Most dogs benefit from regular grooming, even if they have shorter hair. Grooming can prevent the hair from matting. It can also help soothe itching and keep the skin healthy. Older dogs can benefit from grooming, too, but there are some particular tips to follow when arranging for an older dog to be groomed.

Have them groomed more often

As your dog gets older, it can be helpful to increase the frequency of their grooming. For instance, if you used to have them groomed once a month, you may want to start having them groomed every three weeks. If you used to have them groomed every other month, you may want to start having them groomed monthly. When you have your dog groomed more often, the groomer does not have to do as much during each grooming session. The sessions will be shorter, which is easier on older dogs who may become stiff or sore if they have to sit in a certain position for the groomer for too long.

Give them joint supplements first

If your older dog is not already on joint supplements, talk to the vet about adding one to their routine. Joint supplements can help dogs feel more limber and experience less pain when they sit or stand. This can keep them more comfortable while on the groomer's table. Make sure your dog has a dose of their joint supplement before they go to the groomer so it's fresh in their system.

Ask the groomer to use gentle, unscented shampoos

Older dogs are more likely to have sensitive skin. They may not react well to heavily perfumed shampoos and conditioners. So, ask your groomer to use unscented or lightly scented products instead. You can also ask them to skip any perfumes or sprays they often apply to dogs after the grooming session.

Have their coats trimmed a little shorter

If you have a dog with longer hair, consider having the hair trimmed a little shorter than usual as your dog gets older. This will help prevent matting of the hair, which tends to be more common in older dogs as they may roll around a little more on their hair rather than standing up.

Older dogs can benefit substantially from being groomed on a regular basis. Talk to your dog groomer about the tips above, and see if they have any additional advice for grooming your older dog.

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