ABC Stage Three- Pet Grooming Safety

What should any groomer do before treating a dog or cat who has ingested a toxin? Why should hydrogen peroxide not be used on cats: (Page 51)

Call a vet for proper instructions, dosage, and the right remedy. Hydrogen Peroxide can cause bleeding and inflammation of the stomach and/or esophagus if ingested.

Identify six examples of body language that signal that a dog is preparing to bite. Identify three important things for a groomer to understand about physical cues that signal aggressive behavior: (Page 18-19)

Growling with vibrating lips Snarling while showing teeth Raised hackles Whale eyes Cowering/tail tucking Lunging forward without warning Don't approach a dog displaying these signs. Some may display signs, others may not. Dog's can suddenly act on aggression with no/to little warning.

Explain what the "pestered beyond limits" category of aggression is. In your opinion, why is this an important concept for a groomer to understand: (Page 45)

If a dog is "pestered" it is because its being bothered, or forced to do things it doesn't want to do. It becomes "aggressive" because no one is reading the signs /warning of the body language. Even groomers can go beyond the limits (even from nice dogs).

Identify four of The Humane Society guidelines for reducing your risk of being bitten by a dog that are particularly relevant to groomers: (Page 46)

Know that any dog can bite regardless of ag, size, gender, breeds, and even personality. Be cautious of every dog, even if the owners say he/she doesn't bite. Always allow the dog to see and sniff you before petting. Be cautious around strange/new/unfamiliar dogs.

Describe the steps you should follow when approaching a new dog: (Page 17)

Let the dog get used to your sent and voice. When approaching the dog, keep yourself at their level, don't tower over them either. Hold your hand in a fist and let the dog smell you, let the dog make he move first. Pet the dog under the chin speaking gently.

Identify five tips for safely lifting a dog: (Page 55-56, 60-61)

Make sure table is cleared and lowered. Support the chest and rear end. Always keep on hand on the animal. With two handlers one should support head/chest while the other supports the tail/rear. Always transport the dog slowly and safely.

List three precautions a groomer can take to protect a pet's knee: (Page 38-39)

Make sure the dog has a good non-slip surface to have a good foot grip so they don't slip. Groomers should help lift the dog onto tables or tubs to prevent injuries. Make sure you support the body so knees/legs aren't pulled.

Explain how each equipment item protects a groomer: a tight-fitting gauze mask, gloves; ear protection; eye protection: (Page 62)

Mask can help prevent groomers lung. Gloves prevent hands from touching bodily fluids and keeps them from drying out. Ear protection protects ears from loud noise and prevents hearing loss. Eye protection keeps debris and dog hair from getting into the eye and irritating it.

Consider the various meanings of canine eye contact: Why do dogs avoid eye contact? What does the behavior communicate about how the dog feels? What does direct and prolonged eye contact communicate about a dog: (Page 11)

Most dogs avoid eye contact as a sig of submissive behavior, they do it to avoid certain situations or conflict. This usually tells us the dog is feeling stressed or scared. Direct prolonged eye contact usually means the dog is alert and is showing a level of intensity of threat or aggressive behavior.

List three characteristics of the body language typically displayed by a relaxed dog; an alert/assertive dog; and a stressed/fearful dog: (Page 9-11)

Relaxed: Tail is relaxed and set in a neutral position, Head is held high and relaxed. Eyes are soft, gaze is relaxed. Alert/Assertive: Mouth may be slightly open or closed. Eyes may be widened or normal. Tail may be straight out. Stressed/Fearful: Hackles may be raised. The eyes are dilated (whale eye) and ears may be more alert.

List five examples of submissive body language. What does a dog achieve by using submissive body language? What can happen if a dog's submissive behavior is ignored: (Page 12)

Rolling over to expose the stomach. Raising the front paw. The tail stops wagging when touched. Lowering the ears, neck, head, and tail. Turning the neck to look away. If ignored and not lessened, it can turn into aggressive behavior (fear-based/defensive aggression)

Not three things you will learn from ABC's Pet First Aid and CPR Certification Course. By when must you complete this course: (Page 50)

Some learning objectives are; choking, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), heatstroke, bleeding injuries, and more. The course must be complete before the externship (stage 9).

In your own words, explain the steps you should take if a pet you are grooming sustains a bleeding wound: (Page 49-50)

The groomer should see how severe the wound is, whether the animal needs needs a vet or not. The manager and owner should be made aware of the situation. Keep the wound as clean as possible and should be wrapped.

Explain why veterinarians and other animals professionals, including groomers, are more likely to experience acts of fear-based aggression: (Page 44)

Because they are basically being handled by strangers doing things they don't like or want. "like people, dogs are naturally fearful of unfamiliar and potentially threatening situations- Schulz"

List five things you should or should not do if your at risk of being attacked by a dog: (Page 47)

Do not scream or run away. Don't look the dog directly in the eye. Remain still with your arms by your side. Slowly back away if the dog looses interest. If attacked protect your ears/face and remain as calm as you can.

Identify three things a groomer should know about muzzles: (Page32-33)

Muzzles can help keep the dog and groomer safe It's okay to ask the owner to bring their dog already muzzled A dog should never be left alone with a muzzle on as they can overheat r injure themselves trying to escape.

List three dog breeds that are more sensitive to pain than many other breeds. List three breeds that have less sensitivity to pain than other breeds: (Page 44)

Pain sensitivity- Chihuahuas, Huskies, and Dachshunds, Whippets. Less pain sensitivity- Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, and Bulldogs.

List six steps you can take to reduce your risk of task-related injuries: (Page 54-56)

Pay attention when grooming, moving around, etc. Ask for help if dealing with an extremely physical task. Wear supportive shoes, and stand on anti-fatigue mats. prioritize your health and fitness. Use stress-balls to strengthen muscles. Take breaks

Define the "bite zone": (Page 31)

The bite zone is the area in which a dog's bite can reach a groomer, it's about 180 degree's around the edge.

What is the purpose of a loop adjuster? What is the purpose of a panic snap? How should a slip lead be positioned on a dog's neck? Why: (Page 30)

The loop adjuster can accommodate dogs of different size which also allows the grooming table arm arm to stay at one height. A panic snap can help remove the loop from the arm in case of an emergency, like the pet jumping. The slip lead should be positioned behind the dog's ears, and not in the middle of the neck, as it can be ineffective and chock the dog. "Position the lead high on the neck, just behind the ears."

Identify five common grooming accidents: (Page 35-37)

The most common accidents include; Groomers loop- Dogs that jump can injure their necks. Grooming table- when the table is lowered on a dog or a dog tries to jump. Accidents from tubs- by using to hot of water or water/shampoo get sprayed in the dog's eyes/ears/nose. Heated dryers- heat stroke can happen if the dog is left unattended or overheated (kennels dryers especially). Nail clippers- quicking a dog's nail by accident.

What risk do antibiotic sprays, creams and ointments pose to cats? What should any groomer do before using Milk of Magnesia or activated charcoal to absorb/counteract ingested poison:(Page 51)

They are risk because it can cause cats to go into anaphylactic or life-threatening reactions for cats who are allergic to the ingredients. Before using any of the products, consult a vet for the proper dosage, remedy and more.

Explain what verbal, or psychological, restraint is, and provide two examples of how groomers may employ this type of restraint. What is the goal of psychological restraint: (Page 23-24)

Verbal or psychological restraints is a technique groomers will use to controls dog's behavior through verbal communication. Two examples include positive reinforcement/rewarding good behavior in a calm voice (no pitchy baby talk). Keeping a calm and level head can be an impact of verbal restraints. The goal is to encourage a dog to obey/agree/behave on their own when asked.

Identify 8 items that should be included in a pet first aid kit.

Vet wrap/non-stick bandages Latex-free gloves Cotton swabs/balls Sterile solution Activated charcoal Tweezers/scissors Instant cold pack Thermometer

What is "whale eye?" What does it signal about a dog's emotional state: (Page 18)

Whale eye is were the white part of the dog's eye is repeatedly shown. A calm dog will usually turn their head while a stressed dog will look out the corner of their eye which causes whale eye.