A core consideration when grooming a dog is ensuring the health and safety of the pet. However, dogs can be difficult to manage. You will also be using some sharp tools and equipment. Therefore, it’s important to anticipate injuries and to know how to avoid them.
Pre-treatment questionnaire
If you run a or are looking to start a dog grooming business, an important precaution is to make sure you obtain a comprehensive history of the dog’s recent health and circumstances from the owner before you start work.
Ask simple questions, such as:
- Does the dog have sensitive skin?
- Are there any pre-existing conditions to be aware of?
- Has the dog been groomed before?
- How often was the dog groomed previously?
- Does the dog have any warts or scabs?
Brush and razor burn
Brushing or clipping of a dog’s coat will be a typical part of a grooming routine, particularly for dogs with long or tangled coats. However, repeated brushing or clipping close to the skin can cause sensitive skin to burn, although this may not be immediately obvious.
The burn may only become apparent later, when the dog licks or fusses over it, and it becomes infected.
To avoid clipper burn, check that:
- you are using the right type of blade
- the blade is sharp
- you know how to use the clippers correctly.
A blunt blade can ‘pull’ at the skin. If you notice this, you should stop.
Never force the clipper through the coat. If the blades are getting hot, stop. And if you are using a brush, never repeatedly go over the same area.
If the fur is really tangled, tackle it in a bath to remove the worst excess. You should also be careful about brushing and drying at the same time, as this can also cause burn.
Cuts and nicks
When using scissors, it is possible on occasions to nick the dog’s skin and cause a small cut. This is particularly true with dogs whose coats are badly matted or long, or with dogs that cannot keep still.
There are some areas that may be more vulnerable to this, such as at the points where the limbs meet the torso (“armpits”). It can be difficult in these regions to see what you’re doing or where the coat ends and the skin begins.
Avoiding these types of injuries can be challenging. The best course of action is to work slowly and carefully. If you own a dog grooming business, encourage the owner to keep the dog properly brushed in-between sessions so the coat does not become matted.
Nail cutting and injuries to the quick
Not all dogs enjoy having their nails cut. They may wriggle or become stressed when you try. In addition, certain colour coats make it harder to see where the ‘quick’ (cuticle) of the nail is. This means that cuts to the quick are common.
A cut quick can bleed quite a lot, but is not normally serious. However, it is likely to elicit a yelp from an unpleasantly surprised dog.
To avoid cutting the quick, clip the tip of the nail first and only ever cut a little at a time. Clip the nail at a 45-degree angle. In some cases, filing the dog’s nails may be a better alternative.
Ear irritation and plucking
A dog’s ears are an important part of the grooming routine and need to be kept clean. Some owners may ask a professional groomer for the hair in their dog’s ears to be clipped or plucked.
Dog’s ears are sensitive, so this process has the potential to be painful. However, some consider it an important process to minimise the risk of infection, prevent mite infestations, and help keep ears clean.
The process requires specialist equipment. If you are a professional, you may need extra training if you wish to offer this as a service to customers.
Cover in case of injuries
Even when care and attention is applied, injuries can still happen. As a professional groomer, it is important to make sure you have proper dog grooming insurance in place, in case a pet owner sues you for an injury.
Unfortunately, if you are found to be at fault, the costs involved can be substantial and include expensive vet treatments.
Getting insurance for your dog grooming business
For almost two decades, Pet Business Insurance has specialised in the provision of insurance for a range of small- and medium-sized pet businesses, including dog groomers.
In addition to standard liability cover, we also provide policyholders with free additional insurance for other potential risks, such as cover for the loss or theft of equipment, or loss of a client’s dog while in your care.
We also provide pet accident and injury insurance to protect your business if an animal in your care is involved in an accident for which you could be held liable, regardless of whether or not it was your fault.
Optional insurance to suit your business’ circumstances is also available, if needed, such as cover for any claims raised against you by employees, if you employ staff.
To discuss your dog grooming business insurance requirements, get in touch with Pet Business Insurance today. Call 01284 736 874 or complete our online enquiry form.