You may be asked to groom dogs undergoing Chemotherapy from time to time. When grooming these dogs, it's important to take extra precautions because chemotherapy can weaken a dog's immune system and make them more susceptible to infections and other health issues. Chemotherapy drugs are designed to attack rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, but unfortunately, they can also affect healthy cells, including those in the skin, hair, and nails. This can cause skin irritation, hair loss, and other dermatological problems, which can be exacerbated by grooming.

Additionally, chemotherapy drugs can be toxic and pose a risk to the groomer if they come into contact with them. The drugs can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, which can cause a variety of health problems, including nausea, dizziness, and even cancer.

For these reasons, it's essential to take special precautions when grooming dogs undergoing chemotherapy. Here are some best practice tips.

1.      Wear protective gear: When grooming a dog undergoing chemotherapy, you should wear gloves, a mask, and a gown to protect yourself from any potential exposure to the chemotherapy drugs. This will also help prevent the spread of any potential infections or diseases. It depends on the type of chemo treatment too - some are on tablets that leave the dog generally safe to be handled, some get infusions that leave them cytotoxic (their bodily fluids are dangerous).

2.      Use a separate grooming area: It's best to have a separate grooming area for dogs undergoing chemotherapy to prevent any cross-contamination. This area should be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly before and after each use.

3.      Use non-toxic grooming products: Choose non-toxic grooming products that are gentle on the dog's skin and free of harsh chemicals that could irritate their skin or interact with their chemotherapy treatment. Avoid using flea and tick products that contain chemicals that could be harmful to the dog's weakened immune system.

4.      Avoid grooming around IV sites: If the dog has an IV catheter, be sure to avoid grooming around the site to prevent any accidental dislodging or infection.

5.      Avoid grooming after chemotherapy treatments: Grooming a dog right after a chemotherapy treatment may cause them to feel more tired or uncomfortable. Wait at least 24-72 hours before grooming to ensure the dog has time to recover from the treatment. As per point 1, most chemo treatments leave the animal cytotoxic for 24/48/72h after the treatment - so you don’t want to be grooming them close to the treatment date for that reason as well

6.      Monitor the dog's behaviour: Keep an eye on the dog's behaviour during the grooming process. If they seem uncomfortable or in pain, stop immediately and consult with a veterinarian.

7.      Disinfect grooming tools: After grooming a dog undergoing chemotherapy, disinfect all grooming tools, including brushes, combs, and clippers, to prevent the spread of any potential infections.

It's important to work closely with the dog's veterinarian and caretaker when grooming a dog undergoing chemotherapy. They can provide additional guidance and recommendations to ensure the dog's safety and well-being during the grooming process. Most vets will give owners a handout on how to safely handle the dog on chemo so it’s always an option to ask the owner for a copy of that as well.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE