Can shaving my dog make him depressed?

Question

I shaved my shih tzu for the first time and now he is acting different. He just mopes around the house. Im afraid he is depressed or has some type of anxiety

I took him to the groomers. Actually it was one who came out to the house and did it so I think I would have noticed if he was mistreated. And yes this was his first time getting shaved

Answer 1

If you did it yourself, maybe he is cold or feeling a little embarrassed :-( Maybe put a little bow to make him feel pretty again? (They don't know bows make them look girly!) He will be fine once he gets used to it.

If you took him somewhere else, I've seen dogs that get depressed due to razor burn in some areas, or that he may have caught a bug and is feeling a little sick. If he is still depressed after a couple of days, i'd take him to the vet just to make sure.

Answer 2

I was wondering the age of your dog. If he's young and has never had a grooming (are you the first owner?) it was probably a stressful experience for him. Also, there's a different physical sensation now that his hair is gone - he may simply be cold! Some dogs sulk when their humans do things they don't like, but he should spring back pretty soon & do better each time you groom him. If his slump lasts a few days, see a vet. It might be unrelated to the haircut. I wish you the best - hope this helps.

Answer 3

Hello. Your dog probably is a little embarrassed. I too, have noticed a difference in behavior in the past when I have had long haired dogs shaved for the summer. I think what you perceive as depression is just a little embarrassement. Check him for any razor burns, or cuts on his tummy, or flank area first, then encourage your dog to like his new haircut by telling him how pretty he looks. Rave, rave, rave- on- and- on at how pretty he is! He'll be fine. Just give him a few days.

Answer 4

I'd look in to the groomers you took him to (unless, of course, you did it yourself). My mom's dog was always depressed after she went to the groomers and my mom found out that the groomers were mistreating the dogs. My mom took her dog to a different groomer and now the dog is no longer depressed/scared to be groomed.

Answer 5

Did you shave him yourself or did you take him to the groomers? we took our dog to the groomers to be shaved and groomed ect... and he came home depressed but got better in a few days, dont think they where very good to him. have not been back to them. seems ok with the new groomers.

Answer 6

I have been shaving my Spitz and Lhasa for past 8 yrs rather they feel very happy and r playful after the shave. But just bear in mind not to bathe the pet dog for a week at least. And the new fur will be more healthy

Answer 7

I did a total hack job with scissors on my dog and he looked horrible. The look on his face told me he was ashamed and miserable, but as soon as I finished with the clippers and he was all even..he pranced around like he was a king! He felt sooo much better! I only do it during the warm weather, but he loves it!

Maybe he's just acting strange because it's the first time, if you do it regularly, he should get used to it and be ok.

Answer 8

I dont mean to sound negative here, but if someone shaved you wouldnt you feel a great deal different, not only about yourself but also about everyone around you? I know for a fact I would!

Answer 9

Yes, dogs have great vanity! But he might also be cold. A pretty sweater might help. And tell him he's handsome a lot. He'll perk up.

Answer 10

He'll get over it, maybe he's cold, or just doesnt like people laughing at him. My dog loved getting shaved, but it was very hot.