As a professional groomer, you’re often the first person to spot signs of a deeper issue: parasites, unusual skin reactions, or infections that may have gone unnoticed at home. But when you see something suspicious during a groom, how you respond can make or break trust with your client—and protect your business from serious risk.
Here’s what to do when you find fleas, ticks, or signs of a possible skin condition during a grooming appointment.
1. Pause Immediately and Assess the Situation
Before finishing the groom, take a step back and evaluate the pet’s condition:
-
Fleas: Look for flea dirt, live fleas crawling near the tail base, groin, or behind the ears.
-
Ticks: Check under the legs, around the ears, and in armpits—areas where ticks like to hide.
-
Skin Issues: Red patches, pustules, excessive flaking, oozing, hot spots, or sores could indicate infections, allergies, or more serious conditions like mange or dermatitis.
Don’t proceed with the full groom if the pet’s condition is questionable. This isn't just a safety issue—it’s also a liability one.
2. Document Everything (Yes, Everything)
Take clear, well-lit photos of the issue areas (with permission from the pet parent when possible). Note what you found and where.
This protects you if the pet owner later claims the issue occurred during grooming—and gives them helpful information to share with their vet.
3. Know When to Groom—and When to Reschedule
Some conditions are manageable during grooming. Others require immediate deferral to a veterinarian. Use the following general guideline:
If in doubt, err on the side of caution. Inform the owner and gently recommend a vet visit.
4. Communicate Professionally with the Client
How you share this kind of news matters. Avoid sounding alarmist or accusatory. Instead, try:
“While grooming, I noticed a few areas of concern on Max’s skin—specifically near his hind legs. There appear to be some irritated patches that I think you should have checked by your vet before we continue any future grooming.”
Or:
“I found some fleas during today’s groom. I was able to proceed using flea shampoo, but I’d recommend following up with flea prevention at home and possibly treating the environment as well.”
Maintain a calm, informative tone and offer support—not shame.
5. Sanitize Immediately After Any High-Risk Appointment
If you’ve had a dog on your table with fleas, ticks, or a contagious skin condition:
-
Deep clean and disinfect the grooming area, table, tools, brushes, and tubs
-
Launder towels, loops, and grooming jackets
-
Sanitize clipper blades and shears
-
Use parasite spray on surfaces if needed
This helps prevent cross-contamination and protects the next pet.
6. Create a Clear Policy for Health-Related Interruptions
Set expectations ahead of time by including a policy in your intake form or service agreement, such as:
-
Pets with parasites, infections, or unhealed wounds may be refused service
-
Any findings will be documented and communicated respectfully
-
A rebooking may be required after a veterinary visit
-
Additional cleaning or parasite treatments may result in a fee
Clients who understand your policies are more likely to cooperate—and less likely to push back when you enforce them.
You’re not a vet—but you are a frontline advocate for pet health. Recognizing issues early, documenting them clearly, and responding with care protects the pets, the pet parent, and your grooming business. Trust your instincts, trust your policies, and handle each case with calm professionalism.
Fleas, Ticks, and Skin Conditions: What to Do When You Spot Something Suspicious
As a professional groomer, you’re often the first person to spot signs of a deeper issue: parasites, unusual skin reactions, or infections that may have gone unnoticed at home. But when you see something suspicious during a groom, how you respond can make or break trust with your client—and protect your business from serious risk.
Here’s what to do when you find fleas, ticks, or signs of a possible skin condition during a grooming appointment.
1. Pause Immediately and Assess the Situation
Before finishing the groom, take a step back and evaluate the pet’s condition:
Fleas: Look for flea dirt, live fleas crawling near the tail base, groin, or behind the ears.
Ticks: Check under the legs, around the ears, and in armpits—areas where ticks like to hide.
Skin Issues: Red patches, pustules, excessive flaking, oozing, hot spots, or sores could indicate infections, allergies, or more serious conditions like mange or dermatitis.
Don’t proceed with the full groom if the pet’s condition is questionable. This isn't just a safety issue—it’s also a liability one.
2. Document Everything (Yes, Everything)
Take clear, well-lit photos of the issue areas (with permission from the pet parent when possible). Note what you found and where.
This protects you if the pet owner later claims the issue occurred during grooming—and gives them helpful information to share with their vet.
3. Know When to Groom—and When to Reschedule
Some conditions are manageable during grooming. Others require immediate deferral to a veterinarian. Use the following general guideline:
✅ Proceed with caution: Minor flea infestations (with treatment shampoo on-site), dry skin, light dandruff
❌ Stop the groom:
Live ticks embedded in sensitive areas
Open sores or oozing wounds
Suspected ringworm or mange
Excessive scratching or signs of pain
Visible skin infections or masses
If in doubt, err on the side of caution. Inform the owner and gently recommend a vet visit.
4. Communicate Professionally with the Client
How you share this kind of news matters. Avoid sounding alarmist or accusatory. Instead, try:
Or:
Maintain a calm, informative tone and offer support—not shame.
5. Sanitize Immediately After Any High-Risk Appointment
If you’ve had a dog on your table with fleas, ticks, or a contagious skin condition:
Deep clean and disinfect the grooming area, table, tools, brushes, and tubs
Launder towels, loops, and grooming jackets
Sanitize clipper blades and shears
Use parasite spray on surfaces if needed
This helps prevent cross-contamination and protects the next pet.
6. Create a Clear Policy for Health-Related Interruptions
Set expectations ahead of time by including a policy in your intake form or service agreement, such as:
Pets with parasites, infections, or unhealed wounds may be refused service
Any findings will be documented and communicated respectfully
A rebooking may be required after a veterinary visit
Additional cleaning or parasite treatments may result in a fee
Clients who understand your policies are more likely to cooperate—and less likely to push back when you enforce them.
You’re not a vet—but you are a frontline advocate for pet health. Recognizing issues early, documenting them clearly, and responding with care protects the pets, the pet parent, and your grooming business. Trust your instincts, trust your policies, and handle each case with calm professionalism.