Grooming your dog is a necessity, which keeps your dog’s fur in check and free from mattes. It’s also great for the hot weather or if your dog is shedding too much! However, have you ever noticed that your dog starts to act a bit weird, even sad after a grooming session? It really makes you wonder why your dog’s acting weird after grooming!
Don’t worry, because you aren’t alone and there are various reasons why your dog acts a bit off. So read on as I explain about dogs acting weird after grooming to help you out!
Why Is My Dog Acting Weird After Grooming?
After your dog comes home from the grooming station, especially after a huge change, he may begin to feel weird. Your dog might cower and hide from you, look angry or annoyed, even sad at times! It might be worrying, but this is actually totally normal dog behavior after the drastic change.
After all, it’s a huge change that wasn’t anticipated, so he may feel a bit of discomfort. When their fur is cut they feel lighter, having them feel confused and hiding because of it. Plus, some dogs may feel a bit odd while being detangled or brushed, which can cause some itching or head shaking.
Some dogs would actually love the feeling of a new haircut, though there are dogs who also don’t feel comfortable from it. It also depends on their owner’s reaction. If customers are laughing or angry at the cut, it may strike negative feelings towards the dogs, feeling like it’s their fault.
Think of it as YOU getting a haircut after a long time. If you’ve got long hair and suddenly had it cut off and groomed, you’ll feel lighter and new, and it may not be a good thing, especially if you didn’t ask for it! It’s a different sensation and there’s more air, which may take time getting used to, just like what your dog feels like.
While it’s totally normal for dogs to feel this way, there IS abnormal dog behavior you have to take note of, which are:
- Sleepy or overheated dogs who may have been drugged or sedated by the groomer to relax them (this is actually illegal!)
- Aggressive dog or feeling like he’s in pain
- Dog shaking their head, water in ears, or itching more than usual
- Blood in nails or rectum or pain while defecating (sign of injury from cleaning anal glands)
Dog Grooming Care Tips
Now that you’re familiar about why your dog’s acting weird after grooming, what can you do to calm your dog? Here are some tips to follow before, during, and after your dog’s grooming session:
- If your dog feels scared and anxious even during the car ride, try counter conditioning to ease their fear and have them enjoy the car. You should also have our dog get used to being handled with both the groomer and the tools they’ll use even on sensitive spots. Touch them in specific areas, had them calm down, and go slowly, giving treats to reward your dog for being calm.
- Consider bringing his favorite toy to the groomer to have your dog feel comfortable. If possible, give treats and talk to him with a soothing voice as he is groomed, rather than leaving him. This is important especially if your dog doesn’t know the groomer yet.
- Have him get used to the haircut and if he feels scared from it, continue to give him proper love and compliments to make him feel better about his new look. It may take time for the weird feeling to pass, but continue a daily routine with love and treats, and your dog will be back in no time! Remember that your dog has feelings and just like us having a new look or haircut, we’ll feel hurt if we’re laughed at or ignored and hated for our new look! So when you see your dog, compliment and give him hugs, showing how much you love their look to give them a boost of confidence.
For more information on this topic, check out this informative video on how to groom your dog:
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to grooming your dog, you need to ensure that he’s comfortable and feels safe the entire time. While he may feel a bit off after, there are ways to cheer him up and have him back to normal!
I hope that this article on why your dog’s acting weird after grooming answered your queries. So start taking this information before and during your next dog grooming session to lessen your dog’s negative feelings!
If you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences when grooming a dog, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.
I took my border collie/ red heeler to get trimmed. Not only did he get shaved but much 2 short. Now he mopes around the house. He used to be totally comfortable with me rubbing his belly and back. Now he will hardly let me rub his belly, he moans when I touch hes back like it hurts. Could this be from a ruff groomer? Very concerned mom
Hi Sassone, this may be due to a rough groomer and your dog may have been slightly traumatized from the experience. Do reach out to the grooming store and speak to management to confirm if poor handling has occurred. Thank you!
sassy- My dog is doing the same thing and i did the haircut myself so i know it was gentle- Ive put a tank top on him simulating the cloak farmers put on sheeps after they’re sheared.. when he has the tank top on hes back to him normal self. I ‘ll keep taking it on and off as he adjusts
My dog also came home from the groomers 2 days ago, and hasn’t let us touch him. He seemed fine the first evening, getting rubs and pats. But the very next day he began flinching, and moving away when barely touched. I don’t see any red spots although he was cut very close (too close!) and lays on the bed and rubs himself on the blanket, but won’t let us touch him hardly at all. So sad and worrisome. He looks at us as though we’ve hurt him. I’m waiting for his fur to grow in some and hoping that makes the difference.
Hi Wendy, your dog may feel a bit uncomfortable when petted due to realizing his fur is much too short. Continue giving him the verbal affection he needs while slowly introducing petting and cuddling.
Thank you Lina. That’s exactly what we’ve been trying to do. Being very respectful of his desire to not be touched, and giving him lots of herbal loves and I’ve even let him lick me/kiss me more than I ever usually do! That allows him to give me loves as well.
Reposting this in case it helps,
Our corgi was depressed after I gave him hist first haircut a couple of days ago.. I put a tank top on him, (I figured the extra weight would help him adjust to his new cut and act as a thundershirt so he could relax) after wearing the tank top for ten minutes he was back to himself-playing and roughhousing. I take the shirt off of him when we play so that he associates his new cut with funny happy times- it’s been a couple days and he’s pretty much fully adjusted now. I hope that helps!
Exactly what happened to my Pomeranian. He is not himself and I feel like he is in pain. He lost his sparkle somehow. I hope that he outgrows it. I am now iffy about sending him back to the groomer. He is really hyper and the groomer had difficulty shaving him.
Hi, I bring Zoe for grooming and when she get home she act weird, she likes to sleep always, not so joyful, like sad, doesn’t want to be carried, doesn’t want to be touch not like before. I am just concerned. How long she is going to be like this
Hi Elizabeth, your dog may feel a bit weird after grooming because of the new look and feel, similar to how we would feel if ever we felt like we had a bad haircut! He will need extra love and it may take a few days to weeks before she will be back to normal. If ever she experiences other symptoms, do take her to the veterinarian.
Hi I have the same issue. I have a 9 month Lhasa who is normally energetic & fun loving. He was matted & had to be shaved. Ever since he has not been himself & is acting lethargic. I even took him to the vets & carried out bloods which came back normal. I think it may have something to do with him being shaved. Will he get back to his normal self?
Hi Pam, if you continue his daily routine with extra love, I’m sure that by the time his fur grows a bit longer, he’ll be feeling happier. It may just be from feeling lighter and the change of feel. Groom and brush him regularly to avoid matting, as the matting may have been also an issue.
Hello our dog had a groom yesterday and a lot shorter than she had before. I was shock but realised that she was very Matty. But bless her she came home very tired and acting weird while eating her food. She takes little bits out and runs away and at one point my husband had to put it in his hand to feed her, she than jump as though she had a electric shock. We are abit worried as she has never acted like this before. This is her fourth time she been groomed but this was a different groomer. Teresa
Hi Teresa, it might be because she was groomed by someone different, which can “mess” up her routine and shake her up a bit. Give her time and continue to give her the attention that she needs, also moving a bit slowly to avoid startling her or what. You can start giving her more physical love and affection once she is more comfortable being handled, maybe after a week or so.
(reposted for theresa)
Our corgi was depressed after I gave him hist first haircut a couple of days ago.. I put a tank top on him, (I figured the extra weight would help him adjust to his new cut and act as a thundershirt so he could relax) after wearing the tank top for ten minutes he was back to himself-playing and roughhousing. I take the shirt off of him when we play so that he associates his new cut with funny happy times- it’s been a couple days and he’s pretty much fully adjusted now. I hope that helps!
Hello, my havanese got shaved a few days ago, and funnily enough, I have noticed that he is more lovey and eager to be pet than usual. He has a lot more energy it seems and is pulling on his leash more during walks. I am actually glad about this because I had thought his tiredness was due to him getting old. It is so interesting that a haircut can change his behavior.
Sound great, Eliza.
Hey my dog got back from the groomers a couple days ago and ever sence he’s had diarrhea and has been been peeing around the house and he’s usually a VERY hyper dog and he’s just been laying around the house and I’m going to take him to the vet I was just wondering if they might have drugged him or if this was related.
Hi Hailey! I hope that your groomer did not drug him or what, but this does sound worrying. Do get him to the vet right away to see if that may be the reason why he’s been acting different and suffering from stomach issues. This may or may not be related to the grooming.
Hi my dog has a red swollen butt and hasn’t been scooting and has been eating and drinking normally what should I do I’m very stressed and concerned about my pup
Hi Ceisha, has this happened after grooming? Your dog will need to go to the vet for a checkup, as he may be sick from other causes.
Hello, i have a shitzue mix lapsho he recently got groomed and the next day started to act weird, like being scared, waking then stopping, shaking his ears, he just look scared I wonder what could be the problem, I wonder if the groomer might have hurt him somehow
Hi Philippe, he may have been traumatized from the trip to the groomer’s so you might want to give him extra love and attention until you get his trust back again. However, if the behavior persists after a week or more, you may want to take him to the vet for any psychological issues he might have from the trip, and to avoid that particular groomer from now on.
Just reading through the comments. We rescued our shih tzu a few weeks ago and he was badly matted so he was groomed yesterday. They had to shave him and ever since he’s shaking, looks sad, won’t go potty and walks and sits and licks his bottom. Temps have dropped here the last few days so I’m thinking he’s cold and his butt is itchy from being shaved. I ordered him a sweater but it won’t arrive for two more days. I feel so bad for him. I assume if he’s still acting this way next week I need to take him to the vet
Mine is doing the same. It’s been 3 days. What happened to your baby?
You eased my mind!!! First time with groomer, I had to take him to my vet the next day for rectal bleed. I think I am going to change groomers.
Hi Nola,
I’m glad I could help ease your mind. Rectal bleeding is a concerning symptom, and it’s always important to seek veterinary attention if you notice any unusual changes in your pet’s health.
If you suspect that the grooming may have caused your dog’s rectal bleeding, it may be a good idea to switch to a different groomer. Make sure to choose a groomer who is experienced, gentle, and has a good reputation.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your dog’s health after grooming or any other type of veterinary care. If you notice any unusual symptoms or changes in your dog’s behavior, make sure to contact your vet right away.
Remember, you are your pet’s advocate, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to their health and wellbeing.
Good luck.
After my poodle puppy got his first cut he would not let me put his collar on or his sweater he gets very upset and a little aggressive.
Hi Rebecca. It’s not uncommon for dogs to feel uncomfortable or anxious after a visit to the groomer, especially if it’s their first time getting a haircut. Your poodle puppy may be feeling a bit stressed or scared, which could be causing his behavior.
We recently took our 6 month old puppy to a groomer and he was shaved down quite and bit. He acts completely normal aside from when we take him for walks. He used to love walks but now we go and he will refuse to walk at times and the he will constantly lick/clean himself. We examined and can’t see any cuts anywhere near where he licks.
Hi Bill,
It’s possible that your puppy’s behavior is related to his recent grooming experience. Shaving a dog down can expose their skin, making it more sensitive to the elements and potentially causing discomfort.
Here are a few things you can try to help your puppy feel more comfortable and enjoy walks again:
– Your puppy may need some time to get used to his new haircut and the way it feels. It may take a few days or even weeks for him to feel more comfortable.
– If your puppy feels cold, he may be more hesitant to go for walks. Consider getting him a sweater or jacket to wear on walks, especially if it’s chilly outside.
– Even if you can’t see any cuts, there may be something on the ground or in the grass that’s bothering your puppy’s skin. Check his paws and belly for any signs of irritation, and try to avoid walking in areas with potentially irritating substances like salt or chemicals.
– Try to make walks more enjoyable for your puppy by bringing treats or toys along. You can also vary your route or take your puppy to new places to keep things interesting.
If your puppy’s behavior continues to be a concern, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. They can examine your puppy and rule out any underlying medical issues that may be causing discomfort or behavioral changes.
Thanks and have a good day!
I have a Bichon Frise, 6 years old who is now being extremely difficult when being groomed. She has gone to the same groomer since she was 6 months old and I cannot understand why this has occurred. Any suggestions. Thank you
Hi, Jana, there may have been an issue with the groomer recently, you may want to ask your groomer if your Bichon Frise was hurt in some way. Or, it may also be your dog showing signs of illness.
My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel went to get groomed yesterday. When she came back, she was growling a lot more than usual. I don’t think it was play growling either. My mom thought it might be because she was tired, but now I’m getting worried because it’s a day later and she’s still acting odd. What do I do?
Hi, Emily. Your dog may have had a rough experience at your local groomer, it’s best to ask your groomer to see what happened.
Hi my name is Nancy. I brought my 10 month old dog to the groomer for the first time. I let them know he does not like baths/water. They said he was a though one. but he looked and acted fine when i picked him up. When we got home his breathing seemed a bit off. He ate food then when he got excited he threw up and sounded horrible in doing so. Like cough throwing up. He did it again latter when excited/ bark latter. Then was breathing kinda of raspy. He’s fine when resting. Trip to vet? or should subside?
Hi Nancy, I’m sorry to hear that your dog is experiencing these symptoms after his grooming appointment. Given the timing of his symptoms, it’s possible that he may have inhaled some water during his bath or may have been stressed during the grooming process, which could have triggered a respiratory issue.
I would recommend that you take your dog to the vet as soon as possible to get him checked out. The vomiting and coughing could be signs of a respiratory infection or even aspiration pneumonia, which is a serious condition that can occur when dogs inhale water or other substances into their lungs.
In the meantime, try to keep your dog calm and avoid any activities that may make him overly excited, as this could exacerbate his symptoms. It’s also important to monitor his breathing closely and contact your vet immediately if you notice any further changes or if his symptoms worsen.
Your vet will be able to assess your dog’s condition and provide appropriate treatment, which may include medication, oxygen therapy, or other supportive care. Early intervention is key when it comes to respiratory issues, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary attention if you have any concerns.
Good luck.
Hii it’s Disha I have a dog he is Maltese and we went for grooming his hair after grooming he acted wired bcz he used to play jump but now he is totally quiet plz help me out of this Thank you
Hi Disha. It’s not uncommon for dogs to behave differently after a grooming appointment, especially if it’s their first time or if they had a significant amount of hair removed. It’s possible that your Maltese may be feeling a bit uncomfortable or uncertain with his new haircut, which could be causing him to act differently. Here are a few things you can try to help your Maltese feel more comfortable and get back to his normal behavior: give him some time to adjust, provide extra comfort, encourage playtime and be patient. Good luck!!!!
My 10 month old labradoodle was groomed yesterday.she had to be shaved close because of all the mattes in her fur. She was fine when she got home. But she whined and barked periodically during the night. She always sleeps soundly until morning. Usually, wakes me up with one bark. But not last night, it was a constant whinging and barking about every hour or two hours or whining all the time. What is going.on with her? She is on a strict schedule and has been since we got her. Please help this furbaby mama is wore out.
Hi Julia, Your dog may be feeling uncomfortable or anxious due to her recent grooming. You can try providing a comfortable sleeping area, sticking to a routine, using positive reinforcement, and considering consulting with a trainer or behaviorist if her behavior persists or worsens. It’s also important to monitor for signs of discomfort and consult with your vet if necessary. Wish you luck
My pup got their groomed for the first time today. Her behavior was strange at first but now she’s a little more active. The only thing that’s weird is, she’s been licking and rubbing her body on my bed and whining at times. I do think the groomer cut her hair a little too short than I would prefer for her first time.
I took my shih zu to petco to be groomed and was very displeased with them. I called them the groomer told me Bruno was matted from head to toe. Which was untrue. He had a couple thistle stickers in his coat yes when I expressed my unhappiness the lady got rude with me. She completely shaved my puppy to where he had no hair.then over charged us. No my baby is acting strange embarrassed looks sad. I will never return again!!!!!this was unnecessary very upset
My dog had gotten groomed today and continues to whine like he’s in pain. Do you know any reasoning of why this could be?(he’s 9 years old)
Hi Lilly. Some possible causes could include:
– Pain or discomfort from the grooming process
– Skin irritation
– Anxiety or stress
– Underlying medical condition
It’s best to observe your dog closely and consult with a veterinarian if the whining persists or if you notice any other concerning symptoms.
Thundershirts work a treat. My cavoodle had her grooming done today. It’s been a while since Covid lockdown, and she was overdue and hair was very overgrown.
She been to the same groomers all her life. But today when she got home, she looked a bit depressed & was acting a bit extra clingy. Usually likes to sleep in her own bed which is next time mine, but tonight she awoken in a panic and jumped onto my bed, but still didn’t fall asleep.
I had already put a doggie tshirt on her earlier, but that didn’t seem to help much as it was probably too loose. So I found her old Thundershirt (we purchased years ago, to protect her against NYE fireworks). It still works! Within minutes she was snuggled in her bed snoring her head off. Peaceful nights sleep for us both 👍 highly recommend
When your dog is shaved really short cut, sometimes they get razor burn. There are products you can get that will help ease the discomfort. They sell some at the pet store, at farm stores or you can get it from your vet. My dog has gotten razor burn from being trimmed too short and it is pretty miserable for a few days, but the medication helps speed up the healing.
That’s good advice! It’s important to take care of your dog’s skin after grooming to prevent any discomfort or irritation. Some other tips to prevent razor burn include making sure the clipper blades are sharp and using a gentle, moisturizing shampoo during the grooming process. Additionally, you can ask your groomer to use a cooling spray or soothing balm on your dog’s skin after the grooming session. Thank for your comment, Vanette.
I have a 1yr old Havanese who got groomed 2 days ago. He is overly sensitive and had to be put to sleep in order to groom him. Once he arrived home he wont go outside nor will he fetch liked he used to. He still plays a little but he’s different. Will he ever be normal again.
Hi Yvette. It’s normal for dogs to feel a little off after getting groomed, especially if they had to be put to sleep to be groomed. It’s possible that your Havanese is still feeling the effects of the anesthesia, which can make them feel groggy and lethargic. However, if your dog continues to exhibit unusual behavior after a few days, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues or complications from the grooming process. With time and patience, your dog should be able to return to his normal self.
I thank you all for your comments on how dogs act after they been groom, you all took a Wery of my mind. my dogs are acting different since they got their first grooming. now I know why they are acting different, thank you all for your advice. sincerely grateful. From Carlos Nieves.
You are welcome, Carlos
Hi! I have a maltipoo (he came oit more maltese than poo) that needed a very close shave. He had developed a skin allergy and his scratching was out of control, creating huge mats that could not be detangled at all. Before that I had changed his grooming needs to an at home groomer, she does fantastic work and he is more at ease with it since he is not kept in a cage waiting for his turn. Long story short. I had to take him back to his vet because of the scratching and found out he was having allergies for the second time. and with the mats he had to be shaved to put the medicine on his skin and so forth. Ever since then he has totally changed, no longer the happy pup, hiding, whining, not wanting to be left alone, eating and drinking is pretty much if i put him in front of the dishes and stay with him or hand feed him. Even out out to do his thing has come to a stop. Fearfull of going out, shaking like a leaf, walking so close to the walls so he can scratch, anyways its not my dog. I am at my wits end trying to make him feel comfortable. Help, I am afraid i am not helping him at all, its been over a week now
Omg Same exact thing is happening with my one year old toy cavapoo 😩
I’m so worried! He’s lost his spunk and he isn’t the same dog! So fearful and anxious and run and tucks his bum under as fast as he can! Constant whining crying-it’s horrible and so sad!! Won’t walk on the wood floors either..ONLY carpet and barely there too! So strange!
Has your pup returned to normal yet after one week??
hi. i have a shihtzu dog who just came back from the groomer. i’ve been with him during the time he was groomed so i knew he was handled with care, except for the time they blowdried him since the blowdryer was very loud compared to the one we got at home, everything seemed to be okay.. but when we got home, he started acting different, he just wont leave me.. and always looked anxious.. he would whine and cry when i leave him and would always sleep.. which is very unusual since he is a very energetic dog who could care less if i was beside him or not.. as much as i want his attached behavior.. i feel very concerned if he is sick or he’s just sad after the sudden shave.. what should i do?
Hi friend, It’s possible that your dog is feeling anxious or stressed after the grooming session, especially if the noise of the blowdryer made him uncomfortable. Give him some time to adjust to the new haircut and environment. Try to offer him some treats or toys to distract him and encourage him to play. If his behavior persists or you notice any other symptoms, such as lethargy or lack of appetite, it may be best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. Wish you luck
My dogs love their grooming “spa”days! They are big dogs, so I have never bathed them myself. Used to take them to a pet store starting at about 3mo. Never got a consistent cut so reached to other Bernese owners and found a small grooming shop and the same girl grooms them each time. They are big boys, weighing in at about 130lb each! They also love for me to vacuum them! They love to be combed and when we are done I vacuum them off! A few days before their appt, I start asking them if they want to get their bath and do that every day, and they are very excited to go that morning!
Spelled my name wrong! Shirley
Hi Shirley. It sounds like your dogs really enjoy their grooming sessions and have a great relationship with their groomer. It’s wonderful that you take such good care of them and provide them with a positive experience. Thank you for sharing
Our Teddybear 3 years old was groomed by same groomer & now it’s been 3 days and he’s not eating/drinking, just sits & stares, no interaction with other little dog, constantly licking or sitting on butt in an odd way, (his butt is not red or razor burnt, no signs of any damage), won’t obey commands, won’t urinate or bm, he’s definitely not himself. He does take trazodone before grooming. He has separation anxiety bad Vet told us to continue giving trazodone every 8-12 hours. We’re doing this with No change in his behavior. This happened once before with a different groomer. He acts like a he doesn’t know us. Will let us hold & cuddle him, though. The 1st time this happened it lasted 10 days. We took him to his Vet & No damage was found. Anyone have any suggestions?
Hi Gwen,
It sounds like your dog may be experiencing some form of trauma or anxiety related to the grooming experience. It’s important to take him to the vet to rule out any physical issues and to discuss his behavior with them. They may recommend medication or behavior modification techniques to help him cope with the anxiety. In the future, you may want to consider finding a groomer who specializes in working with dogs with anxiety or trauma to ensure a more positive experience for your pet.
Our golden doodle was shave once before but not as close as this time. She was fine, her usual happy self. But, this time, oh so sad. All the above signs, itching, rigid, sad, whining, won’t go out. Urinated yesterday. No poop. Won’t eat.
Administered 1/2 of a 25 mg Benadryl and that relieved her “allergy” and “itching”. She weighs 21 lbs. Must ensure the Benadryl is Diphenhydramine HCL.
Google said .9-1.8 mg per pound of dog’s weight. Aggie weighs 21 lbs. I gave her about 12 mg or half a Benadryl. It helps. Hoping she will come out of it today. This is day 2. So scary and painful to watch. Praying for her return to normal and that we can determine the best length for her hair which is very curly. Had no idea this could be so tragic.
Hi Willa. The symptoms you described, such as itching, whining, and refusing to eat or go outside, could be signs of skin irritation or pain. Administering Benadryl can help with allergies and itching, but it’s important to confirm the correct dosage with your vet to ensure it’s safe for your dog’s weight and condition.
Hi I took my 10 year old dog to the groomers for the first time to get washed and matted he was fine the first day but the day after he is a bit distant from me and when I stroke him he twitches and lie’s down and looks sad is this normal
Hi Carl,
It’s not uncommon for dogs to feel a bit off or behave differently after a grooming session, especially if it was their first time or if the experience was stressful for them. Dogs can sometimes experience anxiety or discomfort due to the unfamiliar surroundings, loud noises, or handling during grooming.
The twitching and reluctance to be touched could be signs of sensitivity or soreness, particularly if your dog was heavily matted and required a lot of grooming. Brushing out mats can be uncomfortable, and if the groomer had to work through tangled fur, your dog’s skin might be tender or irritated. Additionally, some dogs are simply more sensitive to touch than others.
If your dog’s behavior persists or worsens, it would be best to consult with a veterinarian. They can examine your dog and determine if there is any underlying issue causing the changes in behavior. They may also be able to provide advice or treatment to help your dog feel more comfortable.
In the future, it might be helpful to choose a groomer who is experienced with older dogs or who can provide a calm and quiet environment to help reduce your dog’s stress levels during grooming sessions. It’s also a good idea to establish a regular grooming routine and gradually introduce your dog to the process to make it more familiar and less overwhelming for them.
Remember, a veterinarian will be the best source of advice for your specific situation, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have concerns about your dog’s well-being.