If your pup has a positive experience at first they will not have a problem with coming back, but if your dog has a negative experience, such as an accidental cut or a shave, they can become traumatized.
Because of this feeling of powerlessness, it is okay for your pup to feel slightly confused for the rest of the day or even a few days after his grooming session.
Your dog is likely depressed after being groomed because they feel fearful, submissive, or painful after the grooming process. They may also be responding to any negative feelings of those around them or they may just not like feeling different now that they have been groomed.
Many dog owners dread the thought of taking their beloved pet to the groomer. In fact, some dogs may suffer from anxiety or even PTSD after a grooming session. This is typically due to the fact that they are restrained in a small space, and they may feel panicked or uncomfortable.
Some of the reasons why your dog is acting funny after a grooming session include the fact that it is a strange feeling (especially if it is the first visit to the groomer). Another is the sense of powerlessness and hopelessness they feel. They feel as if a fundamental part of their identity has been taken.
They, or another groomer, should administer a medicated anti-itch bath or medicated cream to calm your dog's itchy skin. You can also do this at home, with medicated shampoo and/or a medicated anti-itch spray designed for dogs, both of which are readily available in pet supply stores and online.
The two layers of fur grow at different rates. Shaving can cause permanent damage to the coat, causing it to be unbalanced and unable to provide adequate insulation and protection. As a result, the coat may grow back in uneven patches, have a ragged or unkept texture or may never grow back at all (shave shock).
“The symptoms of PTSD in dogs are similar to those in humans and include chronic anxiety; hypervigilance; avoidance of certain people, places, or situations; sleep disturbances; fear of being alone; decreased interest in a favorite activity; or aggression,” Teller said.
The impact of grooming can last a lifetime, no matter whether it happened in person, online or both. A child or young person might have difficulty sleeping, be anxious or struggle to concentrate or cope with school work. They may become withdrawn, uncommunicative and angry or upset.
The American Kennel Club says changing owners can be traumatic for dogs. Losing their owners can make dogs stop eating, lose weight, lose interest in physical activity, and exhibit symptoms of canine depression. That's why you must take any decision to re-home dogs seriously.
Touching and massaging sensitive areas – For many dogs, grooming can be a stressful experience because it requires touching sensitive areas on their body, including their paws, groin, rear, belly, and ears. Encourage pet parents to practice gently touching and massaging these areas at home while their pet is relaxed.
One of the hardest parts about working at a dog grooming salon is keeping up with the cleaning. We have a constant flow of dogs coming in and out of our facility. Some people think that professional dog groomers just playing with puppies all day, and they are wrong!
Grooming is a form of abuse that involves manipulating someone until they're isolated, dependent, and more vulnerable to exploitation. Grooming itself is not listed as one of the 10 categories of harm in The Care Act.
Children are perhaps most likely to develop a trauma bond when exposed to sexual exploitation and targeted grooming. Sometimes, they may never have experienced physical intimacy, and grooming tactics can lead them to believe that their abuser has genuine feelings for them, and that their behaviour is normal.
Most dog owners want their pooch to live their best, happiest life possible. And, while it takes time, most pups CAN get past their traumatic past.
Acute post traumatic stress disorder is the most common form of PTSD seen in dogs. Acute reactions begin occurring directly after the traumatizing incident or incidents and generally subside within three months.
Approach toward the side of the dog, not toward his head, and avoid direct eye contact. Watch the dog out of the corner of your eye for signs of fear or aggression, such as: Body that is still or frozen. Hackles are up.
It can make your dog feel uncomfortable. While some people don't believe that pets have feelings, we happen to believe they do. We've seen some mighty uncomfortable dogs who were shaved too closely. The result was behavior issues, increased "negative" behavior, and what we think is a depressed dog.
Giving your pet a smoothie shave can also be traumatizing for your pet as they no longer have the coat of armour on and can suddenly feel very insecure and afraid. Your pet may hide in various places, be more shy and submissive, or appear to be very uncomfortable.
Dogs such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies and any dog that seasonally sheds huge clumps of fur (part of its undercoat) should never be shaved. It is a misconception that shaving will help keep a dog cool on hot days.
Dogs are happier after grooming due to the many health benefits and overall cleanliness that it provides. Grooming also provides an opportunity to be social with other dogs and groomers. Although some dogs may feel down after grooming, this quickly goes away and they truly appreciate the benefits of grooming.
Regular maintenance is key
It seems that many feel that occasional (or no) brushings combined with a monthly professional grooming is adequate for healthy maintenance of a coat. Unless you have specific breeds that do require little grooming, this is a pain for your groomer, and sometimes a literal pain for your pet.
The 5 cycles of emotional abuse, as listed in Sarakay Smullens' “Five Cycles of Emotional Abuse: Codification and Treatment of an Invisible Malignancy” are enmeshment, extreme overprotection and overindulgence, complete neglect, rage, and rejection/abandonment.