29/04/2026
trying to explain this to owners can sometimes make them think you’re giving up on their dogs but it’s not it’s terrifying for everyone. Which is why if i ever say i need you to bath them at home or to go to dry cuts this is the reason 🥺🫶
The heart breaking reality of dog grooming sometimes that isn't really spoken about.
Grooming senior dogs is a art in itself it takes alot of patience, understanding and love.
I've been grooming Finley for around 15 years. He has always been and still is the most perfect boy!
As he's coming into his senior years I've adapted his groom to suit his needs.
When a dog hits a certain age they can have what is known as a " dryer seizure" - which is basically a big panic attack.
They bark/scream in pure panic, they don't recognise where they are, try to run into walls in a frenzy, they can loose control on their bowels. It truly is very scary for the groomer and the dog.
Knowing with any older dog this is a Possibility I always dry Finley with a snood on his ears to dampen the noise, keep the dryer away from his face and have it on a low setting.
But unfortunately today even that got too much for Finley and he went into a blind panic.
I stopped everything immediately , sat on the floor and calmed him.
I sat with him and sobbed because not only is it frightening but it's a sign he's getting older. It broke my heart to see him so upset but I know we did everything we can.
Finley's owners are amazing and so understanding and took him home for a rest even though he hasn't been groomed and we have agreed to not use the hairdryer anymore and he will move onto comfort grooms from now on.
This is vital for any senior dog, you have to communicate and work with owners to figure a way of grooming that meets the dogs physical and emotional needs.
You're such a good boy Finley and thank you for licking my tears away, I hold so much love for you ❤️