Recognizing Common Skin Issues

A groomer regularly sees a pet’s skin up close and should recognize common issues — hot spots, fleas or flea dirt, unusual lumps, rashes — even though diagnosing and treating them is outside a groomer’s scope.

When to Refer to a Veterinarian

Any concerning finding — a new lump, an open sore, signs of parasites, unusual skin changes — should be communicated to the owner with a clear recommendation to see a veterinarian, not diagnosed or treated by the groomer.

Coat Condition as a Health Indicator

A dull, thinning, or unusually textured coat can sometimes reflect an underlying health or nutrition issue — a groomer noticing this pattern over multiple visits provides valuable, genuine information for the owner.

Documentation and Communication

Keeping brief notes on any concerning observations across visits helps a groomer track patterns and communicate clearly and specifically with owners, rather than relying on memory alone.