05/02/2026
Senior Sessions
I have been grooming professionally for almost 40 years now. I have taken clients from their first puppy trim to their very last senior groom 18yrs later. I see the changes in personality, body score and behavior. I see their tired eyes and know who they once were and how hard they are trying now. I tell them how great they are doing as we both hold it together. I appreciate being the person trusted to care for them now. It is an honor. I rely on my experience and know I am doing my best to care for them, keeping them safe and comfortable.
Those sessions are not easy. Mentally and physically they can be a challenge.
Seniors are more vulnerable to injury, illness and stress. They may be blind, deaf, disabled or paralyzed. They may be grumpy from the pain in their joints, muscles, mouth or internally.
Some have incontinence, thin skin, growths, heart issues, epilepsy, anxiety, behavior changes, skin sensitivity and reduced tolerance. They may bite or spin in circles, they are often erratic or unpredictable.
They are tired and sore, can’t stand and need extra support. We monitor their stress, watch their breathing, use different or softer tools, we work faster or slower or give frequent breaks, sometimes it takes two people to safely complete the groom and sometimes we just simply stop.
Do they look perfect, no. It’s not about appearance now it’s health and comfort.
Grooming for the senior dog is essential for their quality of life.
It’s not an illness it’s a life stage.
Their nails require more attention as they aren’t wearing them down out walking or playing. Extra nail growth prevents mobility and creates pain in their feet and joints. Paw pads trimmed of hair helps with traction on slick floors.
Their skin can become more oily or flaky and may require more frequent mild, moisturizing or medicated shampoos for comfort. It’s important to prevent the development of excess undercoat, painful mats and tangles on their sensitive skin. More frequent grooming and shorter haircuts is required.
The sanitary area needs to be kept clean and dry. It helps to prevent yeast and bacterial infections. Senior dogs often have a reduction in tears and develop more dry crust around their eyes that needs maintained.
The importance of frequent grooming during the senior years is often over looked. These sessions require more from me, the aging client and the owner.
It is an honor to be the trusted handler and caretaker of someone’s beloved elderly pet for its senior and final grooming sessions. If the time ever comes where I say they can’t handle another session it’s said in love and out of necessity for their safety and best interest. ❤️
