Chapter 46

1. Chapter 46 Grooming Procedures

2. Grooming Skills in the Veterinary Facility • Care of the external body • Lack of grooming can cause an unhappy animal

3. Brushing and Combing • Required for all • Necessary for long haired animals • Brushing • Removes dead hair and dirt materials • Combing • Removes tangles, mats, and debris

4. Brushing and Combing • Perform before bathing • Begin at the back and work forward • Begin at feet and work upward • Break down matting • Severe matting may require clipping

5. Bathing • Clean skin and hair coat • Use animal or medicated shampoos • Dips may be used to eliminate or control parasitic infestations • Place cotton balls in ear canal • Apply protective ointment to eyes

6. Bathing • Thoroughly soak animal • Apply shampoo and massage working up to a good lather • Allow to stand for 5 minutes • Rinse well • Apply conditioners • Blow dry • Comb or brush out

7. Clipping, Trimming, Shaving • Clipping • Removal of small amounts of hair • Trimming • Removal of a particular amount of hair from one or more locations • Shaving • Taking hair down to the skin

8. Clipping, Trimming, Shaving • Around the rectum is common • Around the genital regions • Care should be taken not to injure the animal

9. Clipper and Clipper Blade Careand Maintenance • Prolong performance with proper care • Follow manufacturer instructions • Check the air filter after each use • Keep them well lubricated • Keep it dry

10. Ear Cleaning • Ear canals may need to be cleaned on a regular basis • Hair may need to be plucked • Use ear cleaning solution • Make sure all solution is removed from ear

11. Nail Trimming • Easily become overgrown and in need of care • Cut distal to the quick • Use styptic powder or silver nitrate if nail bed bleeds

12. Expressing Anal Glands • Sacs located on either side of the rectum • If the material in the gland thickens it may not be expelled properly • Two techniques • External expression • Internal expression – (veterinary technician or veterinarian only)