Avoiding a Hairy Situation: Getting Your Dog Groomed Safely During a Pandemic
Dog groomers in many states are once again open for business and that means people are flocking to them in droves. Many dogs are in dire need of professional help, their fur long, matted, and dirty. It’s not just you who is rocking a new quarantine look: even your mutt has developed a mullet.
But, as groomers open their doors and turn on their clippers, the risk becomes more of a thing – where there are people, there’s the potential for virus spread. So, how do you protect yourself as much as possible?
Start by:
Waiting if you can
Odds are high that your dog needs a haircut; after all, the isolation began months ago. But if you can wait, do. There’s no need to go out in public if your dog’s fur is only somewhat long. Giving it a few weeks to allow crowds to settle (and the virus to – hopefully – fade) is a safe solution. If you have a dog that sheds, and doesn’t need regular trimming, consider grooming them at home. It’s not fun to put your dog in the bathtub or bathe them with a hose, but it is less infectious.
Wearing a mask:
While we’ve certainly gotten mixed information regarding masks, it’s logical to assume that some sort of mask is better than no covering at all. At the very least, a mask might keep you from touching your face. Whether you realize it or not, you’re probably doing that about 12 times an hour. Masks also give others around you a sense of security, something especially important for vulnerable communities.
Looking for companies taking it seriously
Many business owners are taking Covid-19 very seriously, even going as far as to record the temperature of every patron who enters the building or offering curbside drop-off and pickup. Still, not all companies are equally cautious. If your groomer is minimizing the risk, go somewhere else. It’s better to be safe than sick.
Staggering your drop-off time
It’s common to drop your dog off as soon as your groomer opens, especially if you need to take your pup in before heading to the office. But going at non-peak times is likely safer. The less people, the easier it is to effectively social distance.
Standing six feet apart
Six is the magic number when it comes to potency of this particular contagion, which is why standing six feet apart is recommended whenever we’re out in public. Some stores are reminding those who are inside to keep their distance by putting up signs or placing markers where customers are encouraged to stand. But, even without these cues, make sure you keep strangers at an arm’s length. Ideally, a few of them.
Considering mobile grooming
If you’re in a vulnerable population, consider opting for mobile grooming. They’ll come to you, removing the need for you to go into public. They’re often more expensive than regular groomers, but the peace of mind is priceless.
With the planet reopening, we’re all walking a fine line between staying healthy and well and living our lives. Dog grooming, for pet owners, is often essential and something worthy of leaving the house. Just make sure you leave so under the safest conditions possible.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
