What Your Dog's Groomer Can Tell You About Their Wellbeing
Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash
Having your dog professionally groomed regularly is much more important than just making sure the dog looks good. It is helpful for your pet’s overall health and can also lead to the early detection of medical problems you may have been unaware of before dropping off your pet. Groomers don’t just wash, trim, and style —they can spot medical disturbances too. Groomers commonly find potential medical issues because they see your pet regularly and can notice if something changes visit-to-visit. Here are some common issues found during a grooming appointment:
Small bumps and masses that were covered up by fur
Ear/ eye infections
Rashes
Parasites
Dental issues
Changes in balance or flexibility
“Hotspots” or wounds covered by matted fur
Changes in behavior or sudden aggression
Many professional groomers are instilled to always monitor for medical problems while working with pets. While they don’t diagnose nor treat these issues directly, they make sure to consistently keep an eye on these occurrences for the wellbeing of pets and their respective owners. The ASPCA has stated that groomers often see what’s underneath the fur through working with tools such as detail brushes and blow dryers, and that groomers can frequently aid in the early detection of developing issues, as pets typically visit the groomer much more regularly than the vet.
Make a Veterinary Appointment
If your groomer notices a potential health issue, please make an appointment with your vet to have your pet examined and treated. The benefit is that rapid detection and treatment means solving the problem relatively quickly. In fact, sometimes the groomer will even find medical issues before the dog exhibits symptoms!
“I am always on the lookout for anything that wasn’t there during the last visit—whether it is crust in an ear, a lump on the dog’s chest, or a change in the dog’s usual behavior,” said Elizabeth Toc, co-owner of The Tailored Tail. “I always mention what I have seen to the owner and suggest a call to a veterinarian.”
Toc says that maintaining relationships with pet owners is crucial, as when concerns arise, it is much easier to discuss them when the owner returns to pick up their dog.