonly come in 25mg sizes, but other sizes (such as 50mg) also exist. Read the labels on the bottle.

Benadryl pills/tablets

dr Shmalberg recommends the following with a 25 mg tablet:

Dog size 25 mg tablet Diphenhydramine Very small (4-10 pounds) ¼ tablet Small (10-20 pounds) ½ tablet Medium (20-30 pounds) 1 tablet Larger dogs 1 tablet per 25 pounds of body weight

Benadryl for children

Chewable tablets for children typically contain 12.5 mg per tablet.

Dog size 12.5 mg tablet Very small (4-10 pounds) ½ tablet Small (10-20 pounds) 1 tablet Medium (20-30 pounds) 2 tablets Larger dogs 2 tablets per 25 pounds of body weight

Liquid Benadryl

Because liquid medications are not absorbed like tablets, please speak to your veterinarian before administering liquid Benadryl.

Possible side effects of Benadryl

If your dog or cat has a chronic medical condition such as glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or seizures, or is pregnant, consult your veterinarian before dosing your pet, as some of these conditions may be made worse by the addition of the medication. The most common side effects include:

sleepiness

Dry mouth

urinary retention

Increased heart rate

Rapid breathing

The rarest side effects are diarrhea and vomiting

Can my dog ​​overdose on Benadryl?

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, it’s possible for your dog to overdose on Benadryl. Signs of overdose are central nervous system (CNS) hyperexcitability and can be fatal. Signs usually show up within an hour of ingestion.

Can my dog ​​overdose on Benadryl?

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, it’s possible for your dog to overdose on Benadryl. Signs of overdose are central nervous system (CNS) hyperexcitability and can be fatal. Signs usually show up within an hour of ingestion.

When to see a vet

If you suspect your dog has overdosed, call or visit your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

Here are some warning signs to look out for:

hyperactivity or depression

Excessive salivation

Rapid breathing

Rapid heartbeat

Dilated pupils

agitation

constipation

seizures

Can a Dog Have an Allergy to Benadryl?

Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to Benadryl. If your dog shows symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. Because Benadryl for Dogs is often used to treat allergies, you should keep a close eye on your dog after Benadryl is first given to make sure allergy symptoms aren’t getting worse.

When NOT to give Benadryl to your dog:

Benadryl is only suitable for mild to moderate reactions. If your pet is having an acute allergic reaction with facial swelling or difficulty breathing, get to the vet right away.

If your dog has glaucoma, high blood pressure, seizures, or epilepsy or cardiovascular disease, do not give them Benadryl. It could make these conditions worse.

Do not give your dog Benadryl if she is pregnant.

If your dog is taking any other medications, it’s especially important that you consult your veterinarian before giving your dog Benadryl, as there can be drug interactions that can be harmful or make an existing condition worse.

Benadryl Dos and Don’ts

Check with your veterinarian before administering Benadryl.

Watch your dog closely for at least an hour after giving him Benadryl.

Give your dog the correct dosage based on their size.

Do not give Benadryl if your dog is having a severe allergic reaction – get to the vet straight away.

Do not give Benadryl if your dog has glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, seizures or epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, or is pregnant.

According to data from Healthy Paws in the 2018 Cost of Pet Health Care report, allergies were the eighth most common reason for dog parents to visit the vet.

The content is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options.

Small dogs should be treated and trained similarly to large dogs and with similar expectations. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Small dogs are often picked up and kept close to their owners when they are agitated or behaving aggressively. This increases the aggressive emotional state, and over time this can cause a small dog to bite. As a result, many small dogs can be snappy, especially in unfamiliar situations or with unfamiliar people. Because of their small size, a small dog can also be intimidated when they feel startled, threatened, or uncomfortable, which can happen when grooming, a brush snagging in a tangle, water being uncomfortable when bathing, or the sound of Hair clippers startle him. Small dogs, on the other hand, sometimes develop a bad habit of biting while grooming.

Whether you groom your small dog yourself or take him to a professional groomer, there are steps you need to take to ensure that you or your groomer doesn’t go missing a piece of skin!

Brushing a dog that is biting can be pretty scary. If you have a dog that bites, you may not have a groomer willing to touch your dog. This could mean having to brush your dog all the time and possibly getting bitten.

Outside of the obvious muzzle, you can latch your dog to stop him from biting. One thing you can do is teach your dog not to bite. If he bites while being brushed, it’s probably because he doesn’t like being brushed, is afraid of the brush, or has been abused in the past. Although there could be other reasons your dog might be upset and bite when brushing, you can teach him to be tolerant and well mannered when brushing.

This article was co-authored by Marie Lin. Marie Lin is a licensed pet groomer and owner of Marie’s Pet Grooming, a pet grooming salon based in New York City. Marie has over 10 years of pet care experience specializing in dogs and cats. She earned her pet grooming certification from the American Academy of Pet Grooming New York in 2009 and is also a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Hawaii Pacific University in 2007. This article has been viewed 67,496 times.

You have to be careful with the groomers. They’re a different kind of professional. We had our problems keeping a good groomer. In four years we have seen four different groomers. They’re hard to keep. While there are good things to say after a dog has been groomed, there are many things NOT to say after the dog has been groomed. Even though our dogs are our babies, we still consider them show dogs. In reality, however, a show dog is a very expensive dog with diet, exercise, and a lot of grooming costing thousands of dollars each year. Most of us would appreciate a well behaved dog that looks respectable in public. So before you go to the groomer, here are 5 things NOT to tell the groomer:

5 things NOT to say to the groomer

Can you remove the stench in my dog? If your dog stinks, we will do our best to remove the stink. It goes without saying, but we will say it again, this is NOT a thing to say after a dog has been groomed. More often than not, the dog’s “stink” got there through a combination of dog food and behaviors. Yes, we can bathe the dog in turpentine and try to kill the stink, but there are some shampoos that contain better chemicals to get rid of the stink. We use hypoallergenic dog shampoos or oatmeal bath products to prevent dog skin from drying out. But if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, don’t expect a miracle, and please…… be honest with the groomer about where and how your dog became this stinky mess. Dog grooming in Jacksonville can be a challenge at times! NOTHING to say after grooming a dog.

A muzzle protects the bather and the dog

Can you please trim my dog’s nails and not muzzle it, that’s too inhumane? Unless your dog has been trained to like people touching their feet/paws, most dogs will not like this and will be sensitive to this issue. Asking a groomer for a nail trim is one of the 5 things NOT to tell the groomer after the dog has been groomed. All dogs need nail trimmings because the longer the nail, the more likely it is to break, chip, or cause pain. The nerves migrate as the nail grows, so we cannot cut off the entire nail either. Sometimes the muzzle is needed due to the severity of the trim. Understand that the groomer doesn’t want to hurt your dog. Dog groomers know there is a reason you brought the dog to us. Now let’s do what we do best with dog grooming.

Biting is not allowed

What do you mean my dog ​​bit you? He’s in angels around me. We’ve seen grooming videos showing a dog being groomed by the professional groomer only to see the dog whip and bite the groomer just because it’s a Tuesday. Please tell us if your dog has bitten you in the past before we put our meat hooks in their path, and then this is NOT a thing you should say after a dog has been groomed. If the dog bit the staff, you will probably be brought to your attention by our staff. Dogs behave differently towards different people, certainly different towards an owner than a stranger poking, prodding and trimming the dog. Please understand that the dog may be scared, but the way to overcome this is to keep coming back and taking the dog to the groomer. They will get used to coming for grooming……which leads us to the next question.

We’ve seen grooming videos showing a dog being groomed by the professional groomer only to see the dog whip and bite the groomer just because it’s a Tuesday. Please tell us if your dog has bitten you in the past before we put our meat hooks in their path, and then this is NOT a thing you should say after a dog has been groomed. If the dog bit the staff, you will probably be brought to your attention by our staff. Dogs behave differently towards different people, certainly different towards an owner than a stranger poking, prodding and trimming the dog. Please understand that the dog may be scared, but the way to overcome this is to keep coming back and taking the dog to the groomer. They will get used to coming for grooming……which leads us to the next question. What do you mean my dog ​​takes 4 hours to brush? Well, similar to the above question about getting the dog groomed, you really need to make sure you take the dog to the groomer more than once a year. Imagine if you had your hair cut once or twice a year? how would your hair be Maybe like someone stranded on a desert island for years? So how about going back to the groomer more than once a year, letting the groomer do the “clean up” every few weeks, and doing the “full groomer” a few weeks after that. When you wait 6 months for the next groomer your dog has a lot more problems to deal with, so do the dog and yourself a favor, come to the groomer more often and show appreciation for the work they do for those 4 hours -Period.

Well, similar to the above question about getting the dog groomed, you really need to make sure you take the dog to the groomer more than once a year. Imagine if you had your hair cut once or twice a year? how would your hair be Maybe like someone stranded on a desert island for years? So how about going back to the groomer more than once a year, letting the groomer do the “clean up” every few weeks, and doing the “full groomer” a few weeks after that. When you wait 6 months for the next groomer your dog has a lot more problems to deal with, so do the dog and yourself a favor, come to the groomer more often and show appreciation for the work they do for those 4 hours -Period. Why should I tip the groomer when he/she gets paid on top of work? Dog grooming is a profession, but also an art. There are specific cuts for every dog ​​and specific ways of trimming dogs, and not every groomer will trim a dog the same way, but if the groomer trims YOUR dog the way YOU want him or her, the usual way to go is to go a tip to show appreciation. The tip confirms to the groomer that you appreciate him or her for their craft and the work they have done on your dog. It also ensures that the groomer can continue this craft. Probably NOTHING to say after grooming a dog, can I give you that tip later?

So please show your groomer more appreciation the next time you take your dog indoors. Not all dogs require the same grooming, but any groomer is only as good as the dog last groomed. Believe us, we’re going to be communicating with you about a grooming issue, NOT something you can say after a dog is taken to the groomer. We don’t want to know that the dog stinks, bites or that your tip glass is broken. Our groomers really do care a lot about the dog’s appearance and the owner’s face is all that matters at the end of every grooming session. The smile, the excitement, the fact that the groomer/artist was able to clean the dog’s old look and turn it into something beautiful is what keeps groomers going and the reason is that the craft is growing with new groomers. These are not things to say after grooming a dog as our groomers tell us. These may differ from what you hear from your barbers.

Come in and check out our groomers at Happy Hound Dog Resorts, we have a great staff and we also offer a ‘groom and play’ option which allows your dog to socialize, play, have a few learning new commands and then getting into the grooming area Bath and Groom. Because our rubber floor does not provide a dirty play area, we can keep your dog clean and provide the play area for their socialization. We hope you enjoyed these lessons because “There is nothing to be said after a dog has been groomed”.