Special Grooming Care for Senior Dogs
As dogs move into their senior years, their needs and behaviours start to change. You might notice they’re sleeping more, sniffing longer on walks, or moving a little slower. They might be stiff when waking up or restless when trying to get comfy. Their coat may change in colour or texture. They might develop lumps, bumps or warts, and they may struggle to chew the way they used to.
You may also find that your senior dog is having trouble hearing or seeing the world around them. This can affect how they behave — especially at the grooming salon.
What we can’t always see is that many older dogs are also sore. They may be living with arthritic joints or have muscle loss from decreased activity.
What does any of this have to do with grooming?
Grooming requires handling, movement, lifting, brushing, drying - it’s a lot. What used to be a routine visit can become uncomfortable or stressful for a senior dog. That’s why groomers adjust their approach with older dogs to keep things safe, kind, and as stress-free as possible.
PRO TIP! Dogs that once tolerated anything might start to feel more fragile as they age. Don’t worry if they can’t handle the full groom like they used to. We’ll find another way.
Groomers are trained to notice the little things
Your dog may have been an angel to groom in their younger years, but now might:
Struggle to stand for long periods or lift legs due to arthritis
Flinch or resist when their face is being groomed due to dental issues
Panic with loud dryers or busy salons due to hearing loss, blindness, or confusion
All these changes matter, and groomers keep a close eye on how your dog is coping during each visit. Combined with what you tell them, groomers can adapt the grooming session to suit their individual needs.
What your groomer might do differently
Assign an assistant or second groomer to provide gentle support
Give a shorter haircut to reduce visit frequency
Book your dog at a quieter time — early morning or late afternoon
Slow down the pace with a longer, more relaxed appointment
Do a quick in-and-out appointment if your dog gets stressed
Replace the dryer with a warm towel dry, or skip the bath altogether
Split the groom across two short sessions to give them a break
These modifications can take more time, more hands, and a lot more care. Even if your dog’s groom is shorter, the time and attention involved often increases - and that may be reflected in the price.
What you can do to help
Let your groomer know your dog is a senior and if there’s anything they should watch for - if you have a regular groomer, your groomer may tell you this first!
Tell them about any new lumps, limping, or unusual behaviour since the last visit
Stay nearby during the appointment so you can collect your dog quickly if needed
Be open to modifying your usual grooming style for their comfort
Understand that a perfect groom isn’t the goal - comfort is
Accept that your dog might need to return for a second session if they become overwhelmed
PRO TIP! Your groomer loves your senior dog too. Any changes we suggest are made with your dog’s wellbeing in mind — always.
Your dog’s golden years should be as comfortable as possible. With open communication and a little flexibility, groomers and pet parents can work together make grooming a safe, gentle, and even enjoyable experience for the dog well into their senior life.
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