Have we discussed "Comfort Grooming"? Here's a breakdown of what it means. As your dog ages, their grooming needs will shift significantly. At some point, their haircut will be about 10% determined by you and 90% determined by their comfort. This marks the transition into the comfort groom stage of their life. No matter how much you wish for your senior dog to look like they did in their younger years, it's simply not possible. If I've been with you as your pet ages, we've likely had some tough conversations about how their grooming evolves. If we haven't had those discussions yet, this should help prepare you.

Just like people, dogs experience the effects of aging. They may develop stiff joints, thinner skin, reduced awareness, trembling muscles, shaky balance, and various skin issues. Here’s how this impacts their grooming:

• Poodles with arthritis may struggle to spread their toes for a traditional groom, so we adapt by creating a fluffier, teddy bear foot.
• Schnauzers with canine dementia might become anxious when brushing tangles from their beards, prompting us to keep it shorter for their comfort.
• Shih Tzus who have always had long hair may need a short puppy cut as their thinning skin can no longer tolerate the extra brushing.
• Bichons that have always sported a fluffy trim may require a shorter style if their joints are stiff and trembling.

As you navigate comfort grooming, keep a few things in mind:

1. Not a Show Groom: A comfort groom isn’t about perfection. We prioritize your dog’s comfort, which means some areas may appear less polished.
2. Skin Sensitivity: Skin blemishes can be delicate. While we try to avoid irritation, baths or brushing can sometimes cause them to ooze.
3. Give Us Time: Rushing through a grooming session can be dangerous and stressful for senior dogs.
4. Multiple Sessions: Occasionally, a senior dog may not be able to finish a grooming session due to discomfort or other issues.

Grooming can be physically demanding for older dogs, who typically spend much of their day resting. We may need to manipulate their legs and head to complete grooming tasks. If your dog seems sore after grooming, consider discussing arthritis medication with your vet for those days. Every grooming decision we make prioritizes your dog’s comfort and is discussed with you. Our goal is to help pets, not to compromise their well-being for the sake of aesthetics. So, cherish those gray whiskers and hug your pups!