Grooming is an essential part of keeping your dog clean and healthy, but you may notice that after a grooming session, your pup seems unusually sleepy.
Dogs may sleep after a bath due to the relaxing and sometimes stressful nature of the grooming process. It is normal for dogs to feel tired or lethargic after being groomed, especially if they are young puppies.
However, if you have any concerns about your dog’s behavior or health, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian.
Reasons why your dog feels sleepy after grooming
Grooming feels like a spa day
Just like we feel relaxed after a soothing massage, grooming can have the same effect on dogs. The gentle brushing, warm bath, and massage-like touches help them feel calm, cozy, and at peace, making them ready for a long nap.
NOTE: Let them rest in a quiet, comfy spot after grooming. Give them a cozy blanket to snuggle in. Offer gentle belly rubs to keep them relaxed.
They might have swallowed shampoo
During a bath, dogs may accidentally lick or swallow some shampoo. This can upset their tummy, making them feel a little sick and sleepy.
NOTE: Make sure the groomer uses dog-safe, mild shampoo. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap. Provide fresh water to help settle their tummy.
Temperature changes at the groomer’s
Going from warm water during a bath to cooler air afterward can make a dog feel sleepy. It’s like when we feel cozy after a warm bath and want to curl up and snooze.
NOTE: Wrap them in a warm towel after the bath. Avoid exposing them to cold air immediately. Let them rest in a warm, cozy area.
Social interaction can be draining
If your dog was groomed in a busy salon, they likely encountered other dogs, groomers, and new people. Even social dogs can feel tired after too much interaction, especially if they were handled a lot. This social exhaustion can contribute to their post-grooming sleepiness.
NOTE: Let your dog have some quiet alone time after grooming to help them recover from social stimulation.
Excessive mental stimulation
Grooming is like an adventure full of new sounds, smells, and sensations. All that excitement can make a dog’s brain work overtime, leaving them tired and ready for a long nap
NOTE: Keep their surroundings calm and familiar. Offer a favorite toy to help them relax.
Grooming feels like a workout
Standing, getting brushed, bathed, and trimmed—it’s a lot for a dog! All that effort can leave them feeling tired, just like we do after a busy day.
NOTE: Allow them to nap and recharge. Keep water available to keep them hydrated. Avoid scheduling too many activities after grooming.
Separation anxiety can make your dog tired
If your dog misses you during grooming, their stress can wear them out. All that worrying makes them extra sleepy afterward
NOTE: Use positive reinforcement before and after grooming. Leave them with a familiar item, like a blanket or toy.
Grooming can be stressful for your dog
New sounds, strange smells, and lots of handling can make dogs nervous. That stress can leave them feeling completely wiped out
NOTE: Choose a patient and a gentle groomer. Use calming treats or essential oils (like lavender). Reward them with praise and treats after grooming.
Grooming session might have been painful
If grooming pulled on knots or nails were clipped too short, it might have hurt a little. That discomfort can leave your dog feeling drained and ready to rest.
NOTE: Brush your dog regularly to prevent painful matting. Ask the groomer to go slow and be gentle. Check for signs of irritation or injury after grooming
Groomer gave your dog a sedative
Sometimes, groomers give dogs medicine to help them relax during grooming. This medicine can make them feel sleepy afterward.
NOTE: Allow them to rest in a quiet space until the sedative wears off. Keep an eye on their breathing and behavior. Check with your vet if drowsiness lasts too long.
Sudden loss of so much hair might be depressing
Losing a lot of hair at once can feel strange for dogs. They might feel a little down or confused, making them want to rest and recharge.
NOTE: Give them extra love and reassurance. Avoid sudden, drastic haircuts unless necessary. Keep them warm if they lost a lot of fur
Enzo sleeps like he just ran a marathon
Every time I take Enzo for grooming, he comes home and collapses like he just ran a marathon. But all he did was get a bath and a little brushing!
It is all because of warm water, massages, and all that attention must feel like a fancy spa day. But for Enzo, it’s so exhausting! The moment we get home, he flops down, lets out the biggest groan, and falls into a deep nap like he’s had the hardest day ever.
To help my sleepy boy recover, I give him a cozy blanket, a treat (because he totally earned it), and let him rest. A few hours later? He’s back to his goofy self, running around like nothing ever happened.
Classic Enzo!
How to make your dog comfortable for grooming?
Start early and slowly
Introduce grooming activities slowly and gently to allow your dog to get used to them over time. You can start it when they’re young so they get used to it. If they’re older, start with short, stress-free sessions This helps prevent overwhelming or scaring your dog.
Get them used to touch
Get your dog used to the sensations of grooming by gently touching and handling different parts of their body like gently touch their paws, ears, and fur daily to reduce sensitivity. Gradually introduce grooming tools, such as brushes and nail clippers. Reward them with treats and praise when they stay calm.
Make bath time fun
Use lukewarm water to keep them comfortable. Give treats, use a non-slip mat, and talk to them in a soothing voice. Play soft music or use calming sprays to create a relaxing environment.
Brush regularly
Regular brushing helps to prevent mats and tangles in your dog’s coat, keeping them comfortable and reducing discomfort during grooming sessions.
Use a gentle groomer or try grooming at home
Select a professional groomer who is experienced, gentle, and knowledgeable about handling dogs. A good groomer will make the grooming experience positive for your dog. If you are grooming at home, go slow and keep sessions short.
Take breaks when needed
During grooming sessions, give your dog regular breaks to rest and relax. Let them move around and shake off stress before continuing. This prevents them from becoming overwhelmed or stressed during the process.
Be especially gentle with sensitive areas
Some areas of your dog’s body, such as ears and paw pads, may be more sensitive. Be gentle and careful when grooming these areas to avoid causing discomfort or injury.
Avoid using scented products
Some dogs may be sensitive to scented grooming products, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Choose unscented or hypoallergenic products to minimize the risk.
Check regularly for signs of infection or irritation
Keep an eye on your dog’s skin and coat for any signs of infection, irritation, or unusual behavior. Promptly address any concerns with your veterinarian.
Ask the groomer to keep the grooming sessions short
Request that the groomer keeps the grooming sessions short, especially if your dog becomes anxious or restless during extended sessions.
Make your dog sleep before the grooming session
Ensure your dog is well-rested before grooming sessions, as tired or irritable dogs may be more difficult to groom.
Reward them with their favorite treat
Reward your dog with their favorite treat or toy after grooming sessions to reinforce positive behavior and make the experience more enjoyable for them.
How to keep your dog from falling sleepy after grooming?
If you want to prevent your dog from feeling sleepy after grooming, you can try a few strategies:
Keep grooming session short
Long grooming sessions can tire your dog out, making them extra sleepy. Try to keep grooming quick and easy. If your dog needs a lot of grooming, do it in small sessions over a few days instead of all at once.
Schedule grooming at the right time
If possible, schedule grooming sessions at a time when your dog is naturally more alert and active, such as in the morning.
Give them some playtime
Engage your dog in some mental stimulation activities. After grooming, let your dog stretch their legs with a short walk or a little playtime. Moving around helps wake them up, but don’t overdo it—just enough to keep their energy up.
Offer a yummy treat
A small, tasty snack can help boost their energy after grooming. Give them something light, like a dog-friendly biscuit or a few kibbles, so they don’t feel lazy and sleepy. Plus, treats make grooming feel like a reward!
Use lukewarm water
Hot water can make dogs feel too relaxed, just like a warm bath makes us sleepy. Use lukewarm water instead, and dry them well to keep them from getting chilly. A sudden temperature change can make them want to nap!
Make grooming a happy experience
If your dog gets nervous during grooming, they might feel extra tired afterward. Keep things positive with treats, gentle praise, and lots of love so they see grooming as a good thing instead of something stressful.
By making grooming a fun and relaxing experience, you can help your dog stay happy, active, and full of energy afterward!
Why is My Dog Walking Funny After Grooming?
If your dog is walking funny after grooming, it could be due to a few reasons:
- If your dog’s nails were trimmed too short, walking might feel painful for them.
- Slippery floors at the groomer’s can also make them walk cautiously.
- Some grooming products may cause skin irritation, making them feel itchy or uncomfortable.
- Standing too long during grooming can lead to sore muscles, making movement awkward.
- Stress or anxiety from the experience can also affect how they walk.
- If water got into their ears, it might cause imbalance, making them feel wobbly.
- In some cases, minor cuts or rough handling may cause pain, affecting their movement.
- If your dog has joint pain or arthritis, grooming can sometimes make it worse, leading to stiffness or hesitation while walking.
Grooming is important for your dog’s health, but it can also make them feel tired or stressed. To keep them comfortable, introduce grooming slowly, choose a gentle groomer, and give them breaks. Pay attention to their behavior and address any issues quickly. With the right care, grooming can be a positive and stress-free experience for your furry friend.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for my dog to be tired after grooming?
Yes, grooming can be physically and mentally exhausting for dogs, making them feel sleepy afterward.
Can stress from grooming make my dog tired?
Yes, stress and anxiety during grooming can drain their energy, leading to post-grooming sleepiness.
Could my dog be sick if they are too sleepy after grooming?
Mild sleepiness is normal, but if your dog is extremely drowsy, weak, or uninterested in food, consult a vet.
When should I worry about my dog’s sleepiness after grooming?
If they seem overly lethargic, refuse food, or act strangely for more than a few hours, contact your vet.
How long will my dog feel sleepy after grooming?
Most dogs recover within a few hours, but some may nap longer if the grooming was tiring or stressful.
