We have a 14 year old Shih-tzu, and she is mostly blind and deaf due to old age. Up until a couple of months ago, she was OK going to the groomer. This last time, the groomer called my wife and told her she could no longer groom our dog, because she just freaks out the whole time, and moves and squirms too much. The groomer accidentally cut our dog's ear because she was moving too much. I suspect it's due to not being able to see or hear what's going on. Any suggestions on what we can do in the future? Are there any anti-anxuety meds or similar we could give her?
Thanks for your help

Poor girl. Bless her heart.

I have two well experienced dog groomer friends. Both, groomers for decades. One is located in Michigan and the other in Maine. I just messaged Janet and Holly independently and maybe not surprisingly, they offered similar advice.

Janet:
Old dogs can get this way fast. The first thing to do would be to have a vet visit. They could prescribe some meds maybe. But a vet would be the first step. And sometimes you can find a groomer who works with senior dogs. The vet might also know of one.

Holly:
Oh boy. That’s a tough one. A vet would have to prescribe something & then given just before going to the groomers. I’ve had several like that. It’s hard when they get old & senile. Best thing would to go to a vet that has a groomer on site. Not all groomers can handle those tough cases.

Hobbs, thanks so much for going the extra mile and asking your friends. I suspect a visit to the vet is in order.

Go see the vet. While there are herbal remedies you'll surely read or hear about, vets have the prescription meds that might do the trick. For sedation we use things like gabapentin (low end) all the way up to acepromazine (which I don't care as much for, since it kinda zombies them out), and the whole goal is to let them learn to adapt. Plain ol' benadryl works for many of these pets.

Also, she might be an early stage of cognitive dysfunction (kinda like Alzheimer's in people), and something like selegiline might make a difference not only at the groomer but at home. Early signs are pacing at odd times, restlessness, that "where'd I put my keys" look, etc.

Lastly, if she's getting arthritic, she might be hurting during grooms. Our groomers are all very gentle, but groomers do pull legs in odd directions to get that "just right" cut, and with arthritis that can really be ouchy. If she anticipates the pain, she might prematurely move or fight back.

Good luck, keep us posted.

^^^^^ I get my critters groomed at the Veterinarians Office since they have a permanent full time groomer, I think she has been there 30 years.

A very few times the Vet has had to step in and sedate one of my critters just enough to get the job done.

So, my recommendation is to find a Vets office that offers grooming services.

Best wishes to you.
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I have found that not all groomers are equal. The good ones don't get the respect that they deserve. My Brittany hates having his nails ground and he has long quiks that have never receeded.

She just takes her time and does it. She was gone the last time and the newer groomer just muzzled him and went as fast as she could .

Of course yours might be past that level and need medical traquilization. As the groomers if they have a groomer that works with more difficult animals.

You may have to search a little, but there are a few good episodes on this type of thing on the Dog Whisperer show (Cesar Milan). I've had much success with things gleaned from his show.

My mom does this for a living. For her dogs, some are on drugs, some are muzzled, some she just deals with getting bites. You just need a groomer who's willing to put up with the shit for a few bucks more and will work with your vet to get the appropriate medicine if needed.

Stay with her during the grooming to calm and re-assure her?

Well, cutting her ear isn’t going to help the next grooming visit- she was afraid for whatever reason, and now her fear was justified by the pain of the cut, even if it wasn’t the groomer’s fault.
I agree with the others; she does need to go the vet and see what they have to offer in calming meds and in advice for a new groomer. Not slamming her current groomer at all, but if it isn’t dementia, for some dogs all it takes is one bad experience (esp a nail trim that cuts to the quick), and they’re ruined.
She needs someone very calm and slow, and if her diet allows it and she is food motivated, lots of positive reinforcement In treat form. Doggie dementia is not fun for anyone, but her fears, to her, are very real.

I don’t have dogs that require extensive grooming, but where I board them there is also a separate grooming facility. It seems chaotic and loud to me, with blow dryers and barking dogs. If you have a low key, low volume household, this alone could be enough of a stressor.

Another thought: I’m aware of teeth cleaning done without anesthesia for dogs. It might be worth it to find someone in your area that does this, and see who they recommend for grooming. Anyone who can mess around in an awake dog’s mouth with dental tools has to be able to keep their cool, and should know like minded people for grooming (never did it with mine, but was always curious as to how someone could possibly polish all the teeth on an awake dog).

Last thought: how important is the grooming? Could you do the bathing at home, and just bring her and stay for the trim?

change groomer.

Maybe its time you learned how to groom the dog yourself.

Bob

Just as a slight drift, we have a standard poodle that is terrified of thunder storms. When we have a hard rain he associates that with thunder and starts pacing around the house. If he hears thunder he begins to tremble and no amount of loving helps.

We finally asked the vet for a mild sedative and it works great. We hate having to dope up a dog, but we both believe the stress from the storm does more damage than the meds.

You might consult your vet on some type of med.

Listen to the Doc. ^^^^^^^