Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2nd October 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Many owners uninformed about dog grooming, survey finds
Dog grooming
73 per cent of dog groomers see breeds coming into their salon in an 'all poor' or 'mostly poor' condition.
Dog groomers raise their concerns

Many owners are uninformed about the importance of dog grooming, according to a recent poll, meaning that groomers are faced with dealing with the very real welfare problems this can cause.

The British Dog Groomers' Association (BDGA) Grooming Survey, the first of its kind, has revealed that 73 per cent of dog groomers see breeds coming into their salon in an 'all poor' or 'mostly poor' condition with matts and knots.

The majority of respondents felt that owners hadn't done enough research before purchasing a dog, with some even being told by breeders that their dog didn't need grooming.

"Dog grooming plays such an important role in keeping a dog happy and health, commented BDGA chair Stuart Simmons.  

He adds: "Apart from keeping the coat clean and free from matts, which can cause skin complaints if left, regular grooming also helps improve circulation, keeps grease levels down which can cause cysts and also allows dog groomers to do a quick health check and help to spot any early signs of illness.  It’s so much more than hairdressing for dogs!"

The survey also revealed a surge in the popularity of 'designer' dogs, with poodle cross-breeds now amongst the most popular types of dog seen in the nation's dog grooming salons.

The shih-tzu was the most popular named pedigree breed, with the cocker spaniel following closely behind.

The survey findings will be used by the BDGA and its umbrella body, the Pet Industry Federation, to help inform groomer training.  The figures will aid  discussions with education bodies and influential groups to highlight the important role that dog groomers have in maintaining the health and welfare of dogs.

To download a full report of the survey, visit www.petfederation.co.uk

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."