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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:
TooJoy · 14/06/2023 19:05

Could she have fallen off the grooming table?

This would cause a blow like injury and I would hope that no groomer would hit a dog.

Twillow · 14/06/2023 19:16

You don't know and can't prove he was assaulted he was injured, true. I suspect he had a freak out and maybe slipped or otherwise got a knock from a hard surface. That doesn't mean it was intentional. That said, they should have been more honest with you if that was the case. And, possibly, the groomer's partner handled your dog incorrectly and absolutely should not have been there, insurance etc. I hope he gets better soon. Find another groomer and move on, there's not really anything else you can do without evidence.

WonderingWanda · 14/06/2023 19:20

No advice but that's awful, I hope your poor dog is ok and not too traumatised by it all.

Pancakeorcrepe · 14/06/2023 19:31

Why are people making up excuses? That the dog has fallen off a table etc? The groomer said nothing happened, they are being dishonest! OP I’m horrified for you and do make measures!

Padstow58 · 14/06/2023 19:35

Totally agree. It's the denial that's upsetting me the most.

OP posts:
Newuser75 · 14/06/2023 19:35

TooJoy · 14/06/2023 19:05

Could she have fallen off the grooming table?

This would cause a blow like injury and I would hope that no groomer would hit a dog.

I hate to say this but I bet they sometimes do.

PatchworkDonkey · 14/06/2023 19:55

I would hope that no groomer would hit a dog.

IME it's common for dogs to be pulled, knots to be yanked out, low level hit (not a full on punch). It's not right and I don't agree with it...

...BUT dog owners also need to look to themselves. Your dog groomer is there to groom your dog, not to train it. Most dog owners will slag off a salon behind their back, if not making an outright complaint to their face, if the standard of the end result groomed dog isn't top-notch. Or they'll tell their friends who their groomer is without mentioning how difficult their dog is, so people think the groomer produces shit work.

It takes two hands to do the work, one holding scissors/clippers/ angling dryer and one holding brush/comb. It's impossible to do this properly whilst also restraining a dog. If you're only willing to pay a cheap price for the job and you want it done well, that means it has to be done quickly otherwise the groomer can't make a profit, and this leads to dogs being knocked around.

If you don't want your dog muzzled, teach it not to snap at people. After all, you're not going to pay the groomer's wages if you can't work through injury are you? You're also not planning to compensate them for any life changing injuries or disfigurement they may receive due to your dog.

Regarding the cord restraints, there are dogs who won't even stand on the table and will insist on trying to sit/lay down constantly even when restrained, or be always wriggling around. They're effectively hanging themselves on the restraints, but if the groomer loosens the restraint they'll have a dog sitting/laying down who they can't groom. What do you want groomers to do? It's not their job to train your dog, you need to do this at home. Or you at least need to pay a reasonable price so the dog groomer isn't in a hurry and to accept a half-done poorer standard of work (and not to go slagging off your groomer because of it!) while they're in the process of gradually training your dog to accept grooming.

I don't know what they're charging these days but back when I was doing it, the going rate was about £20 for difficult (working on fidgets, the majority of customers), physical work (using safe and correct physical techniques to partially restrain a dog you're also trying to work on is incredibly tiring). At the time minimum wage was about £6.50/hr plus all the business related expenses. £20 doesn't go far.

I didn't beat up dogs at all which meant I often over ran on time and could fit less work into the day. It also meant untimely my business wasn't viable, so I closed. Customers mostly wouldn't pay a fair price for the actual work I was doing, the time it took, the skill I had in both training the dog and grooming it.

Anyone can clip a dog or cut out matts with scissors, it's not hard. Matts which shouldn't exist! Brush your dogs, people, daily/weekly according to coat type and use the correct brush, then check for bits you've missed with a comb and brush those places again. Don't present them to the groomer having not be touched for 2mths or longer and expect a brand spanking new perfect haircut for a cheap price!

Trimming a dog neatly and tidily and clipping to particular styles is a skill and is largely what you're paying for after the general business overheads of water electricity shampoo specialist equipment and maintenance, rent and rates etc. Goomers aren't there to cheaply deal with your untrained, unbrushed, snappy dog because you don't want to.

OP the groomer should (not legally required though) have both public liability insurance and professional negligence insurance (care custody and control). Its not like car insurance. If they weren't negligent the insurance won't pay out. It doesn't look good that they're trying to cover up what happened, but that still doesn't mean they've done anything wrong. It could have been an accident eg dog falling off table (even if restrained, you'd have to cut those quickly so the dog didn't literally hang itself and die, so there'd still be a fall just a reduced one). Doesn't make it right, but in today's society where people's DC and pets can do no wrong in their eyes, many quick to dish out verbal abuse and become aggressive, I can see entirely why a groomer may fail to mention an accident took place. I wish you luck with getting the situation resolved and finding answers to what happened OP. I hope your dog makes a full recovery.

Irridescantshimmmer · 14/06/2023 20:08

Contact PETA, you can file a lawsuit against the salon at a small claims court.

You would need to keep all communication between the groomer civil, polite, this will make the process smoother.

Once you have done this, you can go public with it but as it involves court action, I think your best keeping it completely out of social media in the mean time.

Start by making a log of the sequence of events which lead up to the incident and keep all written and online correspondance to build the case.

Take photos of your dogs injuries ask the vet to write details of the diagnosis so you can start court action due to animal cruelty.

Avoid that groomer like the plague from now on.

Sorry this has happened OP. No animal should ever be harmed at a groomers but going public about it after the court case will help to prevent other animals suffering.

BigCheekBitch · 14/06/2023 20:11

@PatchworkDonkey I pay £60 for a large dog in the North. Just for current price info.

Gh12345 · 14/06/2023 20:23

I don’t think your vet should just be assuming a story to fit the symptoms.

I really doubt a groomer is gonna beat the s* out your dog.

Do not put anything on Facebook or anything as this could actually be bad for yourself.

Hope your dog is ok, I just don’t want to get you riled up to call police and that like other posters do.

Ask for a vet report and take it to the groomers for further discussion.

WiddlinDiddlin · 14/06/2023 21:19

This could have been caused by the dog whipping round and hitting something in the groomers hand, falling/tripping and smacking their head off something, lots of ways as I said up-thread.

However, if a dog in MY care injured themselves, once I had done basic first aid, I would call the owner and speak to them, tell them what happened, ask them if they want me to take their dog to my vet, their vet or wait for them to come and collect - and I would offer to pay the bill (as I would have insurance to cover that).

The fact this groomer did NONE of those things and just brushed off what happened with a very implausible story... suggests something is not right. What that something is... well only they know, but I would suspect they know they failed in their duty of care and possibly, they haven't the correct insurance (or possibly any!).

Unicorntastic · 14/06/2023 21:22

Thesharkradar · 14/06/2023 17:41

As far as the police are concerned this is roughly equal to someone scratching your car, the dog might be equal to a human in your eyes but to the police the dog is an item of property.

in law not the police, have some respect.

cryinglaughing · 14/06/2023 21:37

I'm not sure what insurance groomers have but for my business, I have vet cover on the insurance.
The customer has to make a claim against my insurance within 72 hours.
If you are looking to recoup your vet costs, I would ask for their insurance details sooner rather than later.

Atethehalloweenchocs · 14/06/2023 21:53

For all those who are saying they dont trust groomers, we have a woman who comes to our house, sets up in the kitchen, so we see exactly how she is treating the dogs (who all absolutely love her).

oakleaffy · 14/06/2023 22:19

WiddlinDiddlin · 14/06/2023 21:19

This could have been caused by the dog whipping round and hitting something in the groomers hand, falling/tripping and smacking their head off something, lots of ways as I said up-thread.

However, if a dog in MY care injured themselves, once I had done basic first aid, I would call the owner and speak to them, tell them what happened, ask them if they want me to take their dog to my vet, their vet or wait for them to come and collect - and I would offer to pay the bill (as I would have insurance to cover that).

The fact this groomer did NONE of those things and just brushed off what happened with a very implausible story... suggests something is not right. What that something is... well only they know, but I would suspect they know they failed in their duty of care and possibly, they haven't the correct insurance (or possibly any!).

Insurance is vital, as is knowledge of basic first aid.

There is a big problem with unregulated dog walkers- a local dog has three legs after being given to a dog walker who subcontracted to some dozy person who let the dog off lead without knowing the dog- and dog ran into the road and was hit by a car
A “ Toy” breed -but a sweet natured fast moving dog- It’s a miracle the dog wasn’t killed.

Another walker I knew locally had on their advert “Recommended by RSPCA”when she wasn’t registered at all - and uninsured.

Her excuse when I questioned her as to lack of insurance or council
registration was “ I never let them off lead” ( so won’t need insurance)

But strange loose dogs can come up to on lead ones.

She basically couldn’t be sued either as lived in rented accommodation - and had basically no assets.

It’s a complete minefield out there.

BunnyBettChetwynnd · 14/06/2023 22:25

I had negative views of groomers and the whole process before, but having read @PatchworkDonkey 's post I am horrified. This is a trade that needs serious regulation.

Mariposista · 14/06/2023 22:58

oakleaffy · 14/06/2023 16:21

You wouldn’t believe what goes on, sadly.
There are some absolute bullies that choose to work with animals- who are vulnerable because they can’t “ Speak”.

So so sad. My boy is big but I know him, he wouldn't growl or defend himself - he thinks everyone is his friend and wags his tail :( I hate the thought of anyone hurting him, or any other dog.

PocketfulOfMiracles · 14/06/2023 23:15

When I was a child I had a Yorkshire Terrier. He went for his first cut to a groomer a few miles away, this was in the 80s. We fetched him back in the car and he was utterly terrified. He had cuts, bald spots and was shaking. I was a child so don’t recall the fall out, I know my Mum went absolutely nuts over it, but what I do remember is that from that day onwards whenever he was out in the car he’d cry, howl and become so distressed he’d soil the seats. My parents had to drug him with meds from the vet before we could take him on holiday.

it stayed with me and Ive always been somewhat cautious of dog groomers. Probably unfairly but whoever I’ve used on my own animals I’ve known well and trusted. My dog now is old, grumpy and bad tempered. I groom him myself. He won’t win any shows but I’m happier knowing I’m dealing with him.

saddens me that the experiences my childhood pup had are still happening and with no regulation in the industry.

Copperoliverbear · 14/06/2023 23:46

Go to the police station and report them and take pictures, I would also put the pictures on fb warning people not to go there. X

oakleaffy · 15/06/2023 01:13

PocketfulOfMiracles · 14/06/2023 23:15

When I was a child I had a Yorkshire Terrier. He went for his first cut to a groomer a few miles away, this was in the 80s. We fetched him back in the car and he was utterly terrified. He had cuts, bald spots and was shaking. I was a child so don’t recall the fall out, I know my Mum went absolutely nuts over it, but what I do remember is that from that day onwards whenever he was out in the car he’d cry, howl and become so distressed he’d soil the seats. My parents had to drug him with meds from the vet before we could take him on holiday.

it stayed with me and Ive always been somewhat cautious of dog groomers. Probably unfairly but whoever I’ve used on my own animals I’ve known well and trusted. My dog now is old, grumpy and bad tempered. I groom him myself. He won’t win any shows but I’m happier knowing I’m dealing with him.

saddens me that the experiences my childhood pup had are still happening and with no regulation in the industry.

That is absolutely awful.

That poor poor dog.

Animals are usually fine til they have a negative experience somewhere.

Your childhood dog must have associated the car with that awful groomer's place.

Once dogs {Or horses} have a negative association with what has hurt them or caused them distress, they have long memories.

WiddlinDiddlin · 15/06/2023 03:58

There is a force free/fear free movement within the pet industry, for both veterinary care and grooming (as well as training, walking etc).

Unfortunately, it takes time and effort and those things tend not to go hand in hand with running an efficient and lucrative business.

From the grooming pov..

To run a shop, you need to groom x clients a day.

To do that, you haven't time to train them, modify behaviour, take your time - unless the owner is paying for that time and happy to have a dog with half a haircut if the dog has had enough.

Most owners are not only not happy with that, but they're also not putting in the work when they get their puppy, to teach them that grooming is nice, stand still, let the groomer do whatever. They expect this is automatically ok, or that the groomer will teach this... without taking any extra time, charging any extra money, and achieving a full, high quality groom at the end of it!

They do not know, or want to know, that their dog is suffering at the groomers, and tbh the groomer (and also vets/vet nurses do this too) tells them 'oh he was fine' unless the dog has actually taken a finger off them and they don't want the client back ever again, because of course it is bad for business if owners don't bring their dogs, its also bad for dogs if the owner brings them less often as they tend to get more matted and more uncomfortable.

I do know groomers who offer a fear free, force free service - they cost more, take longer and have fewer clients - the answer really is to educate OWNERS to train their dogs, ensure they are happy with the process, and then, with well trained dogs... demand a better service (And be willing to pay for it!)

SlipSlidinAway · 15/06/2023 06:59

To be honest I'm quite surprised that owners don't stay with their dogs at grooming salons to reassure them/make sure they are treated well. I have short haired dogs so have never used them. I have, however, taken older dogs to hydrotherapy sessions and have stayed with them while they've had therapy and their coats dried afterwards. So why do people leave their dogs at the groomers?

GoodChat · 15/06/2023 07:08

SlipSlidinAway · 15/06/2023 06:59

To be honest I'm quite surprised that owners don't stay with their dogs at grooming salons to reassure them/make sure they are treated well. I have short haired dogs so have never used them. I have, however, taken older dogs to hydrotherapy sessions and have stayed with them while they've had therapy and their coats dried afterwards. So why do people leave their dogs at the groomers?

Owners can't stay because dogs get distracted or stressed that they cant get to them

SlipSlidinAway · 15/06/2023 07:19

@GoodChat - but as I said, that hasn't been the case when I've taken dogs to hydrotherapy. And the people there expected me to stay.

Do groomers insist owners go or give them the option?

GoodChat · 15/06/2023 08:36

SlipSlidinAway · 15/06/2023 07:19

@GoodChat - but as I said, that hasn't been the case when I've taken dogs to hydrotherapy. And the people there expected me to stay.

Do groomers insist owners go or give them the option?

Hydrotherapy is different though as the dog is focussed on the water etc.

The grooming is less interactive for them.

They ask. My groomers ask not to return before they notify you the dog is ready for that exact reason.