A lot of groomers, especially those who transitioned from dog grooming, are not bathing cats as thoroughly as they should, writes Lynn Paolillo. She shares the importance of desensitizing, degreasing and thorough rinsing. Source: Groomer to Groomer, March 2026. Link. Better cat grooming starts in the tub. A good bath sets the tone for every other step: drying, combing, … [Read more...]
Mastering cat grooming
Cat grooming isn’t just about doing, it’s also about watching, listening and getting real-time feedback, says Lynn Paolillo, a master cat groomer. While teaching cat grooming to students, she shares that having another experienced cat groomer in the room doesn’t mean they are there to help you, but to increase the amount of brain power available for problem-solving. Source: … [Read more...]
The matted cat; causes, cures, prevention
Cats’ tongues are designed to move sebum from their skin through the hair, maintaining hair integrity, loosening dirt and providing cooling, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. Despite their assiduous self-maintenance routines, cats get matted when sebum doesn’t move through their hair. Faver explains conditions that predispose cats to matting and advises groomers about degreasing cat … [Read more...]
Understanding the liquid tools used in grooming
Having a thorough understanding of the science, technique and proper use of grooming products can be <quality of> life-changing for the groomer and pets, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. His article is timely as we close the summer dermatitis season and enter the turn-on-the-furnace season. It’s also important to understand that since most pets have hair as their first line of … [Read more...]
How to show up as your best self on social media
Jennifer Bishop Jenkins calls for every social media user to feel some personal obligation to work to prevent the dark side effects in any way possible. She then offers six ways to use social media to build better relationships with our current and potential clients, and within our business segment communities. We liked number 5, No Drama! Source: Groomer to Groomer, July … [Read more...]
Cliff Faver, DVM. The eyes are the window to the soul.
Commentary In this article for groomers, Cliff Faver, DVM, urges groomers to consider a pet’s eyes as they receive them and work with them in a grooming setting. His assertions are good coaching for those working in shelters, rescues and veterinary clinics. Note his comments about liability, too. Source: Groomer to Groomer, June 2025. Link. Eyes are critical to the … [Read more...]
Cat grooming needs as cats age
From kittens to super-seniors, each stage of a cat’s life brings different grooming needs and challenges, writes Lynn Paolillo. Understanding their changing needs helps to keep cats comfortable and healthy throughout their lives. Her article begins by debunking the myth that cats don’t need grooming. Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2025, Link. Regardless of age, every cat … [Read more...]
Allergy season, real or not?
Many things cause dogs to be pruritic that may not be a true allergy. Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds us that a pet can be allergic to anything, even hypoallergenic products. He suggests groomers can play a major role in minimizing or preventing conditions often considered allergies by focusing on repairing the skin barrier. A strong skin barrier is an amazing thing and often the … [Read more...]
Silent hazards of the grooming profession
Probably one of the more common and most debilitating issues groomers deal with is Groomer’s Lung, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. It is a combination of breathing in hair slivers, bacteria, fungi, dead skin cells and probably even an occasional parasite. Shampoo is designed to clean, and unless it is specifically designed to kill bacteria/fungus, it does not protect against … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 11, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 4, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 4th AHD Bulletin – Will we be ready? Introducing Gen Alpha. Link. Cat takes exception to coyotes attacking the family dog (video). Link. Communication – a critical skill for success. Link. … [Read more...]
Groomers can play important role in skin and coat care
Groomers who increase their understanding of skin and coat care can develop more pivotal roles in caring for the integumentary system which includes the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, associated glands, hair, and nails. Jennifer Bishop Jenkins shares perspectives on communication with local veterinarians, advancing education and bridging some of the gaps in pet care … [Read more...]
Oral health opportunities for groomers and pet care pros
Commentary with references to sponsored content Oral health is one example of where groomers can have a significant positive impact, writes Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT VTS. We agree. In addition to groomers, boarding and daycare personnel have increased access to pets and pet owners to educate and reinforce the importance of regular oral care. Many progressive pet care pros now … [Read more...]
Prevent the spread of disease in the grooming salon
In addition to the pets, groomers and their staffs also have high exposure to many of the same diseases and infections veterinary teams encounter. For that matter, some of the risks are inherent in pet sitting and boarding businesses, too. Cliff Favor, DVM, shares ways to manage the risks of zoonotic infections. He says the most significant risks come from the bacteria and … [Read more...]
How the veterinary shortage affects groomers
Addressing the opportunities groomers may have due to the veterinary shortage and advancing treatment options, Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds groomers to know what is acceptable and what is not for a groomer to do in their state of residence. Owners and veterinarians may expect groomers to express anal glands, treat ears and even scale teeth routinely, but some procedures are not … [Read more...]
They don’t know what they don’t know
Writing for a groomer audience, Cliff Faver, DVM, reinforces the primary reasons for pet owner education: to get the best results. . . . if you recommend the client brush their dog, then educate them, show them the correct way and provide the right tools and products for success . . . it is good to revisit everything at the next appointment in case they have questions or … [Read more...]
10 grooming myths debunked
Daryl Conner collaborated with groomers to identify and address common myths about grooming, including: Bathing frequency and seasonality Shampoo pH and conditioner use Non-shedding breeds and mixes Cats don’t need baths Puppy age required prior to grooming Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2022, page 6. Link. Also see: Hidden dangers of the pet care … [Read more...]
Preparing for the holiday rush
Ho! Ho! Ho! Thanksgiving is seven weeks away. Christmas is 11 weeks away. Jonathan David talks about pacing yourself from a groomer’s perspective as the holidays approach. Source: Groomer to Groomer, pages 6-9, October 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
The 4 Cs of restraint-free grooming
Restraint-free grooming has allowed fearful and aggressive peta that hated to be groomed to feel calm and protected, writes Hannah Ziegler. Restraint-free means no extra people, no grooming loops, no muzzles or Elizabethan collars. She says that with dedicated time and repetitions, 98 percent of pets can be groomed without restraints using her approach. The 4 Cs to grooming … [Read more...]
Dealing with skin issues
Cliff Faver, DVM, addresses how easily pet owners get led astray when it comes to skin issues. His discussion surrounds all the advice people readily espouse on Facebook without asking basic clarifying questions. <speaking to groomers> . . . the most important job we do is restore the skin back to normal. The issue here is that the body is fighting us. That is why it is … [Read more...]
Groomers sound off on skin care
Whether dog or cat, groomers are often the first to discover skin issues. We assembled articles published by GroomertoGroomer to provide perspective on groomers’ involvement in skin care. Source: Stepping up skin care in the salon, Groomer to Groomer, March 2020, page 34. Link. Source: Feline skin issues? Take a bubble bath! Groomer to Groomer, March 2020, page 46. … [Read more...]
Deciding who should stay and who should go
Michell Evans shares ideas with groomers for culling a client list. She addresses groomer safety, pet owner dependability and using waiting lists. Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2020, page 48. Link. Consider implementing a weight limit. Large dogs take a toll on equipment, utilities and supplies. A waiting list is a useful method of telling people no without really … [Read more...]
Groomers may hesitate to groom senior dogs
Michael Evans responds to a groomer’s concerns about older dogs in this edition of Ask the Grooming Tutor. He reminds us that dogs older than seven years have some aches and pains. This is certain after the age of 10 years and absolutely after 15 years. Younger dogs can be helpful during grooming appointments while older dogs are frequently incapable of helping with their … [Read more...]
Opinion – Lawsuit over popular dog food brand exposes label confusion
You can decide if the litigation described in this article is necessary or accurate. The context is important, as is what animal health pros can learn from it and the inherent call to action, which is pet owners need nutritional counseling and guidance. There is no question that pet diet labels have become more confusing over time pitting marketing perceptions against … [Read more...]
Yeast infections, causes and treatments
Groomers are often the first to discover yeast infections in pets. Columnist Jonathan David shares information about it with his groomer audience. He talks about skin issues, pododermatitis (toes and nails) and issues with the ears and ear canals. Yeast infections can creep up at just about anytime it seems.” – Jonathan David Source: Groomer to Groomer, December 2019, page … [Read more...]