Introduction
Dog grooming is a physically demanding job that requires standing, bending, lifting, and using your hands and arms repetitively throughout the day. Professional dog groomers are responsible for bathing dogs, clipping and trimming their hair, cleaning ears, trimming nails, and performing other grooming duties (https://www.betterteam.com/pet-groomer-job-description). Groomers work with dogs of all sizes, temperaments and breeds, which requires physical stamina and strength (https://www.barkbus.com/blog/dog-grooming-career-overview). The job can be demanding on the back, arms, hands and feet.
This article will provide an in-depth look at the physical demands of being a professional dog groomer, including standing for long periods, bending, lifting dogs, using grooming tools, bathing and drying, and risk of injuries.
Standing For Long Periods
One of the biggest physical demands of being a dog groomer is standing for extended periods of time while working. Groomers often stand for hours at a time without breaks as they wash, dry, brush, trim and style each dog. According to one Reddit user, it typically takes 1-2 hours to fully groom a single dog, and groomers may see 6 or more dogs in a day (source). This means groomers could be on their feet for 6 or more hours in a work day.
The constant standing required can take a toll on the feet, legs, back and body. Groomers need to have strong lower body stamina to be on their feet all day. Taking short breaks to sit down when possible is important. Wearing supportive shoes and anti-fatigue mats can also help reduce strain. However, standing for prolonged periods is an inevitable part of the job.
Bending & Reaching
Dog groomers spend a significant amount of time bending and reaching during a typical workday. Frequent bending is required to lift dogs on and off grooming tables and to hold dogs in position while grooming. Reaching is necessary to access all areas of the dog’s body, like legs, paws, and stomach. According to Pet Business, groomers make up to 10,000 reaches per day, often in awkward positions. This constant bending and reaching can put strain on the back, shoulders, and joints over time if proper posture and positioning is not maintained.
To minimize bending and reaching strain, groomers should use adjustable tables and stands to bring dogs up to waist height whenever possible. Having the right equipment set at the proper height for the individual groomer’s body goes a long way in promoting better ergonomics. Groomers should also be mindful to only bend and reach as needed, while keeping proper alignment through the body. Regular stretching and breaks can further help to prevent muscle fatigue and injury.
Lifting Dogs
Lifting dogs on and off grooming tables and in and out of tubs requires strength and can lead to strain, particularly for larger breeds. The average weight of dogs groomed ranges from under 10 pounds for toy breeds up to over 100 pounds for giant breeds, according to the American Kennel Club. Small dogs usually weigh under 25 pounds, medium dogs 25-50 pounds, large dogs 50-100 pounds, and giant breeds over 100 pounds. Lifting heavier dogs repeatedly throughout the day can put significant stress on the back, shoulders, and arms.
Proper lifting techniques are important to avoid injury, including bending the knees, keeping the back straight, holding the dog close to the body, and using the legs to lift. For larger dogs, using ramps, steps, or lifting aids can help reduce strain. Dog groomers often lift dogs many times per day, so being physically fit and using proper body mechanics are crucial to avoid cumulative injuries over time. Taking breaks and avoiding overexertion are also important. The repetitive nature of lifting dogs in and out of tubs and on and off tables makes groomers prone to back, shoulder and wrist injuries if proper precautions are not taken.
Repetitive Motions
Dog grooming involves a lot of repetitive motions that can take a toll on the body over time. Groomers are constantly using their hands and wrists for brushing, clipping, scissoring, and more. According to Groomer Health – Pet Groomer, groomers perform the same types of motions dozens or even hundreds of times per day. The repetitive nature of brushing, clipping, and scissoring puts groomers at risk for overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. As noted by Beneficial movements designed for you, Dog Groomer – ABBFABB Grooming Scissors, these repetitive motions over time can lead to stiffness, soreness, and weakness if proper precautions are not taken.
Maintaining Posture
Being a dog groomer requires maintaining awkward postures for extended periods of time while working on dogs. Groomers often bend over and hunch their backs while bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, and scissoring dogs. Having to lean over dogs of varying sizes and hold the same position for long stretches takes a physical toll.https://shor-line.com/professional-grooming-ergonomics-being-in-the-right-place-at-the-right-time/ The hunched posture groomers hold can lead to back, shoulder and neck pain. Additionally, standing for hours while leaning over dogs forces weight onto one leg which strains the joints. Maintaining awkward postures also restricts blood flow and oxygen leading to fatigue.
To minimize strain while working, groomers should be conscious of their posture. Keeping the back straight and standing upright whenever possible can reduce back pain. Adjustable grooming tables that raise and lower dogs to an optimal height can also help groomers avoid hunching over. Taking short breaks to stretch and reset posture is also beneficial. Devices like anti-fatigue mats, orthopedic shoes and back braces provide extra support as well. With some awareness and proactive measures, groomers can better maintain proper posture on the job.
Using Scissors & Clippers
Dog groomers use scissors and clippers constantly while grooming dogs. The repetitive snipping motions with scissors and finger motions operating clipper switches can strain hands, wrists and fingers over time. According to this source, a groomer’s hands are continually exposed to irritants that can cause issues.
Operating scissors and clippers requires precision finger dexterity and hand strength. The continuous motions can cause inflammation and pain in the wrists and hands. Groomers often develop problems like carpal tunnel syndrome. Wrist braces, ergonomic handles and silicone finger protectors like these can help alleviate the strain.
Bathing & Drying Dogs
Bathing dogs involves a lot of physical effort for groomers. Scrubbing a dog thoroughly to clean their coat and skin requires repetitive motions that can be taxing on the arms, shoulders and back. Groomers often have to hold up portions of the dog to properly clean all areas, which strains the muscles. Even small dogs can feel heavy after being lifted repeatedly in awkward positions during bathing.
The bathing process also involves maneuvering a wet, slippery dog around the tub to rinse and scrub. This can put stress on the legs, knees and back as groomers bend, twist and lift. Larger dogs that don’t fit easily in a tub need to be washed with a spray hose while the groomer contorts themselves to reach all the areas. Getting soaked regularly while bathing dogs makes this process even more physically demanding.
Once clean, lifting wet dogs out of the tub and holding them still while drying their coat with a high-velocity dryer requires strength and stamina. The dryer is heavy and constantly moving, forcing groomers to maintain their posture. Dogs that don’t enjoy drying may wiggle or try to escape, needing the groomer to firmly restrain them in place. After a full day of bathing and drying multiple dogs, a groomer’s entire body feels drained.
Source: https://blog.scitraining.com/dog-groomer-skills/
Dealing with Difficult Dogs
One of the biggest challenges dog groomers face is dealing with dogs that resist grooming or act out aggressively. According to an article on Barkmart, “All types of grooming behavior problems make the process more difficult, which in turn makes it even more stressful for the pet. In extreme cases, groomers may refuse service for a dog that is dangerously aggressive or unable to be handled safely.” [1]
There are several techniques groomers can use to control dogs that strongly resist being groomed:
- Start the grooming process slowly and use treats, toys, and praise to positively reinforce cooperation. According to Wag Walking, “Never jump right into grooming with shears and clippers, give your pup time to get used to them first.” [2]
- Use gentle restraints like leashes, harnesses, and tie-downs to restrict the dog’s movement and prevent injury. However, never use excessive force or do anything that could harm the dog.
- Work in short intervals and give the dog breaks to relax. Rushing the process can increase anxiety.
- Sedatives prescribed by a veterinarian can help in extreme cases, but should only be used as a last resort.
The most important thing is to remain calm, move slowly, and reassure the dog throughout the grooming process. Forcing through grooming despite a dog’s resistance can damage the human-animal bond and make future sessions even more difficult.
Risk of Injuries
Dog grooming poses some common occupational hazards that can lead to injuries over time. According to CaninetoFive, the most common dog grooming injuries include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive wrist movements using scissors and clippers. Groomers make thousands of scissoring motions daily which can inflame the tendons leading to numbness and pain (Source).
Back pain from bending over tubs and tables while bathing and drying dogs. Having to constantly lean over dogs requires awkward postures that strain the back and can lead to chronic issues (Source).
Knee problems from prolonged standing on hard surfaces. Groomers may stand for 8+ hours per day which causes knee pain and swelling (Source).
Shoulder tendinitis from lifting dogs in and out of tubs. Repeated lifting of wet, heavy dogs strains the rotator cuff muscles leading to tendinitis (Source).