06/22/2025
Grooming Old Dogs. When I groom an old dog I think about how I want my old dogs treated. I want them to know they are loved. I want them to feel safe. I don't want them to work harder than they have to because they have given me years of loyalty. Recently, I have advised a few owners that I won't groom their old dogs anymore. It isn't because I can't. It is because you have to change your expectations. I know you want your dog to look the way it did in its prime, but he isn't anymore. I know you want us to go fast, but we can't anymore.
Why? They may have lost muscle tone and have arthritis making standing harder. The more they stand, the more worn out they are and sometimes it takes our muscles to support them. They need rest and breaks, sometimes potty breaks. Coats change over time, hormones change, skin changes. I understand facing these realities is sad, but they are so real. Maybe instead of a full haircut, we tidy them up. It is unfair to ask an old dog to be treated like they are young.
The first photo is the same dog as the photos taken today (11 years later). In my head, Pocket will always be the handsome young man. However, it would be unfair to ask him to tolerate grooming the same way he did over a decade ago. By the way, we do climb in the tub with old dogs at Creatures, if standing it hard. We do get on the floor. We do anything to make it easier, but when you don't change your expectations we are not able to put your pet's comfort first.
These photos were not taken at Creatures. Pocket is a very old man who appreciated getting bathed today. I also got bathed so he didn't have to stand. :) Be sure to 💋 an old dog. They are the best!
