Should I Take My Dog For a Groom If It Has Fleas?

Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals. They can cause itching, irritation, skin infections, and even transmit diseases. If left untreated, a flea infestation can also lead to anaemia in the most severe cases. 

Detecting fleas on your canine companion is essential for their health and comfort. Common signs of a flea infestation include excessive scratching, biting, or licking of the skin. Fleas often concentrate around the neck, tail, and groin areas, causing your pup to show discomfort in these spots.  

You might also notice small red or inflamed bumps on the skin which are areas where the fleas have managed to bite your poorly pooch. Another indicator is flea dirt, tiny black specks resembling pepper that can be found on your fur baby’s skin or bedding. To confirm you suspicions, you can use a flea comb to part the fur and check for live fleas or flea dirt close to the skin. If they exhibit any of these signs, it's crucial to take immediate action to prevent the infestation from worsening and to provide relief for your pooch. 

Every groomer has their own set of rules when it comes to who they will and won't groom. They can refuse giant breed dogs or dogs in season if they don't come under their policy of the types of cases they work with. When it comes to fleas, it will depend on your individual groomer as to if they will take your pooch. If you suspect or know your canine companion has fleas before an appointment, you should let them know, even if that risks the appointment being cancelled. 

They may charge you an extra fee for a flea bath or take some precautions to avoid them spreading throughout the salon. Some groomers will have several dogs being groomed in the same area so they won't want to risk them spreading. A groomer is well within their right to refuse to groom a dog with fleas and it usually comes down to three basic reasons: 

Fleas can quickly spread to other pets and even humans. Taking your flea infested dog to the groomer puts other animals at risk and can lead to an outbreak at the grooming facility. If you were in the shoes of a pup parent whose furry friend didn’t have fleas and they came back from the groomer with a few of the pests on them, you likely wouldn’t be very pleased.  

H3: Professional ethics 

Many groomers have policies against accepting dogs with fleas. It's crucial to check with your groomer beforehand, but some will likely refuse service until the flea problem is resolved. Many groomers will want to protect themselves and their clients from coming into contact with fleas where possible. They have to keep all of their customers happy which sometimes means enforcing certain rules.  

Grooming alone won't solve a flea infestation. While a bath might temporarily relieve itching, it won't address the underlying issue. Fleas lay eggs in the environment, and without proper treatment, the cycle will continue. Even if your groomer agrees to groom your canine companion with fleas, a bath will likely kill the adult fleas from their coat but more will hatch. Both your pet and your home will be infested which means there will be a cycle that follows the flea’s life cycle making removing them impossible from grooming alone.  

Before taking your furry friend to the groomer, especially if you suspect they may have fleas, it's essential to take a few preparatory steps to ensure the safety and well being of your pet and others. Properly addressing a potential flea infestation not only guarantees a more comfortable experience for your dog but also helps maintain the groomer's hygiene standards and protects other pets from catching them. 

Various flea treatments are available to eliminate these pests effectively. Topical treatments, such as Frontline Spot On, are applied directly to your dog's skin and provide long-lasting protection. Oral medications, often in chewable form, work from within to kill fleas rapidly. You can also get flea collars like the Beaphar Canishield Flea & Tick Collar. They release active ingredients that repel and kill fleas for several months. It's essential to choose the right treatment based on your pet’s needs and consult with your vet if you don’t know which is best for you. 

Cleaning your home is crucial when treating for fleas to avoid reinfesting your pup. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can hide in carpets, bedding, and furniture. Vacuum your home thoroughly, wash pet bedding in hot water, and use appropriate household flea treatments. By ensuring your home is free from fleas, you break the life cycle and prevent the resurgence of an infestation, providing a safe environment for your pooch.

After treating the current infestation, use preventive measures to keep fleas at bay. Monthly flea prevention, such as collars or spot-on treatments, can be highly effective. You can even sign up for a subscription service so you don’t have to remember every month. 

Once you have successfully treated your fur baby and home for fleas, it's time to rebook your grooming appointment. Inform your groomer about the previous flea issue and the steps you've taken to eradicate them. This ensures transparency and allows the groomer to schedule your pet appropriately. Rebooking promptly helps maintain your pet’s hygiene and ensures they continue to look and feel their best. It’s always best to work with your groomer to make sure you’re developing a lasting relationship. Even if you try to hide your dog’s flea issue from them, they will likely notice some telltale signs during the appointment so honesty is always the best course of action. 

Dealing with fleas can be a challenging task, but with proper treatment and preventive measures, you can ensure your pooch stays healthy and happy. For all of your parasite treatments and to get your furry friend ready for grooming, visit us in store and online.