The Importance of Grooming a Clean Dog

Why I do what I do

For me, grooming is much more than a casual pastime—it is a meaningful career rooted in compassion and a genuine love for animals. When I share my profession with others, some may see it as just a hobby, but it’s truly a vocation that requires dedication and care. My passion for this path motivates me to prioritize my own well-being so I can continue providing quality care for dogs over the long term. Maintaining my health is essential, as grooming demands both physical stamina and emotional resilience. By taking proactive steps to look after my body and mind, I ensure that I can keep doing what I love for many years to come. You may wonder what does that have to do with whether I clip the coat before or after the bath? A dirty coat can harbor bacteria, fungus, and yes even fecal matter. These contaminants pose potential health risks not only to the pet, but also to the grooming team. It is impossible to hygienically brush, demat or clip a pet when the coat is heavily soiled. Brushing a dirty coat can aerosolize particles, sending them into your eyes, nose, and mouth. It is also worth mentioning you are likely damaging the coat and skin as well. Similarity when using a nail grinder or dremel, the fine dust produced is airborne and can be inhaled, ingested and settle on your eyes and skin. While this is an unpleasant thought, it is usually what you can not see coming off of the pet that is the most dangerous. Maintaining proper hygiene standards is essential for the safety and wellbeing of both pets and grooming professionals. A clean coat is the the best step toward a successful, healthy grooming session.

The Consequence

What if you decided to strip, brush or clip the coat before the bath? What is the real harm? Shampoo is an essential product, but it is a chemical irritant. This remains a concern, particularly when the skin is compromised due to matting, stripping, or mechanical irritation that has resulted from brushing or clipping a dirty coat. The process of shampooing and scrubbing may worsen this existing irritation, potentially causing microtears in the skin and further inflaming hair follicles. This can be why some dogs become itchy or end up with what appears to be a razor burn. Working on an unclean dog can lead to post grooming furunculosis which can be a lifethreatening infection. Many of these issues can be significantly reduced or avoided entirely by simply grooming a clean pet. What about doing prep work before the bath? Even pre clipping just the sanitary areas can cause what appears as razer burn as the micro tears occur easier in areas where the skin is thinner. Clean skin and coat create a healthier, more comfortable grooming experience for everyone involved.

The Elephant in the Room

As grooming professionals we advise our clients about the proper schedule for their pets but sometimes the unexpected can happen. A severely matted coat may need to be removed before the bath in order to relieve pressure on the pet's skin. These thick and tight mats can hide open sores, parasites, or injuries that no one knew about until the matting was removed. In some instances, shaving matted ears will result in hematomas that may require a veterinary visit.

The Exception to The Rule

A pet's comfort and health are always our priority. Sometimes this requires us to work on a dirty pet. When this happens take the proper precautions for yourself and the pet. Use protective equipment. Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask. Change your smock after or wear an apron that you can change when you are done. Once the pet is shaved and ready for the tub use a softer product preferably a SLS free shampoo to reduce irritation post bath. Do not skip the conditioner. When drying the dog if it is possible to let them air dry or sack dry it would certainly be beneficial for the health of the skin.

For Your Equipment

It is essential that your equipment is clean, sharp and in good working order. Dirty, dull, or unmaintained equipment is a hazard to both the groomer and the pet. Dirt and oils are extremely abrasive and quickly dull or damage professional grooming tools. This reduces the tools cutting ability and requires us to send them out for maintenance or sharpening often, which reduces the longevity of our expensive equipment. Proper preparation—including the coat is clean before clipping—is critical for the safety, comfort, and health of the pet.