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Common challenges faced during grooming:
Common challenges faced during grooming:
Access to appropriate tools
Bilateral coordination/ limited use of upper extermities
Cost
Dog behavior
Endurance
Safe equipment use
Fear or anxiety
Strength, range of motion, and dexterity
Interventions for grooming challenges:
Interventions for grooming challenges:
Adaptive brushes
Adaptive brushes
Amazon (Emours), n.d.
Brush with hand cuff
Brush with hand cuff
Options exist for velcro, rubber button, and elastic straps
Amazon (Delomo), 2016
Glove brush
Glove brush
*Can be difficult to don/doff for some
Walmart (Vibrant Life), n.d.
Large handled brush
Large handled brush
The Kong Company, n.d.
Wide grip brush
Wide grip brush
Nail clipping alternatives
Nail clipping alternatives
Please note that when clipping nails, if too much is taken off, the dog's nail will bleed. Consider obtaining clotting powder prior to attempting this incase bleeding occurs. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube, such as this one, or your vet/ groomer can educate you.
Jackie Brown, 2024
Electric dremel
Electric dremel
Can be purchased with a safety guard to help prevent over-filing. Note that this requires practice and often someone with experience to educate the user, as well as the ability to use both hands.
Amazon (Yardtails), 2024
Scratch boards
Scratch boards
Only recommended for owners experienced in training a new skill to their dog. Will NOT work on back nails.
Amazon (Dean Designs), 2023
Knobbed nail file
Knobbed nail file
Note that traditional nile files, such as this one, take much longer to trim the nails than do electric dremels. Requires ability to use both hands.
Ear and tooth care
Ear and tooth care
Amazon (GJYC Pet), 2024
Ear finger wipes
Ear finger wipes
Requires finger/ wrist dexterity to clean inside of ear
Amazon (Fediya), 2021
Fingertip toothbrush
Fingertip toothbrush
Requires finger/ wrist dexterity to clean teeth.
Amazon (lyforx), 2024
Built up handles
Built up handles
Can ease the physical demands of gripping a small toothbrush handle
Amazon (Emmi-Pet), 2021
Electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrush
Can ease the physical demand of back and forth brushing motion
Bathing
Bathing
Amazon (Ganciu), 2024
Shower head with shampoo dispenser
Shower head with shampoo dispenser
*Can be too heavy for some, in which case a regular removable shower head is indicated.
Amazon (Ethical Products), 2017
Gloved pet towel
Gloved pet towel
Ashai Wipes, 2023
Pet grooming wipes
Pet grooming wipes
Dog distraction tools
Dog distraction tools
Amazon (Aquapaw), 2023
Suction cup lick mat
Suction cup lick mat
As an alternative, you can simply spread the treat along the bathtub tile.
©Shutterstock, Sophiecat, 2023
Ensure the treat is one that does not upset your dog's stomach, is safe for dogs, and will last at least 20-30 minutes.
Grooming challenges can be particularly challenging to face alone, especially considering that some dogs (especially those with little exposure to the process early in their lives) do not tolerate it as well as others. If personal safety is a concern, it is always better to seek the assistance of others. This can mean enlisting the help of family/ friends, using a groomer, or taking your dog to their vet. If you live in a metropolitan area, there are often mobile/ in-home grooming companies or pet transportation companies available.
Julia Drahzal
Disclaimer: The suggestions on this website are not medical advice, and should only be implemented under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
Heading photo from Canine Companions
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