Why We Don’t Groom Pets on Trazodone, Acepromazine, or Other Sedatives
Why We Don’t Groom Pets on Trazodone, Acepromazine, or Other Sedatives
At Silverdale Grooming Company, your pet’s safety is always the star of the show.
At Silverdale Grooming Company, we roll out the red carpet for every pet that walks (or struts!) through our doors. Our goal is to make grooming a positive, safe, and pampering experience. That’s why we have a firm policy: we do not groom pets who are under the influence of sedatives like Trazodone, Acepromazine, or similar medications—and here's why.
1. Sedated Pets Can’t Communicate
Grooming is a hands-on, trust-based experience. Your pet’s body language tells us everything we need to know—when they’re nervous, when something hurts, when they need a break. Sedatives dull those signals, making it hard for our groomers to read their comfort levels and respond accordingly.
Think of it like directing a scene without knowing if your lead actor is okay. We can’t give them the star treatment if we can’t tell what they need.
2. Safety Risks Skyrocket
A sedated pet may seem calm, but that calm can be misleading. Sedatives can affect balance, blood pressure, heart rate, noise sensitivity, and temperature regulation. During grooming—when pets are being bathed, dried, and handled—this can pose serious safety risks.
If a pet under sedation faints, vomits, becomes hypo or hyper thermic, or reacts unpredictably, it turns a routine spa day into an emergency—and we never want that for your furry co-star.
3. Grooming Isn’t a Medical Procedure
We’re pet stylists, not veterinarians. Administering or working with sedated pets requires medical supervision, and it’s simply not safe or ethical for grooming professionals to operate in that gray area unless they are located in close proximity to and under supervision of a veterinarian.
If your pet struggles with grooming due to anxiety, fear, or aggression, we can absolutely work with you and your vet to develop a plan—but sedation isn’t the answer for our salon. In some cases, a vet-supervised grooming appointment may be more appropriate.
4. There Are Better, Safer Alternatives
Our team is trained in low-stress handling, gentle desensitization, and patience-based techniques. Many of our furry clients who once hated grooming now walk in wagging their tails. It’s all about trust, time, and a little Hollywood magic.
We also recommend pre-groom training sessions, shorter “intro” visits, and calming natural remedies (with your vet’s approval). We’re happy to talk through options that don’t involve sedation.
Your Pet Deserves to Feel Like a Star
At Silverdale Grooming Company, every pet is a VIP—but VIP doesn't stand for “Very Intimidated Pet.” We want them feeling fabulous, not foggy. If your pet is struggling with grooming, let’s talk. Together, we can create a plan that works for everyone—no sedatives required.
Have questions? Message us anytime. We’re here to help your pet shine safely.
