No grooming is a welfare issue

Sue John's is worried for the health of her beloved furbabies Molly and Charly who are unable to be professionally groomed during lockdown. Photo: SUPPLIED

By Shelby Brooks

Dog groomers and pet owners are again calling on the State Government to allow them to work during the lockdown, saying they should be classed essential workers due to the welfare they provide animals.

Pakenham’s Bianca Henderson, of grooming business Puurfectly Pawsome, said she was concerned for many of her canine and feline clients who need regular grooming for health reasons.

She said some pet owners were resorting to DIY grooming jobs which were unsafe.

“It’s really hard because a lot of people don’t have the tools and equipment to do our jobs and it’s also dangerous if they’re untrained,” Ms Henderson said.

“They can brush and comb their dogs and cats but that often gets too hard when their coats get too long or too dirty.

“For dogs that need haircuts their hair is more manageable if it’s clean. For example, I own a standard poodle myself and I struggle to brush knots out if her hair gets too long or dirty, but if she’s clean it’s much easier, but even then sometimes it’s an issue.

“People don’t have the tools to properly dry their dog 100 per cent with a normal hairdryer (well they could but it would take hours so they’d end up giving up), unlike the dryers groomers have. Wet hair mats up easier.”

Dog owner Sue Johns said she wished dog groomers would be allowed to open.

“Anybody who loves dogs understands these dogs have double coats, need brushing at least twice per week and we always have them groomed each eight weeks at the grooming business Hotdogs,” she said.

“Here’s hoping things open up soon for our best companions.”

Ms Henderson said cats were of concern too.

“I’m a cat groomer mostly these days, and cats get dander (dandruff) which then makes them itchy and also flares their owners allergies. Even some dogs are allergic to cat’s dander,” she said.

Ms Henderson said one regular cat she groomed had stomach issues so needed her back end shaved every four weeks otherwise the cat will be covered in faeces.

The cat also needs a regular a bath and brush out to stop fur balls which upset her stomach.

“With how the most recent lockdowns have gone, with a lockdown, return to normal and then lockdown again, many pets have missed several appointments now so it’s really becoming a welfare issue,” Ms Henderson said.