Dogs have lockdown problems too
While many dogs got extra human companionship and probably more walks and exercise during the pandemic lockdown, the experience wasn't all positive, writes Brian Byrne.
Because dog groomers haven't been classed as essential businesses, it meant that many breeds which require extra grooming care had to endure matting and related health issues, and also 'home' grooming to Youtube tutorials.
"During the lockdowns, we could only deal with 'welfare' cases, where the animals had developed health issues because of lack of proper grooming," says Sabrina Rice, a Kilcullen woman who operates her grooming service from Cottage Veterinary in Athgarvan. "But that could be a tough call, because a dog that is not a welfare case today could be one in a few weeks, especially among some of the new, high-maintenance breeds."
Groomers around the country are lobbying to be classed as essential business so that the 'welfare' issues don't occur in the first place. These can include skin problems, overgrown nails, and more.
Sabrina, who started her grooming business in her parents home in Nicholastown in 2007 before moving it to Athgarvan, also sees mental health issues amongst client dogs. In part these can be due to them being uncomfortable because their coats are matted, or they have developed infections and itchiness.
"Many of them were more nervous, even after the first lockdown. They were having problems getting back to their normal routines. But dogs that I have known for years are very scared at seeing someone in a mask and gloves protection and using a slip-lead to take them so fast from their owners outside."
Many of her regulars had also been subject to 'home grooming' during lockdowns, 'and that can go both ways'.
Sabrina is a many times award winner for her grooming skills. Although physical attendance at competitions was impossible this year, she was able to participate in the recent Irish Professional Dog Grooming Association Championships which were held over Zoom. She won a 1st in the Champion clipped Asian class.
"It was very different. I locked myself in the salon at Cottage Veterinary and set up the Zoom connection, then worked away. There were up to a hundred groomers involved in various classes and from different countries, but it was strange being there in the room on my own, not knowing at any given time whether the judges were Zooming in on me."
Running into Christmas, she is very busy, with lots of her regulars booked in to have their pets primped for the festive season. "I'm booked through towards the end of January at this stage, so it's all good."
