How to prepare your dog for a grooming visit

A calm dog makes for a better grooming experience. The more relaxed your dog is on the way in, the easier the whole appointment goes for them, for your groomer, and for you. Here are a few things you can do at home before your next visit.

Skip a big meal beforehand. If your dog gets carsick or nervous during travel, a lighter stomach can help. This also means your dog will be more interested in treats during the appointment.

Bring their favorite treats. A variety of small, soft treats works best. They should be tiny, no bigger than a piece the size a pea. Your groomer may use these throughout the appointment to help your dog stay comfortable and build positive associations with grooming. We also have freeze dried beef liver at the spa.

Pack a familiar item. A blanket, towel, or shirt that smells like home can be comforting during the visit. If your dog uses a calming pheromone spray, spray the item ahead of time and let it dry for ten to fifteen minutes before your dog is near it.

Practice calm car rides. If your dog struggles with the car ride to the salon, work on getting them comfortable in their crate or seatbelt harness at home first. Keep the crate out in a common area of the house, add treats or toys inside it, and let your dog or cat choose to go in on their own. This kind of practice, done slowly over time, makes travel much less stressful.

Let your dog go to the bathroom before you leave and again right before you come inside. A full

bladder adds unnecessary stress to the visit.

Give yourself extra time. Rushing out the door transfers your stress right to your dog. Building in a few extra minutes helps both of you arrive calmer.

Talk to your groomer about anxiety. If your dog has been prescribed anti-anxiety medication or

supplements by your veterinarian, make sure to give them as directed before the appointment. And if you think your dog could benefit from that kind of support, it's worth a conversation with your vet.

At Zen Pet Spa, we are Fera Free Certified offering one-on-one, cage-free grooming appointments in Phoenixville, PA. If your dog struggles with grooming or has anxiety around new places, let us know before your visit so we can plan ahead together.