Dog Bruising After Grooming

Causes and False Bruises

• A dog that is bruised while being groomed has usually been handled too roughly. The dog may have become agitated, and the groomer tried to force the dog to be still by squeezing it too tightly. A dog may also get bruised by jumping off the grooming table and hitting itself on the edge or bumping into something when it lands.

  Severe matting can cause bruise-like discoloration. When the groomer brushes or shaves the mat, the skin may be irritated and red from being pulled.

  Sometimes dogs get razor burn, which can be mistaken for a bruise, when being groomed. Razor burn can occur when the dog must be shaved close to the skin to remove mats. Rasor burn is caused by the dog's sensitivity to the razor, not because the razor is too hot.

Treating a Bruise

• If your dog is bruised, apply a cold compress to the bruise for a few minutes. This will make the blood vessels contract and minimizes the bruise's size. When the bruise is fully formed, hold a warm compress against it for about 10 minutes. Reapply the warm compress twice a day for several days.

  It's also a good idea to take the dog to a veterinarian to make sure there are no other injuries. If the bruise does not heal after a week or so, take the dog to a veterinarian. Bruising, or bleeding under the skin, can be a symptom of canine hemophilia.

Find a Groomer

• To minimize the chance of your dog being bruised or otherwise harmed, do some homework when selecting a groomer. Ask friends for recommendations and visit the groomers you are considering. Ask about their experience and how they handle skittish dogs. Also ask to observe the groomer for an hour or so to see how he works with dogs. A good groomer will remain calm and slow down or take a break when a dog gets nervous. If a reprimand is needed, the groomer should simply and firmly say, "No." Also, the groomer should not leave a dog unattended.

  You can also get permission to stay while he is grooming your dog, but like a child, your dog may act worse when you are there. If possible, place your dog with the same groomer each time.

  Trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right at any of these stages, this is not the groomer for your dog.

Owner's Responsibility

• The owner is responsible for ensuring the dog has positive associations with grooming. First, groom your dog between visits. This not only helps your dog get used to grooming, it also keeps it healthy. Brush the dog regularly, especially if it has long hair, and give it baths when needed. This keeps mats from forming, and infections and parasites are avoided. Also, make sure grooming is a positive experience. Pet your dog and give it treats during and after grooming. If possible, start grooming your dog as a puppy, so grooming is just another part of its routine.

  The owner should also help the dog become accustomed to being handled. Play with its ears, nails and paws, and rub the dog's face. Dogs often dislike being touched on these areas. Again, praise and treat the dog for allowing you to handle sensitive areas.

  The dog should know basic manners -- to sit, stand and stay on command.