Have you ever picked up your dog from the groomer and felt like you were bringing home a completely different pet?

Maybe your usually normally calm dog is suddenly doing laps around the living room (the “zoomies”). Or perhaps your outgoing puppy is acting a little shy and sleepy. It’s a phenomenon many pet owners in the East Longmeadow and Springfield area ask us about: Do dogs’ personalities actually change after grooming?

The short answer is: Yes, sort of! While your dog’s core personality remains the same, a grooming session can trigger temporary shifts in their mood and behavior.

Here is why your dog might act differently after a spa day at Porter Road Pet Care.

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dog personality change zoomies after grooming

1. The “Grooming High” (The Zoomies)

The most common reaction we see is pure joy. If your dog starts running in circles, rubbing their face on the carpet, or engaging in high-speed play immediately after getting home, they are experiencing the “grooming high.”

Why does this happen?

  • Physical Relief: Imagine wearing a heavy wool coat all summer, and then finally taking it off. That is how your dog feels after a deshedding treatment or a haircut! They feel lighter, cooler, and more aerodynamic.

  • Sensory Stimulation: When we remove dead hair and dirt, your dog’s skin can finally “breathe.” They can feel the air and the texture of the carpet on their skin in a new way, which is exciting for them.

2. The Confidence Boost

Believe it or not, many dogs know when they look good!

We often see dogs strut out of our salon with their heads held high and tails wagging. Just like you feel more confident after a fresh haircut or wearing a new outfit, dogs can pick up on the positive attention they receive. When you tell them, “You look so handsome!” or “What a pretty girl!”, they absorb that praise and it boosts their mood.

3. The “Post-Spa” Nap (Mental Fatigue)

On the flip side, if your dog comes home and immediately crashes for a long nap, don’t worry—they aren’t sad. They are just tired!

Grooming is a mental and physical workout for a dog. They have to:

  • Stand still for periods of time.

  • Process new smells and sounds.

  • Cooperate with the groomer during bathing and drying.

Even in our low-stress environment at Porter Road Pet Care, this requires focus and energy. A sleepy dog is usually just a relaxed dog who has had a busy day.

4. The “Naked” Feeling (Vulnerability)

Occasionally, a dog might act a little skittish or hide after a groom. This is most common in dogs who have had a significant amount of hair removed (like a “summer cut”).

For a dog used to a thick layer of fur, suddenly feeling the air on their skin can make them feel “naked” or vulnerable. Their proprioception (sense of body position) has changed. This usually lasts only 24 hours. You can help by giving them a cozy blanket or a t-shirt to wear until they get used to their new, lighter feeling.

Why the Right Groomer Matters

While mood shifts are normal, fear should never be.

If a dog comes home shaking, terrified, or aggressive, that is a sign of a stressful grooming experience. This is why choosing the right facility is so critical.

At Porter Road Pet Care, we prioritize your dog’s emotional health just as much as their physical appearance.

  • We don’t rush: We take our time to ensure your dog isn’t overwhelmed.

  • We listen: If a dog is nervous, we use gentle handling and breaks to keep them calm.

  • We are trained: Our professional groomers know how to handle senior pets and puppies to ensure positive associations with grooming.

Ready for that “Fresh Dog” Feeling?

Whether your dog gets the zoomies or just needs a good nap, regular grooming is essential for their health and happiness.

If you are looking for a groomer in East Longmeadow, Springfield, or the surrounding towns who will treat your pet like family, come see us!