Pre-Grooming Visual Health Checks: What Professional Groomers Look For and Why It Matters
Before any grooming appointment begins, a thorough pre-grooming visual health check is one of the most important steps we take. This isn’t just about preparing a dog for their haircut or bath—it’s about ensuring they are healthy, comfortable, and safe throughout the entire grooming process.
Professional groomers handle dogs in ways most owners never do, which means we often spot early signs of issues that may go unnoticed at home. While groomers cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions (as only a veterinary professional can do this under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966), we can identify when something isn’t quite right and advise you to seek veterinary advice.
Below is a breakdown of what we check, why we check it, and examples of what may lead us to postpone a groom for your dog’s welfare.
Eyes: Clarity, Comfort, and Safety
A dog’s eyes should be bright, clear, and free from excessive discharge. During the health check, we look for:
- Redness or irritation
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Cloudiness or opacity
- Squinting or obvious discomfort
What this could indicate:
Watery or red eyes can be linked to allergies, irritation from hair, or early infection. Thick discharge or cloudiness may suggest conjunctivitis or more serious conditions.
When grooming may be paused:
If a dog shows signs of pain or infection, we may not proceed with face trimming or full grooming, as clippers and water could worsen irritation.
Ears: Odour, Cleanliness, and Sensitivity
Long-haired and floppy-eared breeds are especially prone to ear problems. We gently check:
- Odour
- Excess wax buildup
- Inflammation or redness
- Signs of mites (coffee-ground-like debris)
What this could indicate:
Yeast infections often have a sweet or musty smell, while bacterial infections may produce a sour odour. Dark debris may indicate ear mites.
When grooming may be paused:
If the ears are inflamed or painful, we may avoid any ear cleaning or drying procedures, and advise a veterinary check before grooming continues.
Nose: Moisture, Texture, and Discharge
A healthy dog’s nose may be wet or dry depending on the moment, but it should not show:
- Crusting or cracking
- Bleeding
- Thick discharge
Possible concerns:
Persistent cracking may relate to autoimmune issues; coloured nasal discharge can suggest infection.
Grooming impact:
If the dog shows breathing difficulty or discomfort around the muzzle, we will adapt the groom or pause it entirely.
Mouth & Teeth: Breath, Gum Colour, and Oral Health
Oral health plays a huge role in a dog’s overall wellbeing. Before grooming, we check:
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Excessive tartar
- Loose or broken teeth
What this could indicate:
Poor oral hygiene can contribute to gum disease, pain, difficulty eating, and even heart or kidney problems. Untreated dental issues can also make grooming uncomfortable.
Read our blog on why you should have your dogs teeth cleaned here
If we see signs of discomfort, we may adapt handling to avoid stress and recommend a dental check with your vet.
Body & Skin: Condition, Sensitivity, and Irritation
The skin is one of the most important areas we assess, as many dogs hide discomfort well. We check for:
- Redness, flakiness, or dryness
- Hot spots or moist dermatitis
- Bumps, lumps, or cysts
- Parasites such as fleas or ticks
What this could indicate:
- Flaky or irritated skin may signal allergies or sensitivities.
- Lumps can be benign, but only a vet can confirm this.
- Parasites require treatment before grooming can safely continue.
Specialist products:
We use gentle, dog-specific shampoos formulated to maintain the natural pH of canine skin. Using the wrong products—especially human shampoos—can strip oils, worsen irritation, and increase the risk of infection. Sensitive-skin formulas help reduce inflammation and promote barrier repair.
Coat & Fur: Condition, Matting, and Comfort
A dog’s coat offers essential clues about their health. We look for:
- Matting
- Uneven shedding
- Dry or brittle hair
- Coat thinning
Why matting matters:
Severe matting can pull on the skin, restrict movement, trap moisture, and hide infections or parasites. If the coat is too matted, we may need to perform a welfare clip or stop the groom entirely to avoid harm.
Paws & Nails: Mobility, Comfort, and Injury Prevention
We examine the paws and nails for:
- Cracked pads
- Foreign objects (grass seeds, debris)
- Overgrown or curling nails
- Signs of infection between the toes
What this could indicate:
Overgrown nails can alter posture, cause joint strain, or curl into the paw. Redness between the pads can indicate yeast overgrowth or interdigital cysts.
If a dog shows pain or severe inflammation, we may pause trimming and refer you to your vet.
Why Health Checks Protect Your Dog
A pre-grooming health check isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a welfare safeguard. By identifying early signs of problems, groomers help owners seek veterinary care sooner, making grooming safer and more comfortable for the dog.
As a groomer, we are more often working at a closer level with your dog, and when they visit on a regular basis, we may see things that are out of the ordinary. Its always worth checking your dog on a regular basis as well as having regular checks ups with your Dogs vet.
If you would like to make a grooming appointment you can call Chris on 07852569375 or request a call back here
