Do you think a dog emerges from the pet grooming salon, overjoyed with their new look, eager to show off their luxuriously silky coat at the dog park? Not quite. There are some practical aspects to having your dog groomed, such as if their coat has a tendency to become knotted and catches dirt easily. Any aesthetic benefits are generally just for you, and you might only have a brief window of time to enjoy them before your dog enthusiastically rolls in the dirt. Just because a dog doesn't see the benefits of grooming, it doesn't mean they can't enjoy them. This is still true if your dog is blind or vision impaired. Your dog won't care what they look like, but you will. And yet, you will need to know what to expect the first time you take your blind pooch to the pet grooming salon.
Primary Senses
There's a commonly held theory that when someone loses one of their primary senses, the other senses become heightened. There might be some truth to this, but logically, someone (or some dog) must rely upon their remaining senses when one is absent. So you need to cater to your dog's other senses (primarily smelling and hearing) when they cannot see. Keep this in mind when your blind dog visits the groomer for the first time.
An Extended Session
It can be a good idea to book an extended session the first time, simply to ease your dog into these new sensations, which they must adjust to courtesy of their sense of smell and hearing. This can take a little time — hence the extended session. Allow your dog to explore the grooming salon, smelling as they go, while of course keeping a watchful eye on them to make sure they don't bump into anything that might hurt them. It's all about getting them used to the scent of the place.
Meet the Groomer
In addition to the smell of the grooming salon, they should also get used to the smell of the groomer. The groomer should talk gently to your dog so they become accustomed to the sound of their voice and will essentially make a mental note of the new person in their vicinity. The groomer should offer their hand to the dog's snout, allowing the dog to associate the sound of the groomer's voice with their scent. The groomer should also activate some of their machinery (such as their electric clippers) before properly using them on your dog so that your dog is introduced to the sounds of the various implements that will be used on them.
It's all about easing your blind dog into this new experience, slowly and strategically, so they're not startled by any part of the process. Very quickly, your dog will know precisely what to expect and will patiently wait while the groomer gets to work.
Share29 April 2020
From a young age, children are taught about the importance of regular dental care and this advice is followed through adulthood. When it comes to your dog, dental care is just as important as it is for humans but the topic is not often widely discussed. Veterinarians are often alerted to dog dental care issues once they erupt, but proper care of a dog's teeth helps prevent issues from arising. When looking for dog dental care tips, it is important to find the information in one place, and that is what is available to you here. Use these helpful dental care tips to reduce the odds of your pet needing a trip to the vet to repair teeth issues.