01/05/2025
I didn’t know there was anything wrong……..
How often do you visit your vet with your dog – 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 didn’t know was there.
Dog groomers aren’t vets, and they don’t pretend to be.
But they’re often the first person to notice when something’s 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 what’s normal and what’s not.
These aren’t just observations - they could be early signs of:
• Skin infections
• Ear mites or yeast infections
• Growths that need checking
• Eye problems
• Tooth or gum issues
• Joint stiffness or discomfort
• Stress or anxiety
And when a groomer mentions something they’ve noticed, it’s not to scare you.
It’s because they care. They want your dog to be happy, healthy, and comfortable-long after they’ve left the salon.
That’s what makes a good groomer more than a stylist. They’re part of your dog’s care team.
They clean. They clip. They calm nervous dogs. And they keep watch over every inch of your dog’s 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 don’t just work with love and care-they work with knowledge. And they commit to professional development, safe practices, and doing what’s best for every dog in their care.
So the next time your groomer quietly mentions something they’ve 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 can’t always tell you when something’s wrong.
But your groomer might.
And never forget-they’re doing far more than making your dog look good.
Why not subscribe to the BDGA new monthly digital magazine – 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
