Pets can show aggression for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s due to lack of socialization or training. Other times, aggression is caused by fear. Pets visiting the groomer often feel afraid. This is especially true for pets that have never been groomed.
At Claws N Paws Day Spa, we’ve seen a lot of fear-based aggression in pets. Sometimes, we can alleviate a pet’s fear by avoiding certain aspects of the grooming process such as kennels and dryers. However, there are other times when pets are simply too afraid to be groomed.
Fear-Based Aggression Puts Pets And Their Groomer At Risk
Pets that show fear-based aggression put themselves and their groomer at risk. These pets will bite and scratch relentlessly until they are able to get away from the situation causing them fear. Unfortunately, this isn’t ideal in a grooming salon. Once free, pets can become injured by falling from tables or colliding with other pets.
While our groomers might attempt to groom an aggressive pet, there is always the possibility that the stress and danger become too great and grooming cannot be completed. At this point, we will have no choice but to send them home. This might mean sending pets home with half a haircut or partially bathed. The safety of your pet is our first concern.
It is strongly recommended that aggressive pets be taken to their vet for grooming. Veterinarians are used to dealing with fear-based aggression and know how to safely sedate pets so that they do not pose a risk to themselves or others. While this might cost more than taking your pet to the grooming salon, it’s safer for your pet.
Pets that show mild aggression can usually be trained to trust their groomer. Frequent visits to the grooming salon can help. Bringing your pet in for simple services such as nail trims and ear cleaning allows pets to adjust to the sights, smells, and sensations of being groomed. As pets learn to accept these services, more can be done. While this type of training won’t work for every pet, it does work for many.
Claws N Paws Day Spa offers humane grooming services. This means we WILL NOT put your pet’s health or safety at risk for any reason.