Not every dog that walks into your salon is in perfect shape. Some are recovering from surgery, managing chronic health issues, or wearing medical devices like cones, braces, or wraps. These situations require more than just careful handling—they call for adaptation, awareness, and clear communication. Here's how professional groomers can confidently manage grooming appointments when a pet shows up with medical gear.
1. Start with a Thorough Pre-Groom Assessment
Before you even lift the dog onto the table, take a moment to visually inspect:
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What device or medical item is the dog wearing?
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Is it removable, or must it stay on during the groom?
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Are there visible stitches, wounds, or inflammation around the device?
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Has the pet been cleared by a vet for grooming?
Ask the owner specific questions about the condition and device. Don’t assume—it’s better to over-ask than overstep.
2. Types of Devices You Might Encounter
Elizabethan Collars (Cones of Shame)
Used post-surgery or to prevent licking/biting.
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Workaround: If removable, take off during the groom—but only if it’s safe to do so and the dog isn’t actively licking or biting.
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Caution: Avoid high-pressure dryers near the area the cone is protecting. Be gentle around the neck where the cone rests.
Surgical Suits, Bandages, or Wraps
Protect incisions, IV sites, or sensitive skin.
Orthopedic Braces or Mobility Aids
Usually found on hips, legs, or joints for dogs with arthritis or injuries.
Hearing or Vision Aids (less common)
Some dogs may wear protective goggles or have vision impairments.
. Adjust Your Grooming Technique
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Drying: Use low-pressure or cool air near sensitive zones or surgical sites.
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Clipping: Skip over bandaged areas. Use shorter blades for precision near device edges.
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Brushing: Go slow and use gentle tools. Avoid pulling at any area that’s under a medical garment.
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Handling: Stabilize with body positioning rather than leash tension. Always support joints that are braced or taped.
4. Communicate What You Can—and Can’t—Do
When grooming around medical devices, it’s important to set boundaries clearly:
“Due to the cone and recent surgery, I won’t be trimming near the ears or neck today, but I can still complete the bath, nails, and a light face clean-up.”
Clients will appreciate honesty—especially if you show care for the dog’s comfort and safety.
5. When to Stop or Reschedule
If a dog appears to be in visible discomfort, showing signs of pain, or if the device interferes with safe handling, it’s time to pause:
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Excessive whining, flinching, or freezing
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Skin breakdown or infection under the device
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Escalating stress or defensive behavior
Rescheduling may be the safest—and most ethical—choice.
6. Document and Follow Up
Always make a note on the dog’s grooming card or profile:
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What device was worn
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What parts of the groom were adjusted or skipped
-
Any signs of irritation, inflammation, or unusual behavior
This protects you and helps guide the next groom.
Grooming a pet with medical devices isn’t about working around the issue—it’s about working with it. Compassion, communication, and adaptability are the core skills here. When handled properly, even medically fragile pets can have a safe and positive grooming experience—and their humans will remember that you went the extra mile.
Grooming Around Medical Devices: Collars, Cones, and More
Not every dog that walks into your salon is in perfect shape. Some are recovering from surgery, managing chronic health issues, or wearing medical devices like cones, braces, or wraps. These situations require more than just careful handling—they call for adaptation, awareness, and clear communication. Here's how professional groomers can confidently manage grooming appointments when a pet shows up with medical gear.
1. Start with a Thorough Pre-Groom Assessment
Before you even lift the dog onto the table, take a moment to visually inspect:
What device or medical item is the dog wearing?
Is it removable, or must it stay on during the groom?
Are there visible stitches, wounds, or inflammation around the device?
Has the pet been cleared by a vet for grooming?
Ask the owner specific questions about the condition and device. Don’t assume—it’s better to over-ask than overstep.
2. Types of Devices You Might Encounter
Elizabethan Collars (Cones of Shame)
Used post-surgery or to prevent licking/biting.
Workaround: If removable, take off during the groom—but only if it’s safe to do so and the dog isn’t actively licking or biting.
Caution: Avoid high-pressure dryers near the area the cone is protecting. Be gentle around the neck where the cone rests.
Surgical Suits, Bandages, or Wraps
Protect incisions, IV sites, or sensitive skin.
Workaround: Do not trim or bathe near these areas unless explicitly approved by a vet or owner. Keep them dry.
Tip: Use a grooming arm to stabilize the dog without touching the wrapped area.
Orthopedic Braces or Mobility Aids
Usually found on hips, legs, or joints for dogs with arthritis or injuries.
Workaround: Support the pet’s movement gently. Use non-slip mats and avoid lifting the limb unnaturally. Never remove a brace unless directed by the pet parent.
Hearing or Vision Aids (less common)
Some dogs may wear protective goggles or have vision impairments.
Tip: Groom in a well-lit, quiet space and announce your movements clearly. Avoid startling the dog.
. Adjust Your Grooming Technique
Drying: Use low-pressure or cool air near sensitive zones or surgical sites.
Clipping: Skip over bandaged areas. Use shorter blades for precision near device edges.
Brushing: Go slow and use gentle tools. Avoid pulling at any area that’s under a medical garment.
Handling: Stabilize with body positioning rather than leash tension. Always support joints that are braced or taped.
4. Communicate What You Can—and Can’t—Do
When grooming around medical devices, it’s important to set boundaries clearly:
Clients will appreciate honesty—especially if you show care for the dog’s comfort and safety.
5. When to Stop or Reschedule
If a dog appears to be in visible discomfort, showing signs of pain, or if the device interferes with safe handling, it’s time to pause:
Excessive whining, flinching, or freezing
Skin breakdown or infection under the device
Escalating stress or defensive behavior
Rescheduling may be the safest—and most ethical—choice.
6. Document and Follow Up
Always make a note on the dog’s grooming card or profile:
What device was worn
What parts of the groom were adjusted or skipped
Any signs of irritation, inflammation, or unusual behavior
This protects you and helps guide the next groom.
Grooming a pet with medical devices isn’t about working around the issue—it’s about working with it. Compassion, communication, and adaptability are the core skills here. When handled properly, even medically fragile pets can have a safe and positive grooming experience—and their humans will remember that you went the extra mile.