Happy Saturday and welcome back to the Senior Dog Digest from Grey Whiskers. Let’s get into it!

In this week’s issue here’s what we are sniffing out

• Continuing part 2 of our series on “How to find a groomer for your senior”

• Some fun callouts

Questions you should ask potential groomers for your senior dog

After reading the previous newsletter, you should feel comfortable narrowing your groomer options down, and ready to reach out to someone about your geriatric dog. Now, what questions should you ask before deciding to book?

📋️ The Hard Questions to Ask

1. If the website lists that they cater to senior pets but doesn’t list how ask them what they specifically do to make grooming easier for their senior clients.

2. Can my large dog or dog with neurological issues be done on the floor on a nonslip cushioned mat? Be prepared to provide a yoga mat if that helps.

3. Can my dog sit or lay down at all?

4. If he can’t, can they provide an extra person to help a big old dog with physical support? Be prepared to pay extra for this!

5. Do they have assistive devices to help a dog stand if he is not able to, and he is not allowed to lie down? Note: Any assistive devices such as belly bands must be safe to use on a dog who has abdominal issues such as organ cancer, intestinal problems or pain, etc.

6. If the answer to the previous four questions is no, will they let the pet parent assist? This is probably going to be a no, but it’s worth asking if you strike out on the other four.

7. What is the policy for a dog who has a medical crisis while there?

8. Can they provide water to dogs who spend time in crates? This is not always done because of the risk of the dog spilling the water and his coat not drying, or drinking too much and then peeing in the crate!

9. Do they give potty breaks?

10. Is anyone on staff first aid or CPR certified?

11. Would they be able to groom your dog first before all the other dogs come in? (Be prepared to pay extra for this)

12. Will they consider doing the haircut first, bathing second, and sending the dog home damp? This only works for dogs who won’t get too chilled by leaving without being dried, or when weather permits.

13. Will they consider skipping a bath or letting owners do one at home a few days before?

14. Are they willing to be flexible on their cancellation policies for your senior dog? Please note: this is an extremely difficult ask. Groomers base their schedules on SO many things. Cancelling one dog last minute can throw the whole day off and be very frustrating. At the same time, I’m guessing that your groomer would prefer not to see a dog who is going to poop on the table because his tummy is acting up or who is in so much pain they may snap at anyone who handles them. IF they allow you to cancel last minute if your dog is feeling badly, first, be over the moon about that, and second, do not take advantage of the gift. Cancel only for the dog affected vs any others in your family, and realize you may still have to pay. Do NOT cancel this way for your own scheduling conflicts.

So what next?

Do not expect to get a yes to all these questions. You won’t. (If you do, send me their contact info immediately!). And you do not need to ask them all. Ask the questions most important to your dog specifically, and then rank the answers to help you choose. You should get a good vibe about the place or the groomer. If there is something that doesn’t sit well with you, even if you can’t figure out what it is, trust your instinct and move along to the next option.

Some of the questions above can get you flagged as being a 🚁 pet parent. I am considering this conversation from both sides... I know that if I had gotten a call like this while in my salon that saw mostly younger dogs, I would have been worried about taking on such a highly nervous pet parent. I also know that as a mom to extremely geriatric dogs, I absolutely AM a highly nervous pet parent. We all are! Taking an 18-year-old dog to a groomer is no joke, just like grooming an 18-year-old dog is no joke.

If you’ve done your research, asked your questions, and felt like you’ve found a potential fit, this is great, hurry up and make your first appointment! Book your dog for a day you can be available in case they need you to come get the dog unexpectedly. I cannot tell you how many folks tell me that the groomers had to send the dog home unfinished because something went wrong. No major crises, like they had a heart attack on the table, but minor crises, like the dog pooped on the table, or her stress escalated too quickly and the groomers didn’t feel it was safe to continue, etc.

Next issue..building the relationship with your new groomer

Social Media Account Callout

🐶 Sniffing Out Senior Dog News 📰

💝 Clinical trial underway in North Texas for new drug that could extend a dog's lifespan 

🧰 New tool can assess elderly dogs' frailty

Senior Dog Humor

How did we do with this week’s newsletter?

• High Paws

• Pooped in the House