Natural Calming Remedies for Stress-Free Dog Grooming | Holistic Guide
Grooming sessions can be a source of stress for dogs, dog carers and dog groomers. The unfamiliar environment, the presence of other animals, and the physical handling required can all contribute to heightened anxiety. However, incorporating natural calming remedies can significantly reduce stress and create a more pleasant experience for everyone involved. In this blog post, we'll explore a range of natural solutions that can help soothe anxious dogs and make grooming a more enjoyable process.
Table of Contents
1. Lavender Oil Diffusion
Lavender oil is renowned for its calming properties and is a popular choice for reducing anxiety in both humans (Diego et al., 1998), and other animals. Diffusing lavender oil in the grooming area can create a serene atmosphere that helps to calm nervous dogs. The gentle aroma of lavender can help soothe and promote relaxation making it easier for dogs to remain calm during grooming processes.
It's important however, to ensure that the diffuser is placed in a well-ventilated area and that the concentration of lavender oil is appropriate to avoid overwhelming a dog's sense of smell.
2. Calming Music
Music therapy is another effective way to reduce stress during grooming sessions. Playing calming music can help to drown out unsettling noises and create a more peaceful environment. Studies have found Classical or 'Reggae Reggae' music the most effective genres to induce calming benefits in dogs (Kogan et al., 2012). There are also playlists specifically designed for dogs that include soothing sounds and gentle melodies.
For best results, experiment with different types of music to see what works best for each dog in your care, and remember some dogs may prefer to have no music playing.
3. Rest Breaks
Incorporating regular rest breaks into grooming sessions can help prevent stress and fatigue. Long grooming sessions can be overwhelming for dogs, especially if they find grooming processes particularly stressful. Allowing dogs to take short breaks can give them time to decompress and recharge, reducing anxiety and making them more cooperative.
During these breaks it's important to offer water, a comfortable place to rest and access to a toileting area. Groomers can also use this time to observe and assess the dog's stress levels which will allow them to adjust the next part of the grooming session accordingly.
4. Natural Lighting
The environment in which grooming takes place can have a significant impact on a dog's stress levels. Natural lighting can create a calming atmosphere by mimicking the dog's natural habitat, with research showing stress-reducing benefits of natural light in animals living in shelters (Candiani et al.).
Whenever possible, use natural light to illuminate the grooming area (this is also the most cost effective way of operating!).
If natural light is not available, consider using full-spectrum lighting that mimics natural sunlight instead. This type of lighting can help create a more soothing environment and reduce stress for both dogs and groomers.
5. Hormonal Plug-Ins
For example, Pet Remedy is a popular plug-in diffuser that uses a blend of essential oils to help calm pets. The formula includes valerian, vetiver, sweet basil, and sage, which all work together to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Plug-ins like Pet Remedy can be easily integrated into grooming environments and can provide subtle, yet continuous support throughout the day.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and monitor the dog's response to ensure that they are comfortable.
6. Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements can be a natural way to support relaxation and reduce stress in dogs (Rodriguez and Dawson).
Ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, and passionflower are known for their calming properties and can be found in various pet-safe supplements.
These supplements can be given on the lead up to grooming sessions to help dogs remain calm and cooperative.
Always have the dog carer consult a Registered Veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for the dog's specific needs.
7. Aromatherapy
In addition to lavender oil, other essential oils can be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation. Oils such as chamomile, bergamot, and ylang-ylang can be diffused in the grooming area to create a calming atmosphere.
It's important to use high-quality, organic and pet-safe essential oils and to dilute them properly to avoid any adverse reactions.
Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in reducing stress and enhancing the overall grooming experience.
Check out our monthly membership for a range of educational resources all about aromatherapy for dogs!
8. Environmental Comforters
Finally, creating a comfortable and familiar environment can help reduce stress during grooming sessions.
Supporting dogs with anti-slip mats on surfaces, de-cluttering unnecessary objects and requesting that dog carer's bring a few home comforts that have familiar scents on them can all help to create a safe and secure space for dogs to feel relaxed in.
By incorporating these natural calming remedies into your grooming routine, you can create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for both dogs and groomers.
Reducing stress not only benefits dogs but also enhances the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the grooming process.
Remember, each dog is unique, so it may take some experimentation, risk-assessing and creative thinking to work out what is best for each of your clients but with patience and care, you can transform grooming sessions into a positive and low-stress experience.
Let us know! How do you currently manage stress during grooming sessions?
Bibliography
Bowman, A., et al. ““The Effect of Different Genres of Music on the Stress Levels of Kennelled Dogs.”” Physiology & Behavior, vol. 171, Mar. 2017, pp. 207–215, www.scottishspca.org/media/13910926/published-the-effect-of-different-genres-of-music-on-the-stress-levels-of-kennelled-dogs.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.01.024.
Candiani, Denise, et al. “Scientific and Technical Assistance on Welfare Aspects Related to Housing and Health of Cats and Dogs in Commercial Breeding Establishments.” EFSA Journal, vol. 21, no. 9, 1 Sept. 2023, https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8213. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.
NCCIH. “Lavender.” NCCIH, Aug. 2020, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender.
Rodriguez, Anna, and Chelsea Dawson. “Incorporating Herbal and Plant-Based Medicines into Veterinary Practice: Enhancing Care in a Busy Clinic.” Veterinary Practice, 3 July 2024, www.veterinary-practice.com/article/incorporating-herbal-and-plant-based-medicines-into-practice.
