Senior Dog Grooming
Andre, a Havanese, artepupp’s resident senior
“Do you take groom dogs over 10 years old?”- a common inquiry from prospective clients
Due to salon policies, many owners find themselves without a groomer as their pet ages out corporate and franchise ability to continue providing grooming services. It is true that grooming senior pets comes with unique challenges and risks, but we at artepupp believe all dogs can and should be groomed their entire lives.
Grooming is essential to the comfort of dogs in their senior years to help support their integumentary system (skin & coat), to monitor lumps, bumps and changes, and to ensure clean, debris-free paw pad and shortened nails. A proper bath will hydrate fragile skin, boost elasticity and improve circulation, while also washing away excessive sebum buildup and eye crud. Thanks to changing hormones, diet and thinning coats there is often more dirt on the skin than you would expect, despite decreased activity-level. For dogs that grow hair (long coat cycle) keeping the furcoat at an easily maintainable length, that is long enough to provide insulation and protect from the sun is key!
utilize antifatigue mats and use rolled towels to help with balance
Rufus, 14 y Wheaton Terrier x Poodle (Whoodle) side-laying during his haircut
Work with the dog
A dog that has been groomed since puppyhood, has been conditioned to stand during grooming. We have to retrain them to lay on their sides, so there is less need for them to stand on 3 legs. (Look at those senior toe beans!!)
make time to relax and check-in
Patience is everything. It’s good to put the tools down every once in awhile, to give affection, reposition the dog or add supports or bolsters
What challenges and risks would prevent a groomer from taking on a senior client? What accommodations does artepupp make in order to neutralize risks and ensure safety?
Aches and Pains: Arthritis and reduced mobility can make the grooming process stressful or painful. We encourage the dog to lay down or sit when they want but we always use non-slip mats and towels during bathing and grooming. When a task requires a dog to stand using a sling/belly band ensures a dog cannot slip or fall and helps to distribute weight. We do not recommend using a sling for the duration of the groom but in short increments it is very useful. artepupp always only ever moves or manipulates a dog in a way that is anatomically comfortable. *artepupp groomers are trained to handle in a conscientiously anatomically correct way regardless of a pet’s age and ability.
Dental and Oral Issues: Periodontal disease, tooth loss and oral masses can be incredibly painful. Imagine how challenging it would be to hold a dog’s mouth shut when it is experiencing dental pain. Now imagine holding sharp tools with your other hand.
Skin: Sensitive skin must be handled with gentle products and tools. Experienced groomers make a point to spot and memorize where all the bumps and cysts are while bathing so they can be mindful and avoid snagging them with our tools. Having the ability to leave enough coat-length to protect and cover the bumps and tags (if present) makes for a more comfortable experience.
Sensory Issues: Many seniors have some vision and/or hearing loss. We always work in a calm and predictable way, instead of jumping from task to task. Dogs who have lots of experience being groomed remember the routine of a groomer. For example, nails first, then clip paw pads, then scissoring of feet, ect. Also, negating the unavoidable sounds as much as possible. The dryer is such an effective part of grooming, but it's loud. Groomers and dogs should both wear hearing protection- sometimes layering the ear protection is beneficial.
Internally, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, barking/reflex seizures and dementia can all be intangible- but significant- issues. When owners share the details and triggers of an existing health issue upfront, groomers may drastically alter the grooming routine’s pacing and priorities. They may suggest you be physically present or insist you wait in the building or parking lot.
“It can be so rewarding to see that little bit of swagger restored”
Millie, 14 y Standard Poodle
— Person, Renowned ceramics
Consider mobile grooming!
A high volume salon may not be the best place to have your pet groomed. Many of the stressors felt by geriatric pets can be worked around or completely negated by a mobile salon.
No car ride required! There’s also comfort in familiarity- your yard and house are in view!
Mobile groomers experience less stressors than salon groomers, so they can purely focus on your pet’s comfort and body language throughout the groom.
Sensory triggers are better managed in a mobile salon. Imagine, Balto, the Siberian Husky/Opera Singer in being bathed in the tub next to you.
Smaller space to work ensures the groomer is always within arms reach
Your pet doesn’t have to be kenneled or held somewhere at any point.
Brandi, the 13y Australian Shepherd
Protips
Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure your senior pet can tolerate the grooming process. If your pet is prescribed anti-inflammatories, nerve blockers (gabapentin) or anxiety medications do not skip doses before a grooming appointment. Do not over exercise your senior pet the day before, on or the day after a grooming appointment. Ensure they have a comfortable place to rest after their appointment (remember grooming can be both physically and mentally tiring).
Keep in mind that grooming senior dogs is a specialized skill for groomers. Those that have the patience and empathy for this work will expect higher compensation. Geriatric pet groomers will always place a higher value on tasks that promote hygiene over perfectionism.
Visit www.artepupp.com or call 608.400.2053 for grooming inquiries
