Why Do Dogs Get Stressed After Grooming? Understanding Your Pup’s Post-Groomer Blues

Have you ever noticed your furry friend acting strange after coming home from the groomer? My dog Bella always seems to give me the cold shoulder after her spa day, and I used to think she was just being dramatic. Turns out, there’s actually a lot going on with our pups after grooming sessions!

As a dog owner for over 10 years, I’ve experienced the post-grooming funk firsthand. Sometimes my dogs come home acting aloof depressed or even anxious. It’s like they’ve suddenly forgotten who I am or are mad at me for sending them to the “torture chamber” (which is really just a nice salon with treats).

In this article, we’ll dive into why dogs get stressed after grooming, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to help your four-legged friend feel better faster.

Why Do Dogs Act Strange After Grooming?

According to veterinary experts, there are several reasons why your dog might be acting weird after their grooming appointment:

1. Stress and Anxiety from the Experience

The most common reason dogs act strange after grooming is simply stress. The grooming environment can be overwhelming for many dogs:

• Loud noises from dryers and clippers
• Being handled by strangers
• Standing on elevated platforms
• Being restrained
• Unfamiliar smells and surroundings
• Presence of other anxious dogs

Dr. Patel, a veterinarian consulted by NotABully.org, explains that “It is very taxing and exhausting for them to be in a constant state of elevated stress, making them appear more lethargic when they are home.”

2. Physical Discomfort

Your dog might be physically uncomfortable after grooming for several reasons:

• New haircut sensations: A dramatic trim can change how your dog experiences the world
• Skin irritation: Clippers or products used during grooming can irritate sensitive skin
• Nails trimmed too short: This can make walking painful
• Small nicks or cuts: Sometimes even careful groomers can accidentally cause minor injuries

3. Overstimulation and Exhaustion

Even without stress or physical discomfort grooming is a stimulating experience that can leave your dog tired. Dogs that become overstimulated often appear to “shut down” out of exhaustion which might look like depression or lethargy.

4. Reaction to Your Emotions

Dogs are incredibly perceptive to human emotions. If you laugh at or seem disappointed by your dog’s new haircut they might pick up on these emotions and react accordingly. While it might seem like your dog is embarrassed, they’re actually responding to your emotional cues.

5. Potential Illness

Though less common, some dogs might pick up an illness at the groomer, such as kennel cough. If your dog remains depressed or lethargic for several days after grooming, or shows other symptoms like coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea, it’s time to consult your vet.

6. Separation Anxiety

Some dogs with separation anxiety might be particularly affected by being left at the groomer. This is more likely if your dog already shows signs of anxiety when separated from you in other situations.

Signs Your Dog is Stressed After Grooming

How can you tell if your dog is stressed after their grooming session? Look for these common signs:

• Lethargy or excessive sleeping
• Tucked tail
• Frequent licking or yawning
• Avoiding eye contact
• Sighing or vocalizing
• Hiding or seeking isolation
• Walking funny or being hesitant to move
• Excessive scratching or shaking
• Trembling or shivering

How Long Will My Dog Act Weird After Grooming?

The good news is that most dogs return to their normal selves fairly quickly after grooming. According to Paws and Learn, “Typically, dogs who are acting strangely after grooming will be back to their normal selves after a few hours, or even immediately after exiting the groomers.”

However, some dogs may continue to show signs of stress or discomfort for a few days, especially if:

• It was their first grooming experience
• They had a dramatic haircut
• They experienced something particularly stressful during the session
• Their nails were trimmed too short

If your dog continues to act strange for more than 2-3 days after grooming, it might be a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.

What is “Shave Shock” in Dogs?

One specific grooming-related issue that can cause ongoing stress is “shave shock.” This occurs when a double-coated dog (like a Husky, German Shepherd, or Golden Retriever) is shaved down too short.

Shave shock can cause:

• Fur that doesn’t grow back properly
• Patchy or coarse regrowth
• Potential alopecia (hair loss)
• Discomfort and behavioral changes

This is why it’s important to research appropriate grooming techniques for your dog’s specific breed and coat type. Double-coated dogs should generally not be shaved, but instead should be properly brushed and de-shed.

How to Help Your Dog Deal with Grooming Stress

Before the Grooming Appointment

1. Socialize your dog early: Exposing your puppy to handling, brushing, and nail trims at home helps prepare them for professional grooming.

2. Visit the groomer before the appointment: Take your dog to meet the groomer and get familiar with the environment without actually being groomed.

3. Practice handling at home: Regularly touch your dog’s ears, paws, and other sensitive areas to help desensitize them.

4. Choose the right groomer: Research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations to find a groomer experienced with your dog’s breed and temperament.

After the Grooming Appointment

1. Stay calm and positive: Your dog will pick up on your emotions, so maintain a positive attitude even if you’re not thrilled with their haircut.

2. Give them space: Allow your dog some quiet time to decompress in a familiar, comfortable environment.

3. Offer comfort without reinforcing fear: Gentle petting and soothing words can help, but avoid excessive coddling which might reinforce anxious behavior.

4. Match activities to energy levels: For high-energy dogs, a game of fetch might help. For others, just quiet time at home is better.

5. Consider a car ride: Some dog owners report that a short car ride with the window cracked can help relieve stress.

6. Monitor for concerning symptoms: Keep an eye out for signs of illness or extreme distress that might warrant a vet visit.

How to Make Future Grooming Sessions Less Stressful

To prevent or reduce stress in future grooming sessions:

1. Schedule regular appointments: Consistent grooming on a regular schedule helps your dog become accustomed to the process.

2. Communicate with your groomer: Let them know about your dog’s specific anxieties or sensitivities.

3. Consider grooming at home: For some dogs, home grooming might be less stressful than visiting a salon.

4. Try calming aids: Ask your veterinarian about safe calming supplements, pheromone products, or anxiety wraps.

5. Positive reinforcement: Create positive associations with grooming by offering treats and praise during at-home grooming practice.

When to See a Veterinarian

While some post-grooming stress is normal, you should consult your veterinarian if:

• Your dog’s strange behavior persists for more than 2-3 days
• They show signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
• They seem to be in significant pain
• They’re not eating or drinking
• You notice any cuts, rashes, or other skin issues

My Experience with Post-Grooming Blues

My German Shepherd, Max, used to come home from the groomer looking absolutely miserable. He would hide under my desk and avoid eye contact for hours. I was worried I’d traumatized him, but after doing some research and talking to our vet, I realized this was actually pretty normal behavior.

We started implementing some changes to make grooming less stressful. First, I found a groomer who specialized in anxious dogs and worked in a quieter environment. Then, we started going for shorter, more frequent visits rather than marathon grooming sessions.

Now, while Max still isn’t thrilled about grooming day, he bounces back much faster. Usually after a good nap and some quality time with his favorite toy, he’s back to his old self!

Final Thoughts

It’s completely normal for dogs to experience some stress after grooming. The key is to recognize the signs, provide comfort, and take steps to make future grooming experiences more positive.

Remember that each dog is different – what stresses one dog might not bother another at all. By paying attention to your individual dog’s needs and reactions, you can help them have a more positive grooming experience and quicker recovery.

Have you noticed your dog acting strange after grooming? What techniques have worked for you to help them feel better? We’d love to hear your experiences!