🐾 Reading the Signs: How to Recognize Stress and Anxiety During Grooming

Nathalie Ariey-Jouglard
Apr 18
3 min read

When a dog growls, jumps off the table, or refuses to be handled, it’s easy to label them as “difficult.” But more often than not, these reactions are actually cries for help.

To practice compassionate grooming, professionals must learn to read the physical, behavioral, and emotional signals animals send us. This ability to observe makes the difference between a grooming session that is endured—and one that is lived with trust.

⚠️ Defensive Behaviors: When the Animal Is Saying NO

🐕 Fear-Based Aggression

Growling, biting, scratching, or baring teeth are not dominance behaviors. They are protection mechanisms. These reactions often appear when:

We touch sensitive areas (ears, paws, belly)
We introduce noisy or unfamiliar tools suddenly
The animal is already anxious or has been traumatized before

Associated postures: body stiffness, fixed gaze, lowered or tense tail, freezing followed by an explosive reaction.

🚨 Remember:

👉 It’s not stubbornness—it’s fear.👉 Pushing forward without pause can worsen the behavior and damage the animal’s trust long-term.

🧍 Avoidance Behaviors: When the Animal Tries to Escape

Common signs:

Jumping off the grooming table or bathtub
Hiding or pressing against a wall
Pulling away when seeing the brush, dryer, or clipper

These are signs of high emotional stress, often related to sensory overload or a previous negative grooming experience.

💡 Tip: Give the animal a short break, redirect their attention, or introduce a calming element (soft voice, eye contact, a treat).

Did you know ? Avoidance attempts are often linked to working temperatures! The DAATA-ICDG method teaches you the appropriate working temperatures based on the species, condition, age, and health of each animal. Register for Level 1 to learn more at https://www.daatacertification.com/interactive-courses.

🔊 Excessive Vocalization and Panting

Signs you should not ignore:

Whining, crying, barking throughout the session
Rapid, intense panting not related to heat or exertion
Loud and repetitive meowing in cats

These vocalizations reflect emotional distress. They are often accompanied by excessive drooling, a strong sign of anxiety.

👁️ Hypervigilance and Nervous Agitation

The animal watches everything. They flinch, scan the room, their ears move constantly, and they react to every sound or movement.

Additional clues:

Ears pinned back or twitching
Eyes darting in every direction
Exaggerated reactions to even small stimuli

This behavior signals a state of permanent alertness, which prevents any calm handling.

💦 Physical Symptoms of Overload

When stress exceeds a certain threshold, the body reacts involuntarily.

Observable symptoms:

Sweaty paw pads
Involuntary urination or defecation
Compulsive licking, scratching, or trembling
Total immobility (“freeze” response)
Fixed stare, no reaction, emotional shutdown

A frozen animal is not a calm animal. They are emotionally disconnected, enduring the session without processing it. This is never cooperation—it’s a red flag.

🧘 What to Do When You See These Signs

Pause immediately: Stop the procedure. Let the animal regroup.
Reduce stimulation: Turn off the dryer, dim the lights, move away from other animals if possible.
Reintroduce comfort: Speak gently, move slowly, offer a treat if the animal is responsive.
Adapt your approach: Slow down the process, break it into smaller steps, switch tools if needed.
Take notes: Document what triggered the stress so you can plan a better experience next time.

🤝 Observation Is a Groomer’s Tool

Reading discomfort is how we give animals a voice. It also protects their well-being—and yours.

In our next article, we’ll share a practical toolbox to reduce stress during grooming: massage techniques, environmental adjustments, timing, gentle products, and more.