Pet dogs usually enjoy being clean. However, most of them don’t like the grooming time. Loud sounds, new smells, and strange hands touching their body can make them feel scared. This is very common, especially if your dog is new to grooming or has had a bad experience in the past.
As a dog owner, it is your job to make sure your pet enjoys the grooming session. To make your dog feel safer, you can choose grooming places that treat dogs with care and patience. One good example is cage-free dog grooming in Beverly Hills by Mishka Grooming. It allows pets to move freely and get familiar with the salon.
This helps lower stress and makes dogs feel more relaxed during the grooming session. However, your dog may feel stressed even in the best environment and with highly skilled groomers. Therefore, you should know the signs that show your dog might be feeling stressed.
6 Signs Your Dog is Feeling Stressed During Grooming
1. Heavy Panting
If your dog is breathing fast with its mouth open and tongue hanging out, it might not be due to heat. Dogs often pant when they are stressed or scared. During grooming, if your dog starts panting heavily even in a cool room, it could be a sign of nervousness.
This kind of painting is different from what you see after a walk. It’s quick and shallow. You should closely watch your dog’s face and body. A relaxed dog will have a soft face. However, if the eyes are wide and the mouth is tense, your dog is feeling anxious.
2. Shaking or Trembling
It’s a clear sign of stress, especially during summer. This usually happens when they feel trapped or uncomfortable. Some dogs tremble when they see the grooming tools or hear loud sounds like clippers or blow dryers. If this shaking starts as soon as grooming begins, it can be due to fear.
3. Whining or Barking
Dogs use sounds to tell you how they feel. Whining is one of the most common ways they show stress or worry. If your dog starts whining during the brushing or nail trimming process, they may not be comfortable. Barking can also mean they feel unsafe or scared.
Some dogs may even cry or howl. These sounds are signs that your dog wants help or wants the grooming to stop.
4. Tail Tucked Between Legs
Your pet’s tail can say a lot. A happy dog usually wags its tail or holds it up. However, if the tail is tucked between the legs, it’s often a sign of fear or stress.
During grooming, you should keep an eye on your dog’s tail. If you see it staying low or tucked tight, your dog may feel scared. This may happen if they are not used to grooming or don’t like being touched in certain areas.
5. Yawning or Lip Licking
Dogs don’t yawn only when they’re sleepy. Sometimes they yawn or lick their lips to show stress. If your dog does this often during grooming, it can be their way of showing they’re not feeling okay. You can easily miss these signs because they often seem casual.
However, they are clear stress signals. You should not ignore lip licking that happens without food or yawning that repeats during brushing. These signs mean your dog may be trying to calm itself down.
6. Trying to Escape or Hide
If your dog keeps trying to run away or hide under tables, they are not comfortable. This is one of the most obvious signs of stress. Your dog may not understand what is happening and just wants to get out. If this happens, don’t force them. Try to figure out what part of the grooming they fear the most.
What to Do About It?
Only knowing your dog is feeling stressed during grooming is not enough. You must also know what to do about it. The following are some effective strategies to keep them calm throughout the session.
- First of all, you should opt for a cage-free and comfortable salon, such as Mishka Grooming, for your dog. A peaceful environment and skilled professionals can keep your pet comfortable, which ultimately reduces their stress.
- You should keep some comforting toys with you. You can give them to your dog during the grooming session. This will help them relax and feel safe.
- Try to stay closer to your dog and praise them throughout the process. This helps them feel safe, and they don’t panic.
- Stop grooming for a few minutes and let your dog roam freely. This will help them get familiar with the surroundings and stay relaxed for the rest of the session..
No, you can easily notice that your dog is feeling stressed during grooming. If you notice any signs of stress, adopt the aforementioned approaches to relax.
