Sensitive Skin

My Toby is 12 years old. Over the past year or so he's been getting really grumpy about being brushed. It's worse now, to the point he growls, yelps and snaps at the brush, even though I'm being incredibly gentle. He's completely fine with me rubbing him with my hands, and he still loves getting blow-dried after a bath. Has anyone else had experiences with older dogs with sensitive skin?

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on February 8, 2010 at 1:24pm

Sparty is the same way. He does have severe allergies which I used to think was the cause but recently my sister-in-law who works with special needs children observed that he is just extremely tactile sensitive. It really fits with his reactions to things. He hates even being toweled off. Although he usually does not mind petting. I just put his muzzle on and give him a good combing and then he is just fine. He doesn't even seem to mind the muzzle, it is almost like he needs the help controlling himself. He is almost 11 but really has been this way along time.

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Permalink Reply by Kirstin on February 9, 2010 at 11:20am

Toby has always been sensitive to being touched on his back half. He's been fine with me though, until the past year. I was afraid it was his artrhitis, but like I said he doesn't mind me rubbing him with my hands. Maybe he feels violated when I use an object (brush) lol!