Although not a common diagnosis, post-grooming furunculosis is a severe skin infection that has been widely publicized recently and frequently discussed in online grooming forums. Many groomers have never heard about it before or don't understand what it is.
Typically, dogs suffering from the disorder show symptoms 24-48 hours after being bathed. Washing could have occurred at home, in a self-serve pet wash, in a grooming facility, or even in a veterinarian's office. It is a deep bacterial infection in the follicles (folliculitis). Dogs often show signs of infection, including fever, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and painful skin inflammation.
When the skin is cultured, a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently found, but other bacteria may also be present. Typically, this infection happens after the dog has been vigorously brushed before the bath, de-shedded, or hand-stripped. The action of the grooming tools may leave the follicles open to bacteria. But where do the bacteria come from?
Veterinarians say that pre-mixing shampoo or conditioner is a significant culprit. Once these products are diluted with water, any preservatives in them are also diluted. If the mixing bottles are not scrupulously clean, bacteria can rapidly multiply. When the pet is washed, the bacteria can enter the follicles or any minuscule abrasions caused by the brushing or stripping.
To minimize the chance of any pet you groom suffering from a skin infection, follow these guidelines:
- Keep lids firmly closed on any bottles of liquid products to help prevent contamination by air or water droplets.
- If you pre-mix or dilute products, discard any unused goods at the end of the day.
- Sanitize mixing bottles and allow them to air dry before reusing them.
- Do not bathe dogs after they have been brushed or stripped.
- Sanitize bathing tubs and nozzles daily.
- Sanitize brushes, combs, stripping tools, and all other grooming hand tools between pets.
- Understand that liquid products can harbor bacteria, even without having an unusual appearance or odor.
- Follow the rule, "When it doubt, throw it out!"
In most cases, furunculosis responds well to antibiotic treatment, but it is a serious condition that may resist drug therapy. The best course of action is for groomers to be aware of the possibility of it and become educated on its causes and prevention.
Pro Tip: Best Shot 256 Disinfectant kills a broad spectrum of bacteria and is made in the USA.
Sources:
https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/03/TVP-2019-0304_Post_Grooming_Furunculosis.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9542640/
https://lightsail.friendshiphospital.com/friendship-news/post-grooming-furunculosis/#:~:text=What%20is%20post%2Dgrooming%20furunculosis,is%20associated%20with%20water%20environments.
