Find out what the current PPE requirements are for dog grooming and make sure you’re up to date!
If you run a dog grooming salon, you’ll be among thousands of business owners up and down the UK who’ve spent the last few months running their premises in a strange world where social distancing, minimal contact and hand sanitiser are the new normal. Since dog grooming salons were allowed to reopen earlier this year following the Covid-19 lockdown, business has been steadily looking healthier in our industry as more and more pooches have been able to return.
The fact that dog grooming salons were allowed to reopen relatively quickly compared to some high street establishments underlines the importance of what we do. Dog grooming is about so much more than brushing a canine’s coat or making sure that they look presentable – it’s a crucial part of a dog’s wellbeing, and the services a dog groomer offers can help ensure that they have a happy and healthy life.
These services include bathing, coat shaping, nail clipping, hair removal and brushing, and dog grooming professionals can also decrease the chances of a dog developing health problems by being able to spot indications of swelling, cuts, heat, skin parasites and thrush as well as any significant changes in behaviour. They can develop a true understanding of the way dogs communicate with humans, and use this to work closely alongside dogs to stay on top of their general health.
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During the coronavirus pandemic and in the months since lockdown began to ease, many businesses have had to get accustomed to using personal protective equipment (PPE) for the first time. Professionals in the dog grooming industry have been fortunate to have a bit of a headstart in this area – because of the constant need for the highest standards of hygiene around dogs, we’ve been used to PPE as an everyday requirement for a long time. But what exactly should you be using in your dog grooming salon when it comes to keeping pooches, owners and your own staff as safe as possible?
All of the following should be used in dog grooming salons, and changed between each appointment with each dog:
At the moment we’ve all got more face coverings than we know what to do with, but they are a must for dog grooming in any circumstances. Because certain products used in dog grooming can be harmful to humans when inhaled through the mouth and nose, having a face mask on provides essential protection. This can be a surgical or disposable one, and it’s important to make sure it’s properly in place.
Dog shampoos, flea and tick treatments can be highly irritating to human eyes. Dog groomers should always wear a pair of protective glasses to make sure any particles don’t reach the eyes. In the current circumstances it’s also advisable to wear a visor in order to protect other people within the salon and reduce the risk of Covid-19 being transmitted if anybody is carrying it.
To protect your skin against any chemicals used in dog grooming, you should always use surgical gloves when handling dogs in the salon. Covering your skin also helps to protect from any bites and scratches, so full-length sleeves and trousers and fully covered shoes are also important. Making sure that gloves and other disposable equipment is switched between treatments will minimise the risk of harm and of Covid-19 transmission.
Another clear essential item for any grooming salon are aprons. Our Clipit Protective Apron is lightweight, waterproof and reusable, providing full coverage ensuring full protection For you and your clients. This apron is easy to put on by simply fastening with the Velcro neck and tying at the back. They have detachable sleeves making it the most universal apron on the market.
As we begin the countdown to reopening of the dog grooming industry you should start to consider how to make you and your salon safe. With this in mind it is really important that you have the right PPE and salon hygiene procedures in place to keep both yourself, your staff and your customers safe.
Disinfectant wipes are quick and easy way to keep areas of your salon clean such as the reception, grooming work surfaces and waiting areas. These disinfectant wipes we offer come in a pack of 50 with an alcohol percentage of 75%. In addition, they make use of the latest bio dial technology and kill 99% of germs.
Dog grooming is a customer facing business, so the communication between you and your client is essential in giving a more personal experience and generating a loyal customer base. In order to help maintain the essential relationships with customers we would recommend our full face visor with replacement visors.
Quick and easy to use, this product helps prevent contamination when using scissors and clipper blades. It can also be used on grooming tables and work surfaces. Spray on your grooming equipment after each use.
How do groomers keep dogs still?
Attached to a tall metal bar shaped as an upside down L, the noose loop restrains the dog around his or her neck. It also prevents the dog from jumping off the table. … Some groomers use grooming nooses. If and when the dog is particularly wiggly, restraints may be used both around the neck and the hindquarters.