Manejo em banho e tosa: revisão de literatura sobre estratégias para promoção do bem-estar canino

Abstract

Bathing and grooming environments are frequently sources of stress and anxiety for dogs, potentially triggering a series of clinical problems such as dermatitis and immunosuppression, in addition to causing behavioral traumas that may persist throughout the animal’s life. The present study aimed to provide a literature review on low-stress handling applied to the grooming environment, focusing on strategies that promote canine welfare. Data collection was conducted in electronic databases, encompassing publications from 2020 to June 2025, with a focus on low-stress management strategies as described in the scientific literature. Other aspects analyzed included the most frequently reported canine behavioral signs in academic studies and breeds predisposed to difficulties during grooming. This review gathered 34 articles published between 2020 and June 2025. After organizing each article individually and conducting manual screening by the author, 193 behavioral signs and 307 handling methods were identified. It was observed that the interpretation of these signs, combined with the use of low-stress methods, prevents fear, anxiety, aggressiveness, and future traumas. Furthermore, recognizing behavioral signals, selecting appropriate low-stress methods, and considering breed predispositions are essential for individualized protocols, in which the veterinarian acts not only as the technical supervisor but also ensures the animal’s welfare and the groomer’s professional safety.