02/05/2025
I didnāt know there was anything wrongā¦ā¦..
How often do you visit your vet with your dog ā every year for his/her booster jab?
Your dog visits the groomer every 6 to 8 weeks for a bath, trim, and tidy.
But sometimes, they leave with something even more important than a fresh look-a warning sign you didnāt know was there.
Dog groomers arenāt vets, and they donāt pretend to be.
But theyāre often the first person to notice when somethingās not quite right.
A lump under the skin.
A sore spot under the leg.
A red rash behind the ears.
An ear infection that smells off.
A cracked pad. A bald patch. A behavioural change.
They work so closely with your dog-physically and emotionally-that they often spot small but important changes. The ones that can be easy to miss at home, especially on long or thick coats. And because they see your dog regularly, they know whatās normal and whatās not.
These arenāt just observations - they could be early signs of:
ā¢ Skin infections
ā¢ Ear mites or yeast infections
ā¢ Growths that need checking
ā¢ Eye problems
ā¢ Tooth or gum issues
ā¢ Joint stiffness or discomfort
ā¢ Stress or anxiety
And when a groomer mentions something theyāve noticed, itās not to scare you.
Itās because they care. They want your dog to be happy, healthy, and comfortable-long after theyāve left the salon.
Thatās what makes a good groomer more than a stylist. Theyāre part of your dogās care team.
They clean. They clip. They calm nervous dogs. And they keep watch over every inch of your dogās body and behaviour-every time they visit.
Professional groomers take their responsibilities seriously. Many are trained to recognised industry standards, hold Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications, and are members of the British Dog Groomers' Association (BDGA) - a division of the Pet Industry Federation (PIF).
That means they donāt just work with love and care-they work with knowledge. And they commit to professional development, safe practices, and doing whatās best for every dog in their care.
So the next time your groomer quietly mentions something theyāve noticed - listen. It could be nothing. But it could also be the early warning that helps you take action before a small issue becomes a big one.
Your dog canāt always tell you when somethingās wrong.
But your groomer might.
And never forget-theyāre doing far more than making your dog look good.
Why not subscribe to the BDGA new monthly digital magazine ā its totally FREE and is designed to keep you up to date on dog matters, what happens at the pet groomer, legislation and offer you reader offers .
Get Issue 1 now, and thereafter your free copy will arrive via email every month
https://subscribepage.io/waggytales
