Small pets over 10, or large pets over 8, are considered Senior Pets. Senior pets may have hidden health issues that may be exacerbated by the stress of the grooming process. Heart problems, epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid problems, arthritis, tooth decay, anxiety, etc, may not have visible symptoms except in times of extreme stress. Even pets who have enjoyed grooming in their younger years may come to find grooming uncomfortable and stressful in their older years, as their bodies and mental states change. These changes may come slowly over the years, or suddenly, with no way to predict them. Doggie.designs LLC promises to closely monitor senior pets for signs of stress and underlying health issues to avoid injury during the grooming process, but the risk of injury and health issues greatly rises for senior pets. Doggie.designs LLC will refer pets that are unable to be safely groomed by us, to a vet for grooming.

Senior Pets also tend to have varying degrees of sagging skin. This is due to change in skin elasticity, as well as typical loss of muscle mass seen in older ages. This means that a senior pets skin is more likely to get snagged between the teeth of the clippers and get nicked, especially when combined with other factors, such as difficulty standing and holding still.

Severe dental decay and gingivitis pose higher risk issues to senior pets as well. Aside from pain which may cause a senior pet to be unable to behave properly, poor dental health may also cause blood infections, and weaken the jaw bones. Teeth may fall out during the grooming process, as we are manipulating your dog often in a short period of time, whereas at home they are often resting and unbothered. Please make sure that as the caretaker of a senior pet, you take special care of their dental health.

Senior pets are likely to experience higher stress levels during grooming as their bodies begin to struggle to keep functions running as usual. These high stress levels cause cortisol to release, which is a hormone that slows healing processes in the body. Given the delicate nature of senior pets, they are therefore more in need of slower grooming, breaks, and a higher skill and understanding of animal behavior and psychology. Understand that while doggie.designs LLC will do everything possible to make your pets groom safe and uneventful, there may be extra charges for extra time and skill spent with your senior pet.

You understand as the pet owner that grooming senior pets is high risk, and you relinquish doggie.designs LLC from any and all fault for injury during the normal grooming process, as well as responsibility for cost of treatment for any said injuries.