Dog very depressed after grooming

[Whenlifegivesyoulimoncello]

Dog had rather a big haircut today.

Has been miserable ever since. Usually he’s fine but had to go a bit deeper was a little matted. Does anyone know else’s dog get like this?

Definitely no nicks or cuts anywhere? Was it a groomer you know and trust? Going “deeper” sounds worrying.

No nicks or cuts - sorry I probably should have said shorter. He’s a a fluffy breed and we left him just a fortnight too long. Usually he he just has a trim - but due to some matting (which I was aware of) he had to go a lot shorter that unusual.

Am not sure if maybe he’s feeling a bit bare. He was more than happy when we picked him up but as the venting as had worn on he’s a bit out of sorts.

Is it your normal groomer? No chance he slipped or was upset by another dog there?

Mine used to be pissed off after we shampooed him and got rid of his doggy smell - he soon got over it.

Are you there when he's groomed? A friend found out her " lovely" dog groomer was being abusive to the dogs. She would never have believed it but sadly it was true. You just never know.

Groomer we have used for the last year - he was perfectly happy and saggy tailed when I picked him up. Genuinely reminds me of myself though - all smiles at the hairdressers then crying when I get home

He’s been there about 5 times now - always fine - but this is the shortest cut (our fault we left it too long). He did have a very short cut with a previous groomer before and was fed up for an entire week

I do dog grooming and it’s possible the matted hair got stuck etc. Does your groomer tell you to brush your dogs hair? It helps a lot.

@Anotherlovelybitofsquirrel not there - but have (before covid) sat and had a chat in the garden while they groomed other dogs and all seeme d well.

As I say - I don’t think it’s the groomers - almost have to drag him out (it’s a lodge in a huge garden and he enjoys that he then plays with other dogs there etc.

Maybe he’s just missing the extra fur. Us humans take a while to get used to a new style. Probably the smell of a fresh wash too

I too would question what happened at the groomers. Eric used to come home and be really down. Groomer had said he'd snapped and if he snapped again she wouldn't groom him again unless we sedated him.
We changed groomers, warned that he had snapped and he was unhappy after grooming. Groomer said she would start small and see how she got on. We picked him up and he'd been fully groomed, tail was wagging and groomer got a kiss as we left. She said he was a lovely dog and she'd had no issues.
He goes every six weeks there has never been any problems and he's never been unhappy afterwards. I suspect the previous groomer hurt him and that's why he snapped.

@Hellothere19999 how do you mean? In the clippers? I try to brush ddog but it’s almost impossible (shihtzu / Maltese cross) I bath him in shampoo and conditioner.

I honestly don’t think the grooomer has done anything wrong though.

You need to speak to the groomer and find a way to stop the matting. Why is grooming impossible?

My dog fell out with me for days after being at the groomers. I was there with him so nothing untoward went on. I now groom him myself, a little often

I genuinely don’t think it’s the groomer. When I picked him up he was happy as Larry. Jumping up at groomer to pick him up etc (he generally only does this with me, dh and my DPs). Checked him for nicks or cuts as he has had these before with previous groomer but none.
He does smell very “perfumed” so wonder if that could be it. Or whether he’s a bit cold (wrapped him up a bit in a blanket).
It is quite a difference think poodle suddenly looks like a chihuahua

@Wolfiefan matting is our fault. We left is maybe two weeks too long to get him groomed. It’s hard to explain but his hair is thick, curly - and doesn’t brush. Generally one lump I will cut out - but it’s not like other dogs I’ve had - grooming is really the only answer to avoid it.

There will be a way to prevent matts I’m sure. It’ll be a case of using the right tools in the right way and with the right frequency.

If you try to brush - literally the brush doesn’t go through the hair. Not that I don’t - I brush him with a very light brush - but it would t get rid of knots.

I imagine he’s cold. I assume the other 5 cuts have been done in warmer times!

Honestly the usual thing is to have him groomed every 8 - 10 weeks. As it’s been a weird year it ended up being more like 11.

I honestly had no idea when I got him / just assumed I could brush him like I have other dogs - but it just doesn’t work. I’ve down covering him in doggy conditioner and brushing him bit even that doesn’t work. It’s not huge deal as if usually get him groomed.

@FlibblyFlobblyFloo that’s right! This is the latest in the year ever I think - and colder than usual. Him and dh had gone up to bed - just had a peek and he’s under the covers on the bed!

My MIL has a Bichon and if she leaves him too long is hair is matted and then the groomer takes ages brushing and clipping. I guess it hurts a bit pulling at the skin and it’s boring? plus now he’s colder. Imagine he will be fine by morning.

Thanks @Suzi888 - a Bichon is probably similar in terms of the hair. He wasn’t there particularly long but may that’s it. I know last time he went they said they stopped half way through as he seemed a bit fed up (and that was a short cut).

Hard to say without before & after photos!,

I understand, I have a very fluffy F1b Labradoodle with a very woolly coat. He can't go long between cuts and he needs regular firm grooming daily with a slicker to prevent deep matts. He used to hate the groomer because his previous owners left him too long between grooms.

I think that matting pulls the hair and leaves the skin sensitive and the clippers, having to get under the matt, will be painful. He'll also feel very different without the weight, the pulling and warmth of his coat. I think its natural he'll feel out of sorts.

If he doesn't bounce back by tommorrow you'd better get him checked over at the vet. If he is just feeling a little tender, just be aware that grooming can be uncomfortable when left too long and protect him from that going forward.

Sorry photos are a bit Crap but - before and after