Bathe and cleanse a dog's coat and skin

URN: LANAnC24
Business Sectors (Suites): Animal Care and Welfare
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 30 Mar 2020

Overview

This standard is about bathing and cleansing a dog's coat and skin using the correct products for the coat type.

It includes the use of suitable and safe handling techniques, identification of coat types and recognising signs of abnormalities and parasitic infestation.

It is your responsibility to monitor and maintain the health and safety of yourself, the dog and all those affected by your work.

You will need to be aware of your limitations and confirm you meet the relevant legal responsibilities for providing a duty of care under the relevant animal health and welfare legislation.

This standard is for anyone who carries out the bathing and cleansing of a dog's coat and skin.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience

  2. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, the risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

  3. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice, organisational policies and the Veterinary Surgeons Act

  4. maintain hygiene and bio-security in accordance with workplace instructions, organisational practice and the relevant legislation

  5. check that the area where dogs’ coats are bathed and cleansed is safe, secure, clean and ready for use

  6. select, prepare, use, maintain and clean tools and equipment in accordance with the relevant legislation, the manufacturer’s guidelines and the policies of your organisation

  7. select, wear and maintain suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)

  8. select cleansing products suitable to the dog’s coat type, condition and client preferences, in accordance with workplace instructions

  9. dilute cleansing products according to the manufacturers’ instructions

  10. observe and recognise the behaviour of the dog and record it where necessary

  11. maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work

  12. handle and restrain the dog in a manner that does not compromise animal welfare, avoids any behaviour giving rise to welfare concern and maintains health and safety

  13. transfer the dog to the bath and secure it in a way that minimises stress and maintains the health, welfare and safety of all those involved in, or affected by, your work

  14. bathe the dog according to the policies of your organisation and the product manufacturers' instructions

  15. use water at the correct temperature and rate of water flow

  16. cleanse the coat and skin in a way that minimises distress to the dog

  17. remove dirt and debris from between the dogs’ toes and pads

  18. take the required corrective action immediately should the cleansing products enter the eyes, mouth or ears of the dog

  19. rinse all residues from the dog’s coat and skin where necessary

  20. remove excess water from the dog’s coat prior to drying using suitable methods

  21. recognise when observation of the dog reveals a possible infestation or abnormal condition and report this to the relevant person

  22. transfer the dog to the correct area for the next procedure and confirm that it is safe and secure

  23. clean, sterilise and store the tools and equipment used in accordance with the relevant legislation, manufacturer’s guidelines and the policies of your organisation

  24. complete records as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. your professional responsibilities as a dog groomer and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience

  2. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessments, associated codes of practice and organisational policies

  3. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice, organisational policies and the Veterinary Surgeons Act

  4. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and the best way to do this, in order to ensure the requirements of the dog are met

  5. the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the methods for achieving this

  6. the types of tools and equipment required for bathing and cleansing a dog’s coat and skin and how to select, prepare, use and maintain these in accordance with the relevant legislation, the manufacturer’s guidelines and the policies of your organisation

  7. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity

  8. why it is important to observe and assess the body language of the dog prior to starting work and the signs to look out for

  9. where to seek advice and guidance regarding the bathing and cleansing of a dog’s coat and skin

  10. the coat types and their characteristics of the dogs you are working with and how the condition of the coat and skin affect the cleansing products that should be used

  11. the different types of cleansing products available, how they work and the types of coat and conditions for which they are suitable

  12. how to approach, handle and restrain the animal in a way that maintains animal welfare, avoids behaviour giving rise to welfare concern and maintains health and safety

  13. the safe methods of transferring dogs into the bath and securing them

  14. the importance of following the manufacturers’ instructions regarding the dilution of cleansing products, how to interpret these instructions, and the possible consequences of not doing so

  15. why it is important to obtain authorisation from the client or a senior colleague before using anti-parasitic products, within the limits of the veterinary medicine’s regulation

  16. the required bathing routine and water temperature requirements of the for the dog you are working with

  17. the importance of preventing solutions entering the dog’s eyes, mouth and ears and why it is important that the client is informed if this happens

  18. the signs of distress in dogs and the action that should be taken when these are observed

  19. how to check that all residues have been rinsed from the dog’s coat and skin unless the manufacturers’ instructions indicate that this is not necessary

  20. the methods to remove excess water from the dog’s coat prior to drying and why it is important to do this

  21. how to clean, sterilise and store tools and equipment in accordance with the relevant legislation, the manufacturer’s guidelines and the policies of your organisation

  22. the importance of providing suitable accommodation between the different stages of grooming work

  23. the records that need to be kept in relation to the bathing and grooming of a dog’s coat and skin and the importance of completing these in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy


Scope/range

Bath and cleanse the following types of dog’s coat:
  1. wool

  2. wire
    silk
    double – long and short

  3. smooth

Use the following types of products:

  1. normal shampoos

  2. anti-parasitic shampoos

  3. veterinary-prescribed shampoos

  4. conditioners

  5. conditioning sprays

Carry out the following observation of the dog:
  1. feet, nails and pads

  2. ear condition

  3. mouth, teeth and gums

  4. skin and coat

  5. internal and external parasites

  6. eyes

  7. genital and mammary area

  8. anal glands


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

Current animal welfare legislation:

  • England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act

  • Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act

  • Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)

  • Veterinary Surgeons Act

Protective equipment and clothing could include:

  • gloves

  • apron

Methods to remove excess water:
  • absorbent cloths

  • towels

  • blaster


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2025

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANAC8.2

Relevant Occupations

Dog Grooming

SOC Code

6129

Keywords

dog; bathe; cleanse; shampoo