Maddie was a BAD dog today!

[Connie]

Maddie went to the groomer today. The last time she went, she was such a stinker that the groomer could hardly do anything with her. The last time I had Maddie to the vet, I asked him if there was anything I could give her to relax her when she went to be groomed. He said he could give her valium...I think that was it...that she could take 1/4 or 1/2 pill and to give it 2 hours before I took her to get groomed. He said to do a trial with the 1/4 pill and if that didn't work, to do the 1/2. Well, I tried it one night...1/4...and Maddie was totally crazy and demanding attention...truly wired! So, today I gave her 1/2 tablet before going to the groomer. I now believe this had the opposite effect on her! She was a holy terror at the groomer...acted up something awful...and the groomer couldn't do a thing with her. I offered to stay to help with Maddie today, but the groomer said they usually act up worse with the owner there. I truly think I could have gotten her to behave, but who knows. The little stinker! The groomer was very frustrated and won't try grooming Maddie again, so I guess Maddie is going to have to be groomed by me, and she will be one sad looking puppy. The groomer suggested I try other groomers, but I don't think I will. I just don't feel it fair to put Maddie or a groomer through this again. *sigh* My vet had told me if these pills don't work, there is something else I could try, but he doesn't like giving it to small dogs. I won't even consider that. I felt bad enough trying these pills as it was and not about to give her something that could harm her in any way. Anyway, I am very frustrated over this and just needed to vent! Anyone have any good grooming tips? I'd love to hear any and all!

[sfmadrigal]

I bought a Wahl dog clipper at Petco and it came with a DVD and pamphlet of grooming instructions. Perhaps that could be an option for you?

I never heard of giving a dog VALIUM though!!!

[aimee]

I'm so sorry she had such a hard time at the groomers I have done all of my own grooming for Tia so far and really, it's not that hard - especially if you are keeping them long. I trim her butt, ears and paws and clip the nails with a human nail trimmer (actually my husband does that part) as well as brushing daily.

[Marie]

Im so sorry that Maddie had such a bad day at the groomers. I never heard of giving a dog valium. I guess if you get someone to help you, grooming her yourself is a good option. Good luck. So far i have groom Gucci on my own. I will like to take her at least once cause i know im not as good.

[TeddyBear]

Have you thought of having a groomer come into your home and then you can watch her or help if needed. Maddie may be more comfortable at home with you. I have seen those groomers on wheels here. Not sure if you have them there. I know they may cost more, but it may be worth it.

[red98vett]

I'm NOT a doctor or vet - I only mean this in a good way !!

but I would not give a yorkie something a groomer said to take - check with your VET before giving your yorkie prescription pills ..I know you would just be devestated if something happened !! I don't think Valium on a 5 pound yorkie is a good idea and why a groomer would tell you that - I just don't know !!

If you are really having a hard time - call around or take your baby (this is what I did after Chanel had a bad experience at a groomer) to different groomers - ASK them before you make any appointments if they can handle puppies that don't like to be groomed - I drove with my 2 and checked out different places and let Chanel & Cheri MEET these groomers - after that fun excursion - I did find one I liked and they were just fine !

Also - ask your VET if they know a gentle groomer - it's not hopeless !! Good luck finding someone...

[Herks Mom]

The reason is I'm afraid it will scare him to death. I have never used a blow dryer on him. He doesn't like dryers or vac. cleaners. It terrifies him. I take him to the vet to have his nails clipped. When I bath him I towel dry him, then brush for awhile. He gets down and runs - I call it air drying. A few minutes later he comes back for me to finish brushing him. My husband says we should have named him Helosie instead of Hercules because is so scared of things. It has gotten a lot better. He turned 6 months old on May 1. Getting out of the puppy stage - I hope !!!!!!!! We love him no matter what.

[Trish]

[QUOTE=sfmadrigal]I bought a Wahl dog clipper at Petco and it came with a DVD and pamphlet of grooming instructions. Perhaps that could be an option for you?

I purchased wahl clippers that came with a DVD - I couldn't believe how still the dogs were, I thought they weren't real at first!!

Pip was a pain at the groomers so I do him myself. Short all over.

[Yorkie_GirL]

That vet actually told you to give Valium? Valium is a muscle relaxant i know that, but it's very strong and 1/2 tablet? is he/she out of his/her mind?

no wonder your baby had adverse side affects (acting up, etc).. i just never heard of giving a dog valium..

you should try the comfort zone spray or plug in. it works wonders from what i hear.

[whispersmom2]

Maybe the med the vet gave was Acepromazine. It is commonly used as a pre-op to relax a dog.. I have one boy that I have to use it on and I DO HIM MYSELF!! He was horrid at a groomers. BUT, as we all know, our Yorkies have people and places they like and those that they detest..I would take him to visit another groomer before he needs to be groomed. Let him learn the smells and sounds of the shop. Take him closer to the dryer and work with a dryer at home. Hold him while you use the dryer yourself. Talk soothingly, sing softly, rock him like the baby that he is.,He might never go willingly but, I think he has a lot more chances to be taken before you decide to do him yourself. You could end up taking that same approach with everything he needs and he can lose his socialization. Good luck with that baby..

[ReconsMomma]

As a dog groomer I can not believe that your groomer would tell you to give your dog something and that the groomer didn't want you to stay with her to help. I work for Petco and it is against our policy to work on a dog that has been medicated for that reason.
As for you staying.............normally the dogs will act up worse if you are standing within sight but not close enough to touch. If I have an unruley dog, I ALWAYS give the owner the option of staying and helping to control the dog.

My opinion...............your groomer just either didn't want to do the dog or had some reason for not wanting you there. A groomer that will not let you be there isn't a groomer that I would reccomend.


Kelly

[eensor]

Awwww..she ain't bad...she's just stwong-willed! Wuv, Wexy

[Connie]

Ahhh...Wexy...you are just tooo cute! Love you to pieces!!!

Thanks one an all for your replys!

I checked my pill bottle here. First of all, it was not the groomer that gave Maddie the pill. I asked my vet for something that would help her get through the stress of being groomed. It is Diazepam, which is actually valium. After reading these threads, I did a search on the stuff...here is what I found:

Diazepam can be used as a sedative either alone or in combination with other drugs. It is considered a relatively safe pre-operative sedative for patients with underlying cardiac or metabolic diseases because it causes minimal cardiopulmonary side effects and provides good muscle relaxation. It may be used in combination with ketamine for induction of anesthesia.

Diazepam is used in both dogs and cats as an anti-anxiety drug and for the treatment of many behavioral problems including some stereotypic behaviors. These behaviors include separation anxiety, fear of loud noises or thunderstorms, territorial or social aggression between animals, urine marking or spraying, and hair loss due to excessive licking or grooming. Diazepam can be used to treat aggressive dogs in order to make them more manageable although occasional individuals can have a contradictory reaction and become more aggressive. If diazepam is used in a potentially aggressive animal, it is important to be aware of this possibility, warn the animal's handler, and take appropriate precautions. Because diazepam causes drowsiness and decreased coordination, it may impair the ability of working dogs. Diazepam alone is less likely to be effective as a sedative when used in an animal that is already excited.

Diazepam is frequently used in the treatment of seizures. It is the treatment of choice for clusters of seizures or status epilepticus in both dogs and cats. It is used in the emergency treatment of seizures due to poisoning or intoxication. It is also used for the long-term management of seizures in cats (either alone or in combination with other drugs). Diazepam is not as commonly used in the long-term management of epilepsy in the dog because it loses effectiveness within a few weeks. Other drugs such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide are more commonly used for this purpose in dogs.

Diazepam is used as a muscle relaxant either alone or in combination with other drugs. It can be used to treat pain and muscle spasm associated with many conditions including inter-vertebral disc disease, urethral obstruction, muscle cramping, tremors and tetanus.
It is used in combination with corticosteroids to treat "Little White Shakers" Syndrome in Maltese and West Highland white terriers.

According to that, it sounds a lot like Acepromazine, which was mentioned by Whispersmom.

YorkieGirl...could you tell me what comfort zone spay is? I've never heard of it!

Red98Vet...I will do that...call my vet and ask if they know of any groomers they could suggest!

TeddyBear...How I WISH we had groomers on wheels here! I know we have a vet on wheels...I'll be checking to see about a groomer on wheels. I don't live in a very big city, so things like that are rather limited.

I did purchase a clippers and had been using it on Maddie off and on to get her used to them...also bathing her and blowdrying. She doesn't like it, but when she would bite at the clippers or brush, I would say firmly, "No" and she would stop. That's why I think if I could have stayed, I could have gotten her to behave somewhat.

Thanks to all of you for your feedback. I hope you don't think I'm an awful person for drugging my dog. I did this under the supervision of my vet, whom I do admire and trust. I did it for one reason only, and that was to help Maddie through a stressful situation. She will not be getting any more of that stuff for sure!

[Maddie-Rudy-Mom]

Your Maddie just has a strong will. Maybe all of it is to much. My Rudy is strong willed to and I bath him at home and just let them trim him up. Trying taking her to just get a bath or trim and see how she does. I know where you are coming from. Good luck with your little Maddie.