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Original poster

My dog was badly assaulted at the groomers yesterday- not sure what to do next.

179 replies

Padstow58 · 14/06/2023 14:18

Yesterday I got to the groomers to collect my dog to be told she got stressed and bit her tongue. Blood was pouring from her mouth! When examining her I also saw her eye was red and swollen.

I took her straight to the vet who told me she had received a substantial blow to the side of the head and there was bleeding within the eye and she had reduced vision.

They think she bit her own tongue from the blow.

I phoned the groomer later that afternoon who insisted nothing happened and she just got stressed and bit her own tongue.

Vet said this would not happen just from stress.

As groomer is denying it and I have no proof (apart from an injured dog) I'm not sure what to do next. But I can't do nothing and risk another dog being injured.

Any advice?

OP posts:
Riverlee · 14/06/2023 14:19

Did you take pictures? Maybe show them to her and ask her to explain it.

RudsyFarmer · 14/06/2023 14:20

You need to get the vet to put that in writing. I’m going to bet they won’t.

CindersAgain · 14/06/2023 14:21

Phone the police?

MandyMotherOfBrian · 14/06/2023 14:22

I think getting a second opinion from another unconnected vet would be a good start. Then if they come to the same conclusion, ask for a written report from both and go from there.

Ellie1015 · 14/06/2023 14:23

Is it possible your dog was stressed and also knocked it's head on something while freaking out? I am imaging thrashing head around and bumping of drier or taps maybe? (Not a dog person no idea if that is plausible) Hope your dog is ok now.

AdamRyan · 14/06/2023 14:23

I'd talk to the RSPCA and see if they can advise.

Unicorntastic · 14/06/2023 14:26

Do you have insurance for your dog? I’d talk to them. Poor dog!

AliceOlive · 14/06/2023 14:27

Is the groomer within another business or independent? What’s your experience with them? Have you checked their reviews online?

Newuser75 · 14/06/2023 14:31

That's horrific! Your poor dog. I'd contact the RSPCA as well as the police. I'd also look into wether or not dog groomers have a regulatory body such as vets, farriers etc. if they do they I'd report them there also!

GoodChat · 14/06/2023 14:32

Get an official vet report and speak to the police, would be my advice.

tescocreditcard · 14/06/2023 14:32

I'd say that was a police matter.

tescocreditcard · 14/06/2023 14:34

Let the police deal with the vet. They will ask the vet all the questions and he'll have to answer them truthfully. Including that he told you the dog received a substantial blow to the head. I hope your not at my groomers 😢 can you tell us who your groomer is?

Highandlows · 14/06/2023 14:34

Oh you poor dog. How upsetting to read this.

watcherintherye · 14/06/2023 14:35

Does what they’re saying sound feasible? Has your dog ever got stressed at the groomer’s before? If she’s got no history of ‘freaking out’ for no reason, then the groomer knows more than they’re letting on. I wouldn’t be surprised if a pair of heavy clippers or similar were dropped on your poor dog’s head, causing the injury, and making her bite her tongue.

Naimee87 · 14/06/2023 14:36

That is awful, your poor dog. Does the groomer have CCTV cameras? Sounds dramatic but honestly you need to know what happened and those injuries sound serious, not only very painful but she/he will likely be very nervous and anxious if she ever has to go to a groomers again or perhaps stay anywhere without you?

Skiphopbump · 14/06/2023 14:37

I would post a message on a local Facebook page asking if anyone’s had an issue with the groomer but don’t make any accusations online. Hope your dog is ok.

Gymmum82 · 14/06/2023 14:39

It’s possible she jumped/fell off the table while they were grooming her which would explain the bitten tongue and blow to the head.
I would ask for a vet report in writing then go back to the groomer and police if necessary

momager1 · 14/06/2023 14:40

omg. follow this up. My wonderful groomers when we still lived in canada, would even disclose if they nipped a paw or shaved a little low causing a burn. Something is not right.

Beginningless · 14/06/2023 14:41

How awful! Your poor dog. I’d imagine the vet has a responsibility to act if they see evidence of cruelty to an animal? But rspca/police also sound like a good port of call while injuries can still be examined.

adviceseeker22 · 14/06/2023 14:42

I'd call the Blue Cross, they have a pet advice service and hopefully they'll be able to channel you.

Fladdermus · 14/06/2023 14:42

As others have said speak to the RSPCA and ask them for advice.

Verv · 14/06/2023 14:44

Do you have photos, if so keep them.
Get a write up of the damage from the vet.
Request CCTV from the groomers if they have it.

Personally I would put in a claim for all vet fees inc letter writing and claim it against the groomers business insurance.

Catspyjamas17 · 14/06/2023 14:45

Sounds awful and a police matter. Also I'd be writing it in a review - keeping it factual, and reporting them to trading standards.

Verv · 14/06/2023 14:45

Forgot to add, if groomer still denying all knowledge, id be reviewing far and wide inc vet letter and images.

Hope poor dog is feeling better

uncomfortablydumb53 · 14/06/2023 14:45

Oh no I'm really sorry Mine is out at the groomers right now
I would email a vets statement to them, giving them 14 days to respond. It's neglectful and is an animal welfare issue
I would then get legal advice.
Are they an essential business?