Weird behavior after grooming

vjones91

I have noticed weird behavior in my cocker spaniel after getting her groomed. She is fine the day of the grooming, but the next morning she does not want to get up on her back legs. She just scoots across the floor. The first time this happened I took her to the vet and they could not find anything wrong.

I took her yesterday and again she seemed fine, but around 3 this morning she started barking, when I went to check on her she would not move and just layed there whining. When I got up this morning, she started off in the same positions, but within an hour is walking and moving around like nothing was wrong.

She is older and over weight (I know I am a bad dog mom), I was wondering if the standing at the groomer could be the cause of this, or if something else that is done in a grooming can cause this, or if anyone knows any medical reason she would react this way. Any help is appreciated, it is very scary when it happens!

GroovyGroomer777

I understand why you are scared, and I empathize.

But yes, you pinned the problem. Grooming an older, overweight dog is very difficult on the dog and the groomer, moreso the dog. The dog is required to stand on a hard surface during the entire bath, blow dry, and most of the haircut. Of course, the dog should be allowed to sit and take a break when needed.
This can be very hard on the joints and I am assuming that like most elderly dogs, yours has some arthritis.

The best way to avoid this is of course to get your girl to a more healthy weight. Cut down on the quantity of her meals. Give her peices of carrot instead of doggie cookies. She may be to elderly to exercise much, but if she can, an extra walk or swimming- a swim is great exercise and does not stress out old joints as much as walking on a hard surface.

Also, maybe a glucosamine supplement may help.

Best of luck.