Do you notice something different after taking your dog to a grooming salon? Like, they may seem more quiet, lethargic, or even grumpy than usual. They may also avoid you or hide under the bed. You may wonder why your dog is acting strange after grooming and how long it will last.
In this blog, we will explore some of the possible reasons why dogs act weird after grooming and what you can do to help them feel more comfortable and happy.
Reasons Why Dogs Act Weird After Grooming:
There are many factors that can affect how your dog reacts to grooming. Some of them are:
Change of Appearance:
A dog may not recognize themselves after a haircut, especially if they have a lot of fur removed. They may feel exposed, insecure, or cold. They may also miss their natural scent and try to rub themselves on the furniture or the ground to restore it.
Discomfort or Pain:
Your dog may experience some physical discomfort or pain during or after grooming. For example, they may have their nails cut too short, their ears plucked, their skin nicked, or their anal glands expressed.
These procedures can cause irritation, inflammation, or bleeding. Your dog may also have an allergic reaction to the shampoo, conditioner, or other products used by the groomer.
Stress or Trauma
Grooming may have a stressful or traumatic impact on your dog, especially if they are not used to it or if they have a bad experience. Your dog may have to endure loud noises, unfamiliar smells, strangers touching them, and being restrained for a long time.
The dog may also feel anxious about being separated from you or being in a new environment.
Change of routine
The normal routine of dogs gets disrupted due to grooming and your dog may act weird after grooming due to this sudden disruption. Your dog may be used to a certain schedule of eating, sleeping, playing, and walking.
Grooming may interfere with their routine and make them feel confused or restless. You can help your dog by resuming their routine as soon as possible and keeping them on a consistent schedule.
Socialization and Stimulation:
Meeting and interacting with other dogs, people, and objects at the grooming salon may also impact your dog. This may have been exciting, overwhelming, or exhausting for your dog.
You can help your dog by giving them some quiet time and space to relax and recover. You can also provide them with some mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Praise and Reward:
Your dog may have received a lot of compliments, treats, and toys from the groomer and from you. This may have made your dog feel happy, proud, and spoiled.
The dog owners can help their dogs by continuing to praise and reward them for being well-groomed and well-behaved.
You can also balance the rewards with some rules and boundaries to maintain your dog’s discipline and manners.
How Long Will Dogs Act Weird After Grooming?
The duration of the post-grooming weirdness can vary depending on your dog’s personality, temperament, and previous experiences. Some dogs may bounce back quickly, while others may take longer to return to their normal selves.
On average, you can expect your dog to exhibit unusual behavior for a few hours to a day or two after grooming.
However, if your dog shows signs of severe distress, such as excessive panting, drooling, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, or aggression, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
These could indicate a serious health issue or a negative reaction to the grooming products or procedures.
Why is Dog Grooming Necessary?
When we know that dog grooming may have a bad impact on our dogs, then why do we opt for grooming? We must keep this thing in mind that dog grooming is not just a cosmetic service, but a vital part of your dog’s health and well-being.
Grooming your dog regularly can help prevent skin problems, remove parasites, and keep your dog’s coat healthy and clean. It also gives you a chance to check your dog for any injuries or infections and to monitor their weight and body condition.
You can also improve your dog’s mental and emotional state, as grooming reduces stress, enhances socialization, and strengthens your bond.
How to Help Your Dog After Grooming
There are some things you can do to make your dog feel more comfortable and happy after grooming. Here are some tips:
- Give Your Dog Plenty of Praise, Affection, and Treats:
Your dog may need some reassurance and positive reinforcement after grooming. Tell them how good they look and how proud you are of them.
Give them lots of cuddles, kisses, and belly rubs. Reward them with their favorite treats or toys. This will help them associate grooming with something pleasant and boost their confidence and mood.
- Keep Your Dog Warm and Cozy:
A dog may feel cold or exposed after losing some of their fur. Provide them with a warm blanket, a sweater, or a heating pad.
Make sure they have a comfortable and safe place to rest and relax. This will be helpful in regulating their body temperature and feeling more secure.
- Check Your Dog for Any Injuries or Infections:
A dog may have some minor cuts, scrapes, or bruises after grooming. Inspect their skin, ears, eyes, nails, and anal area for any signs of bleeding, swelling, redness, or discharge.
Clean any wounds with mild soap and water and apply a pet-safe antiseptic. If the wounds are deep or infected, or if your dog shows signs of pain or discomfort, consult your veterinarian for further treatment.
- Avoid Bathing or Brushing Your Dog for a Few Days:
Your dog may have sensitive skin after grooming. Avoid bathing or brushing them for a few days to let their skin heal and their natural oils replenish.
Use gentle and hypoallergenic products when you wash or groom them. This will help them avoid further irritation or dryness.
- Make Grooming a Positive and Regular Experience:
The best way to prevent your dog from acting weird after grooming is to make grooming a positive and regular experience. Start grooming your dog at home from a young age and gradually introduce them to different tools, techniques, and sensations.
Choose a reputable and professional groomer who is gentle, patient, and experienced with your dog’s breed and needs.
Schedule grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks to keep your dog’s coat healthy and manageable. This will help your dog get used to grooming and reduce their stress and anxiety.
Final Thoughts:
Grooming is a vital part of your dog’s health and well-being. However, it can also cause your dog to act weird for a while. This is normal and usually temporary, as your dog adjusts to their new look and feel. By understanding the reasons why dogs act weird after grooming and following the tips above, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and happy after their grooming session. Remember to always monitor your dog’s behavior and health after grooming and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.