I am so worried for my dog. I would never permit the use sedatives again, when taking my dog (miniature schnauzer) to the groomer. My dog is very nervous and now traumatized after a bad experience with a groomer, who cut her under the arm (very badly she needed stitches) she has never ever been the same, everytime she sees a pair of scissors or any tool to cut her hair she would bite. so i opted to sedate her, i took her to a Vet who provided grooming services as well, the VET sedated her, she did not awake properly and was very drowsy for hours, 2 days later she doesn't eat well she has been throwing up and having diarea. (NEVER IF SHE GETS BETTER WOULD I OPT FOR SEDATION AGAIN) sometimes Vets do it for the money they charge, i took her that day she was tranquil perhaps a pill stronger than Benadryl would have done the trick but NOT IV SEDATION.

WoW! I am sorry to hear of your horrible experiences. I wish you the best of luck in the future.

Most all dogs are drowsy for several hours after sedation and many of them will have a bit of an upset tummy for possibly a few days. Sounds like she woke exactly the way that 99% of all dogs wake up from anesthesia. If your dog is that freaked out about being groomed, I doubt a benadryl would have the slightest affect, especially if I can take a dog into the show ring an hour after taking one so she doesnt vomit in the car from the hotel to the show grounds and shows perfectly alert. Benadryl does not sedate in any way nor does it correct learned behavior. Train your dog to accept the grooming procedure.

I like grooming dogs my self, but only dogs that want to be groomed so I would make a TERRIBLE groomer for the public. SO I stick with my dogs who are taught not only to accept it but love the grooming equipment and procedure as early as I possibly can from puppyhood.

Sashavaleria, I'm very sorry to hear about you poor little dog's experience. I know that had one of my dogs suffered the same injuries,I would never be able to get them near that so called groomer again. My advice is to find the best groomer you can, get a mild sedative from the vet (there are many) and just start
out fresh. Explain to the groomer what the dog's past experience has been when picking your next one. Handle your dog frequently with the brush, etc, and try to get her used to the grooming experience again. I definitely don't advise I.V sedation again.
I wish you luck with her.

Thank you all for your replies, this is a great support group. Definitely will make an effort and teach my dog or at least try (w/o she biting me) brush her hair daily etc. help her tolerate grooming.

I think the major problem was although i asked; the VET did not tell me the side effects post sedation. I didnt even know and was not given the option of any type of tranquilizer instead of IV sedation. again, i did ask he said Benadryl would not work but i was not given any other option.

(NOTE: this is not my dogs regular doctor)