Cat-atonic State: The Dog-ma Behind Calming Your Pet Before Grooming

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Your pet may not exactly share your enthusiasm about “ritualistic” visits to the “salon”. In fact, routine maintenance is probably one of your pet’s biggest pet peeves. But for his/her own benefit, groom him/her you must.

But before you can get Fido or Fifi close to a bush, you’ll have to brush up on some cool, calming techniques.

1. Speech Therapy: Chances are your pet is nervous about his/her “beauty parlor” visit and not sure what to expect. Experts suggest reassuring your cat or dog and boosting their confidence with calming cadence. Besides using a soothing tone and voice, professionals suggest gently hand gestures that will put your pet at ease about anticipatory experience.

2. “Climate” Control: Make sure you adjust the ambiance to offer an atmosphere of comfort. Opt to groom your pet sans any other distractions. Also, ensure that you are at peace, so that he/she won’t be spooked by your potential nervous energy. Furthermore, for additional appeasement, experts suggest, continuing to talk to your pet in a comforting manner throughout the experience.

3. Gentile Appeal: Refrain from losing your cool. Stay in control even if your pet is being “difficult” and ambivalent about cooperating. Keep in mind that pets take mental notes of their experiences and are likely to remember unpleasant ones. Furthermore, experts note that if you’re on edge, chances are you be will be too. Keeping your cool may benefit both of you.

4. Be Amusing: Literally. Find a diversion and use it to “lure” your pet to the groomer or as a “distraction” while you are grooming him/her yourself. Consider toys, yummy treats or sitting by a glass door or window and engage your pet in what’s going on outside.

5. Try, Try, Again: Well, if at first you don’t succeed, let some time pass by and make another attempt. Many pets will be more open if they are not forced and if you let enough time elapse so they can “forget” the experience. Experts also emphasize that the sooner you get started, the better. Basically, experts agree that if you start when your pet is a baby, the better your chances of getting him/her use to being groomed, even expecting and liking