Elderly Dog Grooming Considerations
We are happy to accommodate your elderly pets, but please be aware that it can be stressful on your dog
as well as our pet stylists. Your dog is not going to look the same as it did when it was a puppy, and our
philosophy is to make your pet as comfortable as possible for their visit here.
Sometimes your Pet Stylist must take extra care and precaution to safeguard older dogs, and it also may take
more than one person so please don't be surprised if the grooming charge reflects this. We will take the time
to be very careful, and not add any stress to your pet during the grooming, however these appointments have to be scheduled at a convenient time for both you and the pet stylists. Never plan on leaving your dog at the Spa all day!
There are many things that pet stylists have to be aware of on elderly dogs which we need to take precautions for:
- An older dog can't stand for the bathing and/or trimming process. This means another person will have to hold him/her up during this process.
- They may urinate/defecate on the table or in the tub. This happens frequently with older dogs, and just makes the grooming process take a little longer.
- Some older dogs may be deaf or blind or just nervous so they will bark constantly. We are happy to care for your special needs dog, but these dogs must have a set pick up time and must be picked up promptly.
- Overgrown or broken nails
- Sensitive Ears that may be infected
- Smelly Sensitive Mouth/Teeth. Your dog may have problem teeth and you don't even know it. Bad odor coming from the mouth is the first sign of trouble.
- Arthritis
- Tissue Paper Skin
- Growths/Tumors
There are times, while the dog is being groomed, when the Pet stylist has to say "This is enough". On a geriatric
dog, there is no such thing as a perfect groom!
In the long run, it is best to keep your elderly pet as comfortable as possible by keeping him groomed on a regular basis! After all, these are his golden years (pun intended). Being groomed regularly will ensure that your pet will be used to the process and know what to expect from a pet stylist. As pet stylists we see your pets on a
regular basis and are often the first to locate lumps, ticks, cuts or realize other problems.
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