Grooming a dog is an essential aspect of pet care that varies significantly across different life stages. Each stage presents unique needs and considerations that require expertise and understanding.
During puppy stage (up to about 8 months to a year), we must introduce grooming early to help puppies become accustomed to the process. As the puppy's body and mind develops, we must be careful to use soft and gentle handling to avoid scaring the puppy. We must also ensure the puppy's first grooming experiences are short. We typically start with 30 minute puppy sessions not to overwhelm them. Puppy's attention spans are also short, so they cannot focus for long periods of time as an adult dog would. It is common for folks to attempt to over bathe the puppy in the beginning, in hopes that the pup will assimilate the experience. Please avoid. Their skin is very sensitive, and they do not to be bathed every month. They are also developing their immunity, so it is important not to over bathe during this period. Nails are an important consideration, as they are growing faster than in an adult dog. We must start conditioning the young dog to this process early on, and we recommend utilizing a grinding tool, not a clipper. It is more precise and gentler for the puppy.
During the adolescent stage they begin to shed, and they require more brushing and carding. We must be patient, as during adolescence dogs become more energetic and can be less cooperative during grooming. This is entirely normal, as their executive function of the brain which regulates impulse control is not yet developed fully. During this period, it is important to also keep grooming to short periods in the beginning, and give teenagers breaks so that they can release some of the energy and do not become anxious with grooming. The nails continue to grow at a fast pace until about 24 months, depending on the breed.
Once the dog reaches 2 years old, there should had been a grooming routine established, including regular visits, bathing, haircuts, nail filing, and combing at home as needed. If a regular routine is not established before this age, it becomes more difficult for the dog to accept it and cooperate. If a dog is taken to the vet for nails twice a year and only 1 bath per year, these experiences will be very difficult for the dog because there is no regularity. Dogs strive with routines, so it becomes incredibly important to establish grooming as one. Adulthood is the time when fancy haircuts can happen, beautiful hand-strips, and things that may require more time from the dog, because he is in an appropriate life stage to cope with lengthier grooming.
Once dogs become older, extra gentle care becomes paramount. The joints become sensitive and so is the skin. We help them get comfortable on the table; we hold them if needed to minimize any anxiety. The senior dog requires more care and breaks to prevent fatigue and stress. Many seniors cannot stand for long on a grooming table, and a bath and dry may become a very tiring process. We must pay attention to any bumps or coat condition, which is more prevalent in senior years. If health conditions arise later in life, these will exacerbate anxiety, and they will also create more challenges during grooming. We must be ready to provide dogs with the time they require in their golden years.
Understanding the specific needs of dogs at each life stage is crucial for effective grooming. Tailoring grooming practices to accommodate these changes can enhance the dog's overall well-being and we are happy to provide these services to all dogs in each stage of their life.
Laura Becker, CBCC, KA.
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