As part of responsible dog grooming, it is important to keep accurate records of each dog’s health and any concerns noticed during their visit. These records can help monitor changes over time and ensure important information is available for future appointments.
Health records may include:
- Lumps, bumps or warts – noting their location and any changes noticed.
- Medical conditions – including any health issues the owner has informed the groomer about.
- Medication – recording any medication the dog is currently taking, where relevant.
- Skin conditions – such as dermatitis, alopecia, infections, irritation or allergic reactions.
- Parasites – recording any endoparasites (internal parasites) or ectoparasites (external parasites) that are noticed.
A separate record should be kept for each dog so that their information can be easily accessed and kept up to date.
Keeping Records Safe
Health records contain personal information, so they must be stored securely and handled in line with GDPR requirements.
If records are kept on paper, they should be stored somewhere secure, such as a locked cabinet, to prevent unauthorised access.
If records are stored digitally, the device or system should be protected with a strong password and appropriate security measures. Passwords should also be kept confidential and changed regularly where appropriate.
Keeping clear, accurate and secure records helps support good animal welfare while protecting both the dog’s information and the owner’s personal data.
