Will Groomers Groom A Dog In Heat?

Will groomers groom a dog in heat?

There is no reason why a dog can’t be groomed in heat. With precautions and safety measures, a dog can be groomed in heat.

But deep grooming should be done when your puppy doesn’t face any hormonal changes. Dogs are highly sensitive during their heat period, especially at their lower-end vulva. If you have an appointment with the groomer, make sure before that they will groom a dog in heat or not.

The hormones they leave behind may cause other dogs in the salon to behave differently. So, some groomers don’t want chaos in their salons. They may refuse to offer their services in heat. You can follow these steps to do grooming at home.

 Heat cycle in dogs

Before delving into the secrets of grooming, you should know what a heat cycle in dogs is. The female dogs also known as bitches undergo a reproductive cycle. This cycle is called heat or estrus.

This cycle occurs every six to eight months and continues for three weeks. The dog in this cycle experiences physical, hormonal, and behavioural changes. The most common physical indicator of a pooch in heat is changes around its vulva. The vulva will be inflamed and enlarged. You may notice your pup licking itself more often. This is because it cleans the discharge coming out of it.

Behavioural signs include their friendly behaviour towards other dogs, especially male dogs. If you want to notice it, give their bum a scratch; they will move their tail away from their vulva.

How to groom a dog in heat?

Cleaning of a female dog in heat is not impossible but requires patience and technique. I have shared some pro tips to help you clean your pooch.

Complete bathing

In the heat, your dog might be agitated and irritated. She may not like someone touching her. But it does not mean you have to leave her alone. Bathing is important to keep her clean. It will make her smell good and will make her mood better.

Shampoo

Using a shampoo that does not irritate her skin should be used. If you do not know which one to pick then talk to your vet. As a veterinarian, I would recommend that you prefer organic shampoos made with natural ingredients.

Conditioner

Using a conditioner is totally optional while bathing your pup. Conditioners are only used for dogs who have long coats. This is used to prevent matting and to keep the fur soft. If she is irritable during the bath, skip the conditioner.

Drying

Apart from selecting the products, as a professional groomer, I would recommend you to keep a quick check on the drying technique. A good way to dry her is towel drying. Take a soft towel and pat her down. You should be extra gentle around her private parts. Also, do not leave her intimate areas damp. This will irritate her even more. No heat drying is recommended during her estrus.

Spot cleaning

Spot cleaning is an effective way to clean her during the heat. This option is safe and will not agitate her as much as in full clean. If your dog refuses full cleaning then spot cleaning is the way to go. In this procedure, only clean the spot areas that need cleaning leaving the rest of the body untouched. There are two ways to clean the body. Wiping and spraying.

Partial bathing

Partial bathing is something between complete bathing and spot cleaning. This technique should be used when your dog is agitated and it needs to be cleaned as well. Don’t forget to keep her entertained throughout the process. Many pet parents have recommended this technique. As a pet parent and vet, I would recommend this method for grooming female pups in heat.

Risks of Grooming During Heat

While it’s not impossible to groom a dog in heat, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks involved

Stress/Anxiety

Grooming may be stressful in some dogs but in dogs with hormonal imbalance, it is more stressful. Grooming during heat increases anxiety and stress.

Physical Discomfort

Grooming might cause discomfort during the heat. Dogs show resistance and they might attack the groomer making it a challenge for both the dog and the groomer.

Infection

During heat, the vaginal area may be inflamed, or bleeding may occur, which leads to higher chances of infection if not properly handled.

Issues in Behaviour

Grooming tension leads to behavioral changes in dogs. This might result in increased hostility, terror, or a negative association with grooming.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I bathe my dog in heat?

The frequency of bathing depends on your dog’s needs. A full bath can be done, but spot cleaning can be less strenuous and sufficient at this sensitive time.

Should I groom my dog at home or go to the groomer when it is in heat?

If possible, choose home care to ensure a comfortable and stress-free environment. Some groomers may refuse services during a dog’s heat cycle.

Can the grooming make my dog’s behaviour worse in the heat?

 Yes, caregiving stress can cause negative behavioral changes. Dogs may become more hostile or fearful, affecting their overall experience.

Conclusion

Caring for a dog in heat is possible with proper precautions, but the potential risks and the comfort of the dog must be considered. Heat cycles cause hormonal and physical changes, making nursing a delicate process. Patience and gentleness are important at this time. A full bath, spot cleaning, or partial bath are options to maintain hygiene. However, it is important to prioritize the dog’s well-being because treatment at this stage can cause stress, physical discomfort, and behavioral changes.