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Question for those who have their big guys (and gals!) groomed professionally

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Gentian:
Bosco had his first professional grooming (with us) yesterday. I know he was done with his former person, but I've been doing him here at home...until the hair just drove me to seek help. I've never had a dog who needed professional grooming, so I don't now what is standard and what to expect. During his last groom with his previous owner, the groomer accidentally broke his tail, requiring eventual amputation. We got him while he was still miserable, sporting an e-collar and having trouble with healing, so I'm coming at this from a place of worry to begin with.

While he was there, he got a nosebleed, they said either either from stress or the dryers. I work with animals, I know stuff happens, so I wasn't alarmed. They said they also had a hard time keeping him on his feet to dry. Well, yeah!  ::) He's a couch potato. It took four hours to dry him. They didn't really expect him to stand all that time, did they? Or, did they?  ???

When he came home, he was desperate to drink. He finished off his one gallon bowl, the contents of the toilet, and still wanted more. I had to stop him because I was afraid he'd throw up. I asked them to make sure he got water at some point during his stay, but I'm sure they didn't.

The big thing I'm concerned about is that he's limping randomly today and doesn't want to get up. It's not always the same side or the same foot. He just seems sore all over.  He's only two and has no pre-existing hip or joint issues. Is this normal after a grooming?

People Whisperer:
Poor pup  :(
I have never had a dog professionally groomed but do a lot of grooming myself  :)
I would think that if the groomers used dryers with heating element that could definitely cause dehydration and perhaps nose bleeding. Most of the time groomers use cage dryers for very hairy pups...it's would be shocking if they kept him on his feet for FOUR hours!

It does sound like he was very stressed  :( Have you thought of giving him something to relax before grooming session?

Gentian:
I didn't consider that he'd be that stressed because he loves grooming at home. Even the clippers don't scare him here. If there is a next time, I think I'll give him something.

The way they talked, they used a cage dryer, but they kept going back to get him to stand up. The comment was "It takes a long time to dry. They lay down and we have to keep getting them back up."  ???

I'm just not sure what they would have done to make him so sore. He loads in and out of the truck a couple times a month without incident, and I always give him a boost so he doesn't have to drag that big rear end up by himself. Real physical activity never bothers him, but grooming does?

I gave him some aspirin and if he's not better tomorrow, I guess I'll call the vet.

People Whisperer:

--- Quote from: Gentian on February 16, 2009, 05:55:58 am ---
The way they talked, they used a cage dryer, but they kept going back to get him to stand up. The comment was "It takes a long time to dry. They lay down and we have to keep getting them back up."  ???

I'm just not sure what they would have done to make him so sore.

--- End quote ---

If I had to stand under a dryer for four hours I would be sore as well  :P If he was really stressed out than muscle ache is very much explainable. I think a few days of rest will help him to recover  :) a few nice treats will help as well  ;)

You could look into grooming salons that use Air Forcer rather than dryers. It takes much faster to dry fluffy dogs and it's not heated.  :)

jesday:
None of what you reported sounds like I would ever take my bubs back to that groomer. I personally don't like the cage dryers and many good groomers don't use them for the reasons you describe. Many dogs get overheated, dehydrated and you are right, the only way to get them completely dry is if they stand the whole time. To be dramatic, there have been cases of animals dying in those type of dryers.

Your dog should never be returned to you with any blood whatsoever! Occasionally a nail quick can get nipped but styptic powder should be applied and bleeding stopped before the dog ever goes home. I've never heard of a dog coming out with a bloody nose.

We take Sophie and Syrus to be groomed about every 6 to 8 months. Mainly because they do such a beautiful job getting all the hair out and they come back absolutely gorgeous, soft and happy. They only use hand-blow dryers. We had Sophie done right before surgery. With both ACL's blown she couldn't stand for more than 5 minutes at a time. They were able to work with her sitting most of the time and did a wonderful job.

How on earth did a groomer accidentally break a Newf's tail?? :o

Poor Bosco. These sound like horrible experiences for him. There are very good groomers out there. If you take him again I would encourage looking for one who has experience with the double coated giant breeds. And no cage dryers!

Our groomers charge from $60 to $80 (per dog) depending on what we have done from a basic wash and comb out to the full works with hair trimming around ears, paws, legs and chest. They have more than one groomer so for both dogs it takes them about 4 hours.

I totally understand about taking them to a professional. I do quite a bit with my bubs from brushing to washing regularly, but sometimes they just need a very good thorough head to toes from someone with all the proper equipment and patience.

Give that Bosco a big smooch on his big beautiful nose. Good luck in finding just the right groomer.

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