Did you know that dog grooming is considered to be as important to the well-being of your pet as vet check-ups?
While humans get haircuts to look and feel better, grooming for dogs plays a more hygienic role. Failure to groom your pets could even be detrimental to their health. From matted hair to fleas, ticks, and more, there are many health consequences to forgoing grooming.
When it comes to senior dog grooming, the benefits are even greater. While grooming your dog, you might notice things like cysts or skin issues that you otherwise wouldn't.
Health concerns aside, keeping your senior pet clean and healthy is something you can both benefit from doing. But when it comes to giving your senior dog a bath, the rules aren't the same as they are for spry young puppies.
There are several ways you can be gentle, careful, and thoughtful when grooming your senior to ensure they're comfortable and happy throughout the experience.
We cover some of the top considerations below, making your job (and their participation) as easy as possible. After all, pets are family—and they deserve as much care and love as we can give them.
Let Your Dog Rest Its Legs
Younger dogs can comfortably stand through an entire grooming session, but senior dogs often lack the stability and strength to endure a whole session on their legs.
For the time that your dog is standing, using a rubber bathmat underneath can make it easier on them. A non-skid surface gives them more security, preventing slipping and sliding that could injure them or make the process take longer.
Whenever possible, though, try to let your dog lie down or at least take breaks for rest. If you start with the belly and legs first, working your way up, your dog can rest for the last half of the session while you work on their back and head.
Depending on where you groom your dog, there might even be an assistant available to help your dog hold itself up during the first part of the bath.
Keep the Session Short
When it comes to puppies, they're always getting into something. Whether they're rolling in the dirt (or, God forbid, that dead frog they smelled), playing in the mud, or accruing all the grass stains, they're sure to be dirty by the end of the week . . . or day.
But senior dogs aren't as active and adventurous, meaning yours is likely a lot less dirty than it was in earlier years. Because of this, you can make the grooming session a quick one—better for you and them!
Of course, if your senior dog has dry skin and/or skin conditions, this might not be the case, but you get the point.
Cut the grooming session into sections to optimize their comfort if they're dirtier than you realized. If your dog begins to show signs of discomfort, stop where you are and revisit the grooming later. Of course, if your pet is covered in suds, you'll need to finish—but support them more and perhaps dry them while they're laying down, incorporating petting and love as you go.
One tip for keeping the session short is to have all your tools ready before you begin.
At the least, you'll need shampoo, a brush, and a towel. At the most, you could add nail clippers or scissors for long or matted hair. Whatever you decide, have it within arm's reach before you begin.
Be as Considerate as Possible
In other words, keep the word "gentle" in mind as you go about your senior dog bath.
For example, brushing a senior dog requires care and a soft touch. Move slowly and gently as you guide the brush down their bodies, talking to them as you go. This point is especially important for deaf or blind dogs so as not to startle them.
While washing your dog, massage them lightly as you do so. Use a senior-approved shampoo (such as an oatmeal or medicated variety) to combat dryness and make spreading the bubbles easier. If you have to get access to their belly, assist your dog in lifting its legs.
Use a warm temperature that's neither too hot nor too cold. Senior dogs are more susceptible to hot and cold temperatures, and remember, comfortability is key. A warm temp with gentle pressure is ideal.
When drying your dog, consider using a towel, and patting them dry. This method keeps them warm and comfortable, whereas a blow dryer might scare or harm them. Depending on the type of fur your dog has, and how quickly it dries, you might even let them air dry.
Check Those Lesser Looked-At Areas
While focusing on the bigger picture is important, don't neglect to check places like their teeth, ears, feet, and nails.
Unless you're a professional, the best thing you can do for your dog's teeth is to brush them regularly. But if you notice signs of serious dental decay, it's best to consult a veterinarian on the next steps.
When it comes to ears, gently wiping out the ear canal is always a good idea during the grooming process. Doing so might help stave off yeast or bacterial infections. Use an ear-cleaning solution if it's available.
As for the feet, the main concerns are hair and nails.
Hair that's too long could make it harder for your senior dog to get around as traction is more difficult to achieve. Using scissors, cut back long hair, and be sure to check the bottoms of their feet, too. Clipping your dog's nails can also improve traction.
If they're stubborn when it comes to any of these areas, enlist the help of an assistant or a professional.
Senior Dog Grooming Is a Chance to Show Your Love
Older dog care isn't always easy, but it's always an opportunity to give them the extra care they deserve.
By keeping these tips in mind, your experience—and, more importantly, theirs—can be as stress-free as possible. It might even be enjoyable.
At Bubbly Paws, we recognize the importance of senior dog grooming. Whether you prefer a self-service dog wash or a full-service wash, handled by one of our caring professionals, we've got it all.
Click here to find the location that's nearest you, and don't hesitate to contact us at any time for help. We're excited to offer you and your pet a paw-sitively fantastic experience.