As our dogs age and change, their grooming needs will vary drastically, in ways that many owners may not even notice! Senior pets often experience arthritis, reduced balance, vision, or hearing; they may also just have a lowered tolerance for long grooming sessions due to energy levels, or any combination of the above mentioned reasons. Not every groomer has the experience to work with these nuances.
A good reason to have a consistent groomer is that your dog will have a loving *safe space* with a groomer they already know and feel comfortable going to. That groomer should know how to adapt to physical limitations in the grooming process, and can make a huge difference in a dog’s comfort levels. We want them to be in their Happy Place ™ while they are here. Many times, a groomer will notice warts, lumps, bumps, ear infections, skin infections, growths, etc., before you or perhaps even the vet does! We develop long-lasting and close relationships with their physical well-being, and we are here to point these things out to you and to help! While we are not here to medically diagnose, we do have a very close relationship with your little buddies and can often notice things that may be undetected otherwise. I always make sure to have this conversation with owners upon pick-up. To me, it’s always been one of the most vital parts of caring for your pet!
Jess, at PDX Pet Spa, has been trained extensively in these methods and physical manipulations to create as little discomfort as possible. We will also sometimes recommend breaking up grooming appointments into two or even three sessions to make sure your pup gets their needs met with no pain. Additionally, we can communicate directly with your vet to discuss possible medications needed.
On top of shorter/divided grooming sessions, we are also able to provide simpler haircuts (that prioritize comfort and hygiene), physical extra support (when standing on the grooming table/floor), and slow, predictable handling practices (for dogs with vision or hearing loss). We work one-on-one with each dog so that their individual needs are met, and the appointment takes as little time as possible in an empathetic manner.
The most important mindset shift for senior and/or differently-abled dogs is to prioritize comfort over a “perfect groom”. It may not be flawless, but we want your animals to be happy and healthy above all else – and grooming and hygiene are an important part of that. With patience, flexibility, and thoughtfulness, grooming can continue to be a healthy part of your dog’s life, no matter the circumstances!
PDX Pet Spa is welcoming to dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments! We’re here to work with you and your furry friend to see what works best.