Common Occupational Health Risks for Dog Groomers

Boops & Kisses Pet Care - Your Pet, Our Care | Occupational Health Risks to the Groomer

Groomer’s Lung

Groomer’s lung is a chronic respiratory condition that can develop from repeatedly breathing in airborne contaminants found within a grooming environment, such as dog hair, dander, dust and particles from certain cleaning products and shampoos.

To help minimise the risk, good ventilation should be maintained throughout the salon, and appropriate PPE, such as a suitable face mask or respirator, should be worn when necessary. Regular cleaning and effective extraction can also help reduce the amount of airborne hair and dust.

Hair Splinters

Hair splinters can occur when sharp, freshly clipped hairs penetrate the skin. This can be particularly uncomfortable and may lead to infection if the hair becomes embedded in the skin.

For example, if a groomer has small breaks in the skin around their fingernails or bites their nails, clipped hairs can become lodged in these areas. To minimise the risk, groomers should wear suitable protective gloves when appropriate, keep their hands and nails clean and well-maintained, and promptly clean and cover any cuts or broken skin.

Leave a Reply