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Image courtesy of Elsebeth DeBiase, BAnSci, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S

"Old age is not an end but a new beginning, a chance to savor life's sweetest moments.” (Unknown)

Caring for an elderly dog is a special time when pet caregivers can honor and give back to their faithful friends. As pets age, they require more care, and grooming is critical in maintaining their quality of life. The primary goals in grooming elderly dogs are to prevent physical or emotional distress, ensure comfort and cleanliness, and help pet caregivers maintain a bond with their beloved senior dog. Advanced age alone cannot determine a dog's ability to cope with grooming.

Adapting to Age-Related Change

Old age is not a disease but a life stage requiring increased vigilance and care. Senior pets are more vulnerable to illness, injury, and sensory issues, leading to increased anxiety and fear. Common health conditions, including mobility changes, hormonal imbalances, and skin disturbances, often affect a dog's ability to cope with normal activities. Despite this, age-related ailments can lead to changes in toileting habits and susceptibility to matted fur, increasing the need for grooming. Conventional grooming techniques may prove too overwhelming for senior dogs. Dogs struggling to cope with all or part of the grooming process may exhibit behaviors including:

• restlessness
• disorientation
• pacing
• trying to escape
• irritability
• aggression
• sensitivity to touch
• excessive vocalizations
• struggling when handled

It is essential to consult a veterinarian if your elderly pooch is experiencing sudden behavioral changes or grooming-related anxiety. Work with a professional groomer to create a custom grooming plan based on your veterinarian's health evaluation. Just as other professionals have specialties, seek a groomer with experience and training working with dogs of an advanced age.

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Image courtesy of Elsebeth DeBiase, BAnSci, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S

Choosing a Professional Groomer

A professional groomer can be a great ally in caring for a senior canine. Some breeds require more frequent grooming than others. Groomers become familiar with animals they see regularly and alert pet caregivers to health changes. Even so, it is important to ask potential groomers the following questions:

• What training do you have specific to senior dogs?
• What grooming industry certifications do you hold?
• Have you attended continuing education focused on canine behavior and anxiety?
• Do you have canine first aid and CPR training?
• What is your emergency plan for dogs exhibiting physical or emotional distress?

Qualities of grooming salons specializing in senior dogs should:

• Groom one dog at a time.
• Remain calm and quiet.
• Use minimal restraint.
• Allow dogs the freedom to sit, stand, lie down.
• Customize the grooming environment for individual dogs.
• Allow pet caregivers to stay if needed.
• Split grooming appointments into shorter, more frequent sessions.
• Utilize special equipment for grooming senior dogs, such as a grooming station next to a wall or floor, a grooming harness, and a fluff dryer.
• Have staff who are comfortable grooming pets that are taking pharmaceuticals for anxiety.

Supporting Your Dog Through the Process

It is common for senior dogs to need a little extra help to feel comfortable during a professional grooming session. Staying with your dog can be an effective way to put them at ease. Inquire about the possibility of being present with your dog before scheduling an appointment, and consider these tips before you arrive:

• Wear old clothes. It is a messy job.
• Follow the groomer's instructions on where to stand and where to place your hands. Remember that groomers work with sharp tools.
• Apply a supportive hold to your dog when necessary, but do not over-restrain. Tightly holding your dog may cause them to struggle. 
• Focus on comfort, not a perfect haircut.
• Stay calm.

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Image courtesy of Elsebeth DeBiase, BAnSci, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S

Comfort and Cleanliness at Home

Undoubtedly, dogs in their golden years need extra home hygiene maintenance, and this can be a stressful time for pet caregivers. If handling the senior dog proves challenging, consult your groomer for advice. Groomers can offer suggestions specific to a pet's personality or capability, give short-handling demos, and provide information on useful products. Ways to reduce home grooming stress include:

• Focusing on priority areas like face, feet, and rear end.
• Offering emotional support with praise and/or treats.
• Providing a cushioned nonslip surface.
• Allowing dogs to choose their comfort position, standing, sitting, or lying down.
• Warming up liquid shampoo in a water bath or using shampoo bars.
• Organizing the necessary tools and keeping them within reach.
• Select a quiet location away from other pets and distractions.

Celebrating Bonds through Grooming

Hopefully, your dog has an established relationship with their groomer. Grooming is a social activity for animals, cultivating relationships and building trust. Spending extra one-on-one time with senior dogs benefits their emotional health and is a stress reliever for the caregiver. Begin with treats, toys, scratches, and gentle massage to create a relaxing atmosphere before and during grooming activities. Tips for bonding through grooming:

Keep it Predictable

Senior dogs do best in environments with a routine. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes each day to practice home grooming. Be sure to keep your interactions consistent, using a calm, gentle approach.

Start Slowly

If you are unsure how your dog will react, start small. Set up a distraction-free grooming area with yoga mats, rubber-backed kitchen rugs, towels, or blankets. Spend quiet moments in this space feeding delicious treats. Incorporate petting using slow strokes on the chest or along the shoulders and spine, working up to more sensitive areas such as the feet, ears, and tail. Gradually introduce brushing, combing, trimming, and washing, as necessary.

Keep it Positive

Talk to your senior dog and offer plenty of praise. Do not worry if they have diminished sight and hearing. Talking to your dog will help you set the mood and convey a message to them through your facial expressions, body posture and overall energy.

Acceptance

Understand that grooming sessions may not go as planned. Consider the situation from the animal's perspective. Senior pets have bad days, just like people. Show them love, if only with quiet closeness. Acknowledge that you did your best, and that is enough.

Every day with an aging pet is a gift, a joy, and part of a rewarding journey. Caring for a senior dog has its challenges, but is also a beautiful last dance. Veterinarians, veterinary staff, and professional groomers are here to help. Reach out to them if you have questions.