In the last few weeks, during late autumn 2023, the news has been filled with reports of an unusual infectious respiratory disease affecting dogs in many states nationwide. The symptoms are typical of respiratory infection, including coughing, fever, and discharge from the nose and eyes. It appears to be self-limiting in most dogs but can last for weeks and, in rare cases, may develop into pneumonia, which is most likely a secondary condition. Standard treatments are not effective in treating whatever is causing these infections.
Some pet owners are feeling alarmed by the reports of this infection and are concerned about bringing their pets to be groomed. Because of this, it is crucial for groomers to be aware of the latest developments on the spread of the infection and to have a game plan to help reassure their customers.
The infection is believed to spread via respiratory droplets, and the veterinary community warnspet owners to avoid allowing their dogs to have close contact with other dogs. This includes boarding kennels, daycares, dog parks, and grooming businesses if dogs are allowed to come in contact with one another during the grooming process.
Groomers can reassure their customers in the following ways:
- Pre-screening dogs outside the building to see if they have any apparent symptoms of illness and ask the pet owner if the dog has been coughing or exposed to other dogs during walks or in a setting where dogs socialize. Reschedule any pets that are showing signs of illness.
- Keep dogs from coming in close contact with one another. This may mean changing how you house pets in your care.
- Consider grooming dogs with a high exposure risk due to frequenting daycare/dog parks/training classes/dog shows or kennels at the very end of the day, ensuring they are not in contact with other pets while in the building.
- Stepping up your regular cleaning and sanitation procedures. Remember, cleaners don’t disinfect, and disinfectants don’t clean. To effectively kill bacteria and viruses, you need to clean your workspace and tools, then disinfect and allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface as long as directed on the label (typically 10 minutes.)
Your customers will feel more comfortable bringing their pets in for grooming if you demonstrate that you are aware of this current health concern, are staying on top of the latest developments, and are taking steps to prevent the spread of bacterial or viral infections.
