Do dog groomers really clean their tools?
You wouldn’t eat at a restaurant that reuses forks without a thorough cleaning in very hot water and soap. And I’m sure you wouldn’t be happy to have your own hairdresser using dirty scissors or a towel that someone else had used on your head. So why would you let your dog be groomed somewhere that reuses towels or tools?
Cleanliness in a grooming salon isn’t just about looking tidy; it’s about safety, hygiene, and making sure your pup doesn’t go home with more than a fresh haircut. Here’s why it matters, and what to look out for.
1. Tools Tell the Truth
Clippers, scissors, brushes — they all need to be cleaned and disinfected between every single dog. Otherwise, bacteria, fungi, and even parasites can be passed from one pet to another. If your groomer skips this step, that’s like a chef dropping your steak on the floor and serving it anyway.
This is pretty horrible to share, but in an observational study of 19 grooming salons, over 60% (12 of the 19) had antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria (MRSP, MRSA, MRSS) present on items like clipper blades, handles, and leashes, which really underscores the critical need for disinfection protocols.
Biosecurity isn’t just for vets; it’s also a standard for good groomers. Look out for groomers who have protocols like proper tool sanitation, waste disposal, hand-washing, and air management. They need to do more than just make pups fluffy; they should also focus on keeping everyone safe.
At Dirty Dog Washes, we’ve got a deep clean station and protocol that we’re happy to show you at any time.
2. Towels Aren’t for Sharing
Fresh, clean towels should be used for every dog. Reusing damp towels spreads bacteria and smells, and no pup deserves a half-dry rubdown from leftovers. It’s the grooming equivalent of a restaurant handing you a fork someone else already used.
3. The Right Shampoos Matter
Safe, non-toxic shampoos and conditioners are essential. Cheap, harsh products might smell nice at first, but they can irritate your dog’s skin or coat. Think of it as the difference between a fresh farm-to-table meal and a dodgy takeaway.
4. Clean Spaces = Happy Faces
A salon should look, smell, and feel clean the moment you walk in. If the floor’s covered in fur tumbleweeds and the air smells like wet dog stew, chances are the standards aren’t up to scratch.
The good news is that grooming can really help with dog hygiene! In a controlled test, professional grooming slashed bacterial presence on fur from 34.7 million CFUs down to just 10—a dramatic drop.
FAQs: Grooming Hygiene
Do groomers disinfect their tools?
Yes — the good ones do, after every single dog. And that is more than just a quick wipe down with a towel. Can your home visiting groomer promise that they’ve got a deep cleaning station in their van?
Can my dog catch fleas or ticks at a groomer?
Not if the groomer follows proper cleaning routines and checks every pup. We also separate any dog with fleas on Sundays and Mondays by appointment, allowing us to thoroughly clean the salon and minimise the risk of fleas spreading to other dogs!
Why do clean products matter?
Because harsh chemicals can irritate your dog’s skin, non-toxic is always the safer choice.