Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many industries, including dog grooming. Groomers and pet owners alike have had to adapt to new safety protocols and precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Dog grooming involves close contact between groomer, pet, and owner, which can increase COVID-19 transmission risks if proper precautions are not taken. It’s important for groomers to follow guidelines around mask wearing, sanitization, and social distancing to keep themselves, clients, and pets safe during this time. This article provides an overview of COVID-19 risks associated with dog grooming and best practices that groomers should follow.
Benefits of Wearing a Mask
Wearing a mask while grooming dogs provides several benefits, the most important being reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission between groomer and client. When an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes, they expel respiratory droplets containing the virus. Masks create a barrier that catches these droplets, preventing them from reaching others and being inhaled into their lungs.
Research has found that masks are highly effective at blocking exhaled droplets that transmit COVID-19. Wearing masks significantly reduces viral transmission rates. Dog grooming requires close contact between groomer and client during drop off/pickup and when discussing the service. Wearing masks provides protection for both parties in these interactions when distancing is difficult.
In addition to lowering COVID-19 risk, masks also protect against other airborne illnesses that dogs may carry, such as kennel cough. For the safety and health of groomers and their customers, wearing masks during grooming is strongly recommended by health authorities and industry organizations.
Types of Masks
There are several common types of masks used in dog grooming:
Surgical Masks
Surgical masks are loose-fitting, disposable masks that create a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment (1). They are often made of layers of non-woven fabric and are designed to be worn by health professionals during surgery and nursing (2).
Pros: Widely available, inexpensive, disposable. Provide some protection from droplets and splashes.
Cons: Do not provide full protection from airborne particles. Do not form a tight seal to the face so some droplets may enter around the edges of the mask.
N95 Respirators
N95 respirators are tight-fitting masks that are capable of filtering up to 95% of airborne particles when properly worn (3). They contain an electrostatically charged filter that helps capture particles like viruses and bacteria before they can enter the nose and mouth (4).
Pros: Offer more protection than surgical masks due to the tight seal and filtration capabilities. Recommended for protection against viruses like COVID-19.
Cons: Less breathable than surgical masks. Require proper fit testing for maximum effectiveness. Not reusable.
Cloth Masks
Cloth masks are made of washable fabric such as cotton. They are reusable but provide less protection than surgical masks or N95 respirators (5).
Pros: Reusable and eco-friendly. Often more comfortable for extended wear.
Cons: Limited effectiveness against airborne transmission. Need to be properly washed between uses. Varying levels of filtration depending on materials used.
(1) https://www.groomwise.typepad.com/grooming_smarter/2020/02/masks-which-ones-right-for-you.html
When to Wear a Mask
One of the key considerations around masking during dog grooming is determining when a mask needs to be worn. There are differing perspectives on whether a groomer should wear a mask for the entire appointment with a client or only when working in very close proximity to the dog.
Some groomers argue that a mask should be worn for the full duration of the grooming appointment, from start to finish, regardless of the specific task being performed. They cite the unpredictable movements of dogs and the potential for allergen particles to circulate throughout the workspace as reasons to keep the mask on at all times (Source).
However, other groomers believe masking only needs to occur during the portions of grooming that involve close face-to-face contact with the dog, such as when trimming around the eyes and mouth. They feel wearing a mask constantly is unnecessary in moments when working at a distance or on body areas further from the dog’s head. But they recommend putting the mask back on when precision work on the face and head is required (Source).
There are reasonable cases to be made for both approaches. The decision may come down to personal preference, health factors, or workplace policies on mask use. But in general, wearing a mask as much as possible during appointments provides an added layer of protection.
Enforcing Masks for Clients
Most grooming salons have implemented mandatory mask policies for clients during the COVID-19 pandemic to help prevent the spread of the virus. According to K9 Grooming’s COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, clients are recommended but not required to wear masks. Bark Ave Dog states on their COVID-19 Plan of Action page that clients will be required to wear a mask when inside the grooming shop.
Requiring clients to wear masks can help protect groomers from exposure to COVID-19 during interactions at drop-off and pick-up. Some salons allow exceptions for medical conditions. Clear communication of mask policies through websites, signs, and reminders can help enforce these rules. Overall, mandatory mask policies for pet owners align with public health guidance and may provide an additional layer of safety for groomers and clients.
Other Precautions
In addition to wearing masks, dog groomers should take other precautions to protect themselves and clients from COVID-19. According to the CDC guidelines, these include:
Hand washing: Groomers should wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important before and after interacting with each pet. Hand sanitizer can be used for quick cleaning when soap and water is not available. Frequent hand washing helps eliminate any virus that may have transferred to the groomer’s hands.
Social distancing: Groomers should maintain a distance of 6 feet from clients and other staff members whenever possible. Interactions should be brief and groomers can request that clients stay outside or in their car during drop off/pickup. Within the grooming facility, workstations should be spaced apart.
Disinfecting surfaces: All grooming tools, work areas, and frequently touched surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected between each pet grooming appointment. The CDC recommends using EPA-approved disinfectants effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Good hygiene and sanitation practices will help prevent spread of the virus.
Following these standard COVID precautions along with mask wearing provides important layers of protection for everyone involved.
Impact on Communication
Wearing a mask can present challenges when interacting with dogs and clients during the grooming process. As noted in an AKC article, masks muffle verbal praise and prevent dogs from seeing facial expressions, which are key forms of communication (source). Without clear praise and visual cues, some dogs may become confused or anxious. An SFSPCA article also points out that with faces covered, more emphasis is placed on eye contact, but this limited facial interaction can disrupt normal human-animal communication (source).
For groomers, muted voices and obscured faces make it more difficult to soothe nervous dogs. Building trust and reading body language during handling procedures becomes more challenging. Masks also get in the way when giving instructions or explanations to clients at intake and discharge. Overall, masks present a barrier to the clear communication needed for a smooth grooming experience.
Alternatives to Masks
For groomers who find masks uncomfortable, there are some alternatives that can provide protection while working.
Face shields are a good option to consider. They sit further from the face which some find more comfortable. Face shields protect the eyes, nose and mouth from splashes, sprays and debris. They can be worn in addition to a mask for enhanced protection.
Distance grooming is another technique groomers can use. This involves positioning themselves as far back as possible from the dog while grooming to avoid close contact with irritants. Things like clipping and scissoring can often be done from a slight distance.
Outdoor grooming is also an option during nice weather. Working outside allows irritants to dissipate quickly rather than accumulating indoors. Setting up tables and supplies outside can let groomers work in fresh air.
While not as protective as masks, these alternatives allow groomers some flexibility in finding options that work for their comfort and health.
Industry Recommendations
Many pet industry groups and vets recommend taking precautions when grooming dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC states that the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to humans is low, but proper hygiene and sanitation protocols should still be followed (CDC).
The Professional Groomers Association of America advises groomers to wear masks when working closely with dogs, as well as wash hands before and after each appointment. They also recommend disinfecting all surfaces between appointments (GroomArts).
Many vets suggest groomers stick to curbside drop-off and pick-up to minimize human contact. Allowing only one client in at a time is also recommended. Touchless payment options should be made available (CDC).
In general, following social distancing protocols, wearing proper PPE, and disinfecting equipment and surfaces frequently are the top recommendations from industry experts.
Conclusion
In summary, wearing a mask while grooming dogs offers several key benefits. Masks help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, parasites, and allergens between dogs and groomers. They also protect against inhaling substances like hair, dander, and chemicals used in grooming products. The main types of masks that can be used are disposable surgical masks, reusable cloth masks, and N95 respirators. Groomers should wear a mask anytime they are working in close proximity to dogs. It is also wise to enforce mask policies for pet owners during drop off and pick up. In addition to masks, groomers should take other safety precautions like washing hands frequently, sterilizing tools and surfaces, and maintaining good ventilation in the salon. While masks can make communication slightly more difficult, the health protections outweigh this drawback. Alternatives like face shields do not provide the same level of protection. Ultimately, wearing a proper mask is recommended by grooming industry experts as an essential way to mitigate health risks for both groomers and the pets in their care.