Grooming injury question

beckyw

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#1
I took my dog to the groomer yesterday, and when I picked him up, I was told that he was uncomfortable having his ears trimmed and he struggled during the grooming session, leaving him injured. He came home with a huge red abrasion under his chin which I assume came from the grooming noose. 24 hours later, he's still really lethargic, uncomfortable, and unhappy--and he's usually a very high energy dog.

So I feel very irritated with the groomer because I would have much preferred to not have his ears trimmed rather than to have him come home injured and unhappy. I have poked around a bit online and I can't find anyone talking about this sort of grooming injury. Is it common? Is it a normal and/or unavoidable grooming "mishap" (meaning I shouldn't be so irritated with the groomer)?
 

maxfox426

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#2
I've never taken a dog to a professional groomer before... so I don't really know what is "normal" or not. Hopefully someone else here will be a bit more informative in that department. I just have no idea.

IMO, though, I believe you have every right to be upset with the groomer. I would think that that it should have been completely avoidable. It just seems it would be common sense to skip trimming the ears if it was apparent that the dog was going to end up hurt as a result! If it were me, I wouldn't go back there again.

Also, the lethargic bit worries me. Especially after 24 hours. I know you originally posted yesterday, so if he is still lethargic now after 48 hours, you might really consider talking to your vet.

Again, hopefully someone else has a bit more insight from experience than I do.


Oh, and one more thing: You should stop by the introductions section and post a picture of your pooch for us! :D Welcome to Chaz!
 
B

Backward_Cinderella

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#3
I can't believe your groomer didn't call you when she was having trouble to ASK if you wanted his ears done... I ALWAYS call if there's a chance the dog could be injured during the grooming session. Personally, I think its unprofessional, and were it me, I'd ask for my money back.
Boy am I glad I will NEVER have to take my dogs to a groomer. It may be worth it for you to learn to groom him at home if your groomer thinks he's too much of a hand full.
How old is he? What kind of dog is he?
 
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#4
I dont think this sounds normal at all.

I would be looking for a new groomer and the old one would be getting a very nice "talk" from me.

I would let your pup rest today and if they do not resume normal activities in a day or so, see a vet (and forward the bills to the groomer).

Please let us know how everything goes.
 

beckyw

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#5
Dexter (my dog, a rescue mini schnauzer) is still really lethargic (although he's pepped up a little bit) and the wound looks really terrible. He went to the vet yesterday morning, and she gave him a steroid shot for the itching and some antibiotics because she thought the wound was infected. I do think I will groom him at home from now on, because I can't imagine how terrified he would be if he had to put his head in another noose.

I've learned that there are a lot of horrible things that can happen to a dog at the groomer, many of much, much worse than this. I feel terrible that I left my sweet, trusting dog in a place where people hurt him so badly.
 

Sweet72947

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#6
The place I worked at, we would have stopped trying to trim the ears if the dog was very agitated. Besides that wound on his chin, they could have cut your dog's ear! Some people will still scream at you though if you can't finish their thrashing/biting monster dog. :rolleyes:

I remember a miniature poodle who had to leave our shop half groomed because he was freaking out. The owner looked at her dog and said "that's sad" as if we should have been able to finish her little beastie. Yeah it IS sad that you can't teach your poodle to accept being groomed!

Sorry, went off on a tangent. :D
 

dogsarebetter

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#8
sorry to hear about your bad grooming experience. not all groomers are like that though. Where i work we would had called you and told you that he was being a handful and we may not can complete the groom or do a really good job. most clients of ours completely understand in a rare occasion when we cannot complete a groom
 
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#9
sorry to hear about your bad grooming experience. not all groomers are like that though. Where i work we would had called you and told you that he was being a handful and we may not can complete the groom or do a really good job. most clients of ours completely understand in a rare occasion when we cannot complete a groom
I completely agree.

Although grooming injuries are not unheard of, they are very hard to deal with.
Was your dog matted before you took it to the groomer?
If it was it may be a hot spot that was hidden by the mating.
However, if it was free of mats, the groomer does owe you an apology.

:)
 

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