Due to mental impairment, blindness or hearing difficulties, the geriatric pet may be confused.  We speak to them at all times before we touch them so we don't startle them.  An old dog will produce a feeble bark when they are confused. Blind dogs are spoken to at all times so they can locate us, and to reassure them. 

Arthritis is a roughening of the joint ends, which cause pain on movement. Some older animals may have suffered from Hip Dysplasia from their youth, which may now cause more problems in old age. When grooming this type of animal, it may cry out in pain or bite when the joint is handled; therefore we handle all geriatric pets as if they have arthritis.  I move very slow and careful when working on an elderly pet in order to make them more comfortable and prevent injuries .

As your dog ages the skin becomes thinner making it more
prone to damage; therefore a more gentle technique should be adopted when grooming them.  A brush that is gentle or comb is used to prevent damaging their tender skin. Warts can easily be caught by a brush or comb. I have a special card with a diagram of a dog that I fill out with you to mark areas to pay extra attention to.   Sometimes owners do not notice lumps and bumps especially on a hairy animal. We will notify you if I find anything that I'm concerned about, that you may not be aware of so you can make a visit to your vet. (South Hill Vet Hospital) I highly recommend!

Because the pasterns drop when the animal gets older the feet become longer and consequently the nails are not in contact with the ground to wear them down. The dog needs to have its nails cut regularly to prevent ingrown claws. Please come in for nail trims between appointments. Nail Trimming should be done at least every four weeks on all pets, not just seniors. 

If at anytime your precious pet becomes stressed, I will stop immediately. After a few minutes if he is still in distress, I will phone you to come pick him up and schedule to finish the groom another day.  Sometimes it does take two grooming sessions to complete safely and to keep your pet from getting too stressed.  Your senior pet can be groomed on a day where there are no other animals in the groom room as well if you'd like.  I make special arrangements all the time for pets that need worked on from start to finish in order to get them in and out in a  timely manner.  All you have to do is let me know the situation and I can work it out with you.  I have worked in a Vet Hospital and I'm animal CPR trained as well.  I have worked on many diabetic dogs, heart patients, seizure animals, high risk senior pets.  

You will be asked to sign a waiver for emergency animal care and it will give me permission if neccessary to rush your pet to the closest Vet hospital for care if needed during it's visit.  Actually this form is signed by every pet that I groom that has a place for all emergency contact information and your vets location as well. 

Even senior pets still need grooming on a regular basis and I understand how difficult it is to leave your pet for hours and hope that they are doing okay.  You are welcome to stay with your pet to insure proper handling, I totally understand ... I have been there myself and didn't know who to call before I became a groomer.  I was also afraid to leave them just anywhere.  I do have a comfy chair and I can even serve you a cup of coffee if you'd like!

Please give me a call at (253) 686-6031 ask for Jan and we can talk about your special needs pet :)  Lv. message if no answer I may be grooming a pet and will call you back asap!