Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
When grooming a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, extra care is needed around the face.
Signs to watch for:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Loud or noisy breathing.
- Heat intolerance.
- Regurgitation or vomiting.
Adjustments we would make:
- Never use the force of the shower head directly over their face, as this can make it difficult for them to breathe.
- Use a washcloth to gently clean their face instead.
- Remove as much water from their face as possible using absorbent towels.
- Allow the dog to shake naturally to help remove water from their coat.
- Use a dryer without a heating element because of their heat intolerance.
- A quick-drying spray suitable for their coat type can help speed up drying.
- Never use a cage dryer, as the breed’s heat intolerance can put them at risk.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation affects the kneecap and can cause problems with the dog’s hind legs.
Signs to watch for:
- Hind-leg limping or lameness.
- Problems affecting either hind leg.
Adjustments we would make:
- Avoid pulling or bending the hind legs excessively.
- Never force the legs into an unnatural position.
- Keep the legs in as natural a position as possible.
- When grooming the sanitary area, approach it from the front rather than moving the hind legs into an uncomfortable position.
- Provide frequent rest breaks.
- Use a grooming support sling where appropriate.
- Always use thick, non-slip rubber mats in the bath and on the grooming table to provide extra support.
Repeated Ear Infections
Some dogs are prone to repeated ear infections, so their ears need to be handled carefully during grooming.
Signs to watch for:
- Head shaking.
- Ear discharge.
- Wax build-up.
- Foul or unpleasant smell.
- Thickening of the skin inside the ear.
- Repeated scratching of the ears.
Adjustments we would make:
- After bathing, make sure the ears are dried thoroughly, inside and out, as leftover moisture can contribute to ear problems.
- A suitable soothing ear cleaner can be used to help remove wax build-up when appropriate.
- Trim excess hair around the opening of the ear to help improve airflow.
- We would not pluck ear hair because there are mixed views on doing this, and it can potentially cause irritation or small tears in the ear.
- If there is a large build-up of ear hair, we would recommend that the owner speaks to their vet.
- We would never use cotton buds (Q-tips) inside the ear, as they can cause injury. Instead, a cotton pad can be used to gently clean visible wax around the outer ear.
- Stop immediately if the dog shows signs of pain.
- If the ears are red, sore or have discharge, we would not touch them and would recommend a veterinary check-up.
