Biosecurity In the Grooming Salon
Biosecurity is a hot button word these days. As owners and grooming professionals, it is an especially important topic of conversation. Biosecurity is the implementation of procedures and practices that prevent the spread of disease causing pathogens. These include bacteria, viruses, fungus, and parasites. Many of these pathogens can spread to other animals in our care and some are even zoonotic and can transfer to humans. What is insidious about some of these pathogens is their ability to evade detection until the spread is well underway. That is why having a Biosecurity program in place is so important.
Cleaning tubs and tables between each dog is an important practice to have. It may seem trivial but it is a particularly crucial step in a salons’ arsenal against the spread of diseases. Cleaning and disinfection of tools is also a definite must after each groom. Do not forget the brushes and combs. They need to be disinfected too using a suitable disinfectant that is not water based so the equipment will not rust. Make sure to read the directions on your disinfectant for contact time as that is the key to making sure the disinfectant has the required time to work.
What about you? Yes, you need to have Biosecurity measures available also. Masks, gloves, and proper clean grooming attire are all part of the Biosecurity plan that needs to be in place. A new clean smock should be a daily routine. Also keeping a spare on site is immensely useful for the days something unexpected happens such as a sick dog. If you blow dry dogs and dremel nails, a mask should always be with you. Safety glasses and ear protection also need to be available for your protection. I personally love having comfort mats on my grooming table for the dogs. A comfort mat under your own feet is also recommended. Some of the mats on the market break down easily and absorb water which is a breeding ground for bacteria. I have switched to an antimicrobial comfort mat, and I love them. They do not break down like other mats.
Products that we use in the salon typically have a preservative in them that is designed to give the product stability for a certain amount of time. Make sure to check your products for the expiry label and throw out what is out of date. Products typically have a different expiry date once you have opened it so write the co ordinating expiry date on the bottle once you open it. It is worth noting here that if you use pumps in shampoos and conditioners the pumps need to be cleaned between containers. Never put the pump from an empty container into the new container. I speak a lot about post grooming furunculosis. It is a real threat and can be deadly. Make sure if you use a diluted product, you throw it out at the end of the day and clean the bottles allowing them to dry overnight.
Other environmental factors that should be included in the Biosecurity program are the furnace and AC filters. These need to be changed and checked often for the air quality in the salon. Other overlooked filters are the ones on the dryers in the salon. These should be cleaned daily and the dryers should be cleaned and serviced especially if they have brushes that require changing.
Biosecurity in the salon is everyone’s responsibility. Keep yourself and your clients safe by having a procedure in place. It is not the hair on the table that is the problem it is what you do not see that gets into your lungs. Using clean pumps in your products keeps them from getting contaminated.
