How do I keep my dog calm during grooming?
Matthew Cannon
Updated on January 04, 2026
How To Keep A Dog Calm During Professional Grooming
- Table of contents:
- Allow them to explore the equipment.
- Familiarise the dog with the equipment.
- Use treats.
- Take a break.
- Stop when it becomes too much.
- Relaxing music/ Familiar sounds.
- Walk to the salon.
What can I give my dog to calm down for grooming?
Trazodone. Trazodone can both sedate a dog and relieve anxiety. This is a good dog sedative for grooming, veterinary visits, thunderstorms/fireworks, and other short-term stressful events.How do dog groomers keep dogs calm?
They'll infuse the space with calming pheromones in the air or essential oils through a diffuser. Perhaps they'll use certain shampoos with soothing ingredients, like lavender. If and when a vet writes a prescription of sedatives for a dog's grooming session, then the groomer can use those to keep a dog still.How do groomers deal with difficult dogs?
Groomers might cover an aggressive dog's face with a towel while moving the dog. Aggressive dogs are restrained with a loop and most groomers have muzzles on hand for the toughest dogs. Neither of these devices will hurt your dog. Both ensure your dog stays on the table during the groom for her own safety.How do groomers handle hyper dogs?
Some grooming salons employ a variety of tricks of the trade to make fidgety and hyper dogs calmer so they're less likely to bounce around. Infusing the work space with calming pheromones and using soothing lavender-based shampoos can be helpful.How to Get a Dog Not to Move While Grooming : Dog Training Musts
Can I give my dog a sedative before grooming?
No groomer should administer sedatives to your dog unless a vet prescribed the drug for that particular animal.Do some groomers sedate dogs?
If the groomer has tried numerous options and finds that yes, the dog undeniably requires sedatives then you will need to see your veterinarian or veterinary behaviourist for the most appropriate drug.What is a natural sedative for a dog?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – Valerian is the most widely recognized herbal sedative. It's safe and gentle and calms the nerves. It also promotes physical relaxation. Use it for stressful events or if your dog gets hysterical or overexcitable.Can I give my dog Benadryl to calm him down?
One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which helps to calm anxious dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pets associated with travel. It also may help relieve motion sickness.Is there an over-the-counter sedative for dogs?
While melatonin has proven beneficial in the management of certain endocrine disorders, it is a helpful adjunct in canine stress disorders. Therefore, melatonin is offered as an over-the-counter recommendation for the dog with hospital associated aggression and anxiety (Table 1).Do dogs have pressure points to calm them down?
The Yin Tang PointIt is a single point in the center of your pet's forehead located directly between and slightly above the eyes. Massage this area using one or two fingers and watch your pet melt into relaxation. This point is especially important for the flow of calming energy through your pet's body.