Regardless of their age, all dogs need regular grooming. This is crucial role to keep them clean, reduce their discomfort and help them stay happy, protect their feet and joints, and keep eye and ear infections at bay.
Unfortunately, grooming dogs can become doubly challenging as they get older. Senior canines that suffer from arthritis, back, or hip problems often feel uncomfortable standing for long periods.
Because of this, giving them long baths and haircuts and other grooming essentials are not advisable.
Pet grooming experts in Dubai also say that dogs with mobility issues will find it hard to get in and out of tubs. As such, the frequency of giving them baths may become fewer and the duration shorter.
Canines with vision problems are also usually easily nervous. When they do not know where they are or what is happening to or around them, they become fearful and anxious, making it difficult to bathe and groom them.
Senior dogs can also develop dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS). When they are confused and their mind keeps wandering, it will be impossible to make them stay still for a long time.
These conditions can make keeping your elderly pooch clean and well-groomed a challenge for both you and the groomer.
Expert-Recommended Grooming Tips for Older Dogs
Below are some of the best tips and practices you can follow to groom your senile dog safely and without causing them discomfort:
Prioritise your pet’s comfort.
Regardless of whether you’ll groom your dog or bring her to a groomer, always focus on making her comfortable throughout the grooming process.
As mentioned, most elderly dogs are unable to stand for long periods. Because of this, be on the lookout for signs of discomfort and distress.
If your pet starts becoming distressed or uncomfortable, stop grooming her and let her rest for a few minutes. Ask the groomer to do the same when your dog starts showing signs of discomfort.
Continue grooming your pet later after she has rested. If possible, try to brush and trim their coat and do the other grooming tasks while your dog is sitting or lying down.
Look for an experienced and accommodating groomer.
Since your elderly dog needs extra care, bringing her to an inexperienced groomer may not be a good idea. You want an expert who can handle your pet gently and someone new in the business might not be able to do this.
If your dog already has the same groomer for years, you can continue working with them. This can help your pet feel more comfortable during her grooming sessions.
However, you have to speak with the groomer before every appointment and inform them of any health issues your dog has right now. You can also share some tips for going over some grooming basics so your pet won’t be surprised and distressed by the process.
If you are looking for a new groomer, make sure they have a good reputation and have experience grooming older dogs.
Whether you are bringing your dog to her current groomer or a new one, talk to them about keeping the session as short as possible. If each appointment might be long, schedule multiple short visits.
Have the right supplies.
When grooming your senior dog at home, make sure you have the right tools before doing anything.
First, ensure you have the right comb and brush suitable for your dog’s hair. They should not be bent, chipped, or damaged in any way since they can scratch your pet’s skin or cause coat breakage.
If you are buying new grooming tools, choose a softer, gentler brush for your senior pet.
Other supplies you should stock up on include:
Nail clippers
Cotton balls
Dog shampoo and conditioner
Styptic powder, corn starch, or all-purpose flour
Make sure you also have soft dog towels and a hairdryer with a low or no-heat setting.
Follow safe bathing procedures.
When bathing your senior dog, ensure the tub or sink has a no-slip mat in it so she is able to maintain secure footing.
Also, always use mild pet shampoo and conditioner — not unless the veterinarian recommends a specific product due to your dog’s skin condition.
Additionally, rinse your dog well to remove the shampoo and conditioner and absorb as much water as possible from her coat with a warm towel.
Use a hairdryer afterwards to dry your pet thoroughly and prevent chilling.
Pay attention to your dog’s ears, eyes, and paws.
Dogs are susceptible to ear and eye infections. Grooming your pet regularly can help her keep these conditions at bay.
Check your dog’s ears for signs of infections when grooming her. These include swelling, redness in the ear canal, brown or yellow discharge, and unpleasant odours.
To clean your pet’s ears, pour a small amount of ear cleaning solution into each ear; however, make sure you don’t flood it. Next, gently rub her ear at the base to spread the cleaning solution around.
Lastly, use cotton balls to remove debris from the ear canal and dry the excess fluid.
If debris has collected in the corners of your dog’s eyes, put warm water on a gauze pad or cotton ball and gently wipe your pet’s eyes. Be careful when removing any build-up to avoid injuring them.
Older dogs usually need their nails trimmed more often since long nails can make it difficult for them to walk and cause discomfort.
If you can hear nails clicking when your dog walks, it’s time to cut their nails.
Finally, trim the hair on their paws regularly since it can cause them to slip on hard surfaces.
Although your senior dog may find grooming uncomfortable, it is still crucial for their health and wellbeing. Follow these tips and you can make the process safer and more convenient and comfortable for your furry friend.