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Dog shaking, hiding, and rear discomfort after a short groom?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male

on thursday, my dog visited the groomers and got a very short razor hair cut. ever since he has gotten the hair cut, he does not want to get up, and if he does get up he will run to the nearest carpet/bed and sit. his body tends to shake, and he will reach to the back of his but as if he feels something hurting. he is not being himself and i am very concerned.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2018

A lot of dogs feel "ashamed" after a radical hair cut. It also feels so different , and probably smells different and they do not understand what happened. So that is likely one reason why he is irritated.
As for him looking back at his bum....unfortunately many groomers offer the service of "emptying anal glands", but do not do this properly, so often the anal glands would be irritated at best, or bruised at worst. It is possible that they are hurting. If this does not go away by tomorrow, I suggest you have them checked by your vet to make sure they were not damaged in the process.
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