4 ways we keep your dog calm during a groom:
Grooming can be a stressful experience for your pets and we want the experience to be positive. For dogs prone to stress, we use the following techniques.We start by using a soft, personal touch with your pet and start the process with a warm, relaxing therapeutic bath.
Gentle touch
We start by using a soft, personal touch with your pet and start the process with a warm, relaxing therapeutic bath. Our movements are slow and calm so your dog doesn’t get startled.
Aromatherapy
Certain essential oils are calming to both people and pets. Lavender has linalool, which has been proven to be calming on a pet experiencing anxious feelings. Did you know that some studies have shown that after prolonged use, it is also been shown to reduce seizures in some dogs? Pretty pawsome!
Conditioning – Regular combing and exposure to vacuum and blow dryer
Prior to the groom, we ask if you comb your dog or brush your dog. Do you touch all parts of your dog? It is critical for your dog to be comfortable with being touched on all parts of his/her body. If your dog has a coat prone to tangles and mats like many poodle-mixes, we ask you comb him every day or every other day. This will ensure he doesn’t get tangled (as mats form at the skin level, so brushing only touches the top of the fur) and is used to the process. Start with slow and short sessions. Reward your pup with love after!
We also encourage your pup to get used to loud noises like the vacuum cleaner and hair dryer. Don’t use the dryer on the dog, it is too hot and can burn their skin. Instead, have your dog in the same room with you when you use the dryer or vacuum.
Once your dog walks into the van, he will be greeted by a fresh smelling lavender and classical music.
Calming Music
We put on classical music which has been proven to calm dogs.
Gentle touch
We start by using a soft, personal touch with your pet and start the process with a warm, relaxing therapeutic bath. Our movements are slow and calm so your dog doesn’t get startled.
Non slippery surface
Our tub and grooming tables both have mats, which not only prevent dogs from sliding, but are good for senior dogs who have joint problems!
Monitoring
If your pup starts getting very anxious, we will stop the groom and give your pup a chance to calm down. If we deem your dog is getting too stressed, we will towel dry your dog and ask you to come out. Fortunately, we’ve never experienced this, and this is why we ask a lot of questions prior to the groom to see if you dog is a good candidate for mobile grooming.
After all, feeling clean and getting attention makes us feel good. Groomed pets feel better and grooming is essential to prevent oily hair from getting tangled and matted.