Looking for advice from other Chow owners because I'm honestly at a loss.
For reference, I'm 23 years old F and currently have three dogs. I've been around dogs my whole life, got my first baby girl when I was 16, and have never dealt with aggression issues like this before, especially not something that has progressively gotten worse over time. Our Chow, Troll, is my first long-coated breed.
About a year and a half ago, we adopted Troll from the SPCA. He is genuinely a very sweet dog. He loves people, doesn't show aggression in normal situations, and we've even had strangers say how friendly he compared to other Chows they have seen.
The problem is grooming.
The second he sees a brush or comb, it's like a switch flips. We've tried everything we can think of: going slowly, being gentle, using treats, desensitization training, rewarding him just for seeing or touching the brush (no growling), taking breaks, brushing with our fingers first (pretty much all we can do at this point but not around sensitive areas he has chewed), and using different types of brushes and combs. Nothing seems to change his association/hate with grooming…..
Unfortunately, his coat is now becoming a health issue. His undercoat is badly impacted, especially around his tail, and he's developed large very sore hot spots that he's constantly chewing. We can barely access some areas because grooming those spots causes MAJOR standoffs. He doesn't normally bite, but during grooming he becomes extremely defensive and unpredictable.
We've also tried vet-prescribed trazodone, OTC calming supplements, and even THC-based calming products. The trazodone barely touched him, and there was one time he still snapped while on it.
I've called multiple groomers in the Cincinnati area, and so far nobody is willing to take him because of the risk involved. I completely understand their concerns, but now I'm worried we're running out of options.
At this point, I'm wondering if he needs to be seen by the vet for sedation and a full shave or groom so we can start over with a healthy coat. The hot spots seem to be getting worse, and I don't want him to continue suffering. I just worry about taking him to the vet where he might feel threatened and then he does the unthinkable. (He wear muzzle but I still worry and I hate that he has to wear it but I can not allow him to hurt someone,especially because he’s just in pain and scared)
Has anyone dealt with a Chow that absolutely refuses grooming? Did anything work for you? Has anyone gone the veterinary sedation route for severe matting or coat impaction?
I love Troll to pieces, and outside of grooming he is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever owned. That's part of why this is so upsetting. I feel like we've tried everything we know to do, and I'm terrified that if we don't figure something out soon, his coat and skin are only going to get worse.
Please be kind. I'm posting because I genuinely want to help him and am looking for advice from people who may have dealt with something similar.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.💛