Health Inspectors

In many ways, owning or working in a pet grooming salon is no different than any other service industry in that a contract exists with our clients. Their part is to pay money for a service, ours is to provide a quality service. But our industry is really a little different, a little more personal in many ways. Not only are we working on living beings that interact and have individual personalities, they are an important part of the family dynamic. Part of our responsibility as conscientious pet care professionals is to be aware of an animals’ overall health, and to communicate any noteworthy observations to the owner.

Hopefully everyone in contact with a pet is aware of its overall health and condition–but who is more likely to find and identify signs of potential health issues? The veterinarian has years of medical training and expertise, but under most circumstances is likely to see an animal at most once a year, perhaps less. They have far less chance to notice changes or even know what is abnormal for that dog.

Groomers, on the other hand, may see an animal every six or eight weeks, or more often. Plus, we go over every square inch of many breeds in the normal grooming process. The owner may handle the dog every day, but they have little reason to look into the ears, or between the paw pads, or under the tail. And problems often begin small and increase in tiny increments, making them difficult for the owner to notice. So don’t hesitate to state the obvious. “Have you noticed this lump on Daisy’s chest?” is appropriate. You may be performing a great service to the dog by pointing out a condition that would otherwise go undetected.

Pet owners often view groomers as a figure who, while having more expertise than the owner, is far more approachable than the veterinarian. They are comfortable asking us questions they might not ask their vet. By all means, answer those questions to the best of your ability, but be very careful at the same time. There’s a line between sharing your extensive experience and dispensing veterinary medicine without a license. Don’t cross that line. It can usually be avoided by using careful language, but remember that people will hear and remember what they want. Make sure it is stated salon policy to use the correct language to keep you on the right side of that fence. Probably nothing annoys a veterinarian more than the words “my groomer says the dog has…” since we have no business diagnosing.

Here are a few of the more common issues that a pet owner might be well advised to consult with a medical professional on:


Bad Breath
A dog’s bad breath can be indicative of several serious health issues, including diabetes, cancers, various infections, an intestinal blockage, or liver and kidney problems. Bad breath may also be caused by dental or gum issues or from licking the anal area, all issues that should be checked out as well.


Skin Issues
Since the skin is not only the largest organ in the body but the first line of defense against disease, symptoms often show here first. Any abnormality of skin–itchiness, sores, flakes/dandruff, blackheads or discolored skin–may be a sign of anything from parasites, allergies, or hormonal abnormalities to infections or immune system disorders. Fungal problems such as ringworm will require a veterinarian’s care to eradicate. Many dogs will have mild itchiness from dry skin in winter or drier climates, and although this may be alleviated by nutritional supplements or moisturizing treatments, recommend a vet visit if these solutions do not work.


Lumps, Bumps & Swelling
Any unusual lump or swelling should be checked out by a vet. That bump may just be a fatty tumor, but it may be a malignancy that, if caught early, can be stopped. Swelling around the mammary glands or anal area can be serious.
 

Joint Issues
If an animal seems in discomfort during grooming, either hunched over while standing or reluctant to move joints or vocalizing, mention it. Dogs can benefit from medications to alleviate arthritis. Also, stiff painful joints can be a symptom of Lyme disease and other issues.


Ear Problems
Any discharge or odor from the ears, or seeming deafness, may be a sign of infection or other problems that should be treated by a veterinarian.


Eye Problems
Itching, redness, discharge, crusted matter or excess tearing may indicate an eye problem. Despite groomer’s best efforts, shampoo can sometimes get in a dog’s eye and cause trouble–especially if the dog rubs at the eye. A scratch on the cornea is not an uncommon result. If treated immediately, the chances are much better that there will be no lasting damage. If a dog has exhibited itchiness of the eye, especially after bathing, or if the eye seems reddened or swollen, suggest veterinary care and explain why.


Parasites
Always tell an owner if a pet has ticks or fleas, or signs of either. Ticks can carry various diseases and the owner needs to treat the dog, the home, and any other pets against further infestations.


Changes in Behavior
Every dog can have a bad day, but if a normally sweet dog turns into Cujo, or a normally testy one is completely quiet and cuddly, consider it a red flag that should be reported to the owner. Pain or neurological problems could prompt this type of change. Mention physiological differences, too. For example, a Springer spaniel of my acquaintance who began drinking copious amounts and needed to go outside constantly was diagnosed with a type of Cushing’s disease.
Not only is it good business to relay health issues to the owner and recommend medical care as needed, it’s satisfying. Pet owners that have had a diagnosis sparked by a groomer’s comments are likely to remain loyal for the pet’s lifetime, which is great, but it’s even better to have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve improved the quality of an animal’s life. And isn’t that what it’s all about?


Carol Visser is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer and Certified Pet Dog Trainer. Formerly a pet product expert for PetEdge, she and her husband Glenn now own Two Canines Pet Services in Montville, Maine, which provides grooming, boarding, training and day care services to Waldo County.