Certified Dog Groomer in Kronenwetter, WI.
04/02/2025
Recently I read an article about a groomer in Utah that groomed a senior dog and cut the dogs leg. The groomer did error in minimizing the cut to the client. I believe every groomer has cut a dog at least once in there career. I will tell you, it is an awful feeling when it happens. Senior dogs, matted dogs, neurological issues dogs, behavior issue dogs, and some puppies... are all dangerous to groom. I groom many that other groomers will not do. (This was exactly what the Utah groomer said.) I do it because I love dogs and want to help them. (This is also what the Utah groomer said.) The senior dog was taken to the vet and because it was a senior with a lower immune system the vet decided to clean the cut and put in 2 stitches. This was a cost of $300 plus checkup costs. From a business standpoint that is at least 7 haircuts or a minimum of 10 hours plus supplies and wear on tools. Not to mention the emotional cost to the my confidence. I own dogs and they are my fur children and would hate to have them hurt. As someone that really cares about animals, I keep thinking someone needs to care for these risky animals too. Just because they are senior in age doesn't mean their hair stops growing. But honestly, I do once in awhile wonder if I should stop doing risky dogs like this. In the article papers were filed and they figure it will end up in small claims court. I feel the groomer should have discussed taking the dog to a vet, if the owners felt it was needed and then offered to help with the bill. Maybe court would have been avoided. Yet I know, some cuts just need time to heal on their own and all I can do is clean them up, put on Neosporin and let my client know. I have been lucky..I have had understanding and fantastic clients, but I am always concerned the next one may not be. I write this because getting an animal groomed does have risks. If your dog has mats it is difficult to tell where the mat ends and the skin begins. Also mats hurt! If your dog is hyper at home, know it maybe hyper at the groomer. If your dog is sensitive to touch, it isn't an easy groom, especially with a vibrating clipper. If your dog snaps at you when you try to brush them..chances are they are going to snap at the groomer. Increasing the chance of an accident. So although none of us want to see an animal hurt, we all need to realize it is a possibility. How can you help?
-Brush your dog..mats one of the biggest causes of injury.
-Be understanding if you have a risky dog. -Set up a grooming routine for your dog, so they aren't so afraid and get comfortable with grooms.
-Train your dog for grooming. Example: touch nails with a spoon and treat.
-Make sure your groomer has an emergency number for you.
If we work together, there is less chance your dog will ever need a vet because of a groom.
