CPG Health & Safety Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct water temperature range for bathing most dogs?
- 60–70°F (cool to prevent overheating)
- 100–102°F (matching normal canine body temperature) (Correct answer)
- 110–115°F (hot to kill bacteria)
- 80–85°F (slightly warm but cooler than body temp)
Correct answer: 100–102°F (matching normal canine body temperature)
Water around 100–102°F is comfortable and matches the dog's normal body temperature, preventing stress or burns.
Question 2: A groomer accidentally nicks a dog's skin with clippers. What should be done first?
- Continue grooming and note it in the record at the end
- Apply styptic powder or gel to stop the bleeding immediately (Correct answer)
- Call the owner before taking any action on the wound
- Cover the wound with tape and finish the groom
Correct answer: Apply styptic powder or gel to stop the bleeding immediately
Styptic powder or gel is the first-line treatment to stop minor bleeding from clipper nicks quickly and safely.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'kennel cough' (Bordetella) from a groomer's safety perspective?
- It is fatal to dogs and must be reported to the USDA
- It is highly contagious among dogs but not transmissible to humans (Correct answer)
- It is zoonotic and poses risk to immunocompromised groomers
- It requires mandatory quarantine of the entire salon for 30 days
Correct answer: It is highly contagious among dogs but not transmissible to humans
Bordetella is highly contagious among dogs and can spread rapidly in a grooming setting, but it is not considered a significant zoonotic risk to healthy humans.
Question 4: What ergonomic practice should groomers follow to prevent repetitive strain injuries?
- Work as quickly as possible to reduce total grooming time
- Adjust table height so the dog is at a comfortable working level (Correct answer)
- Always stand on the same side of the table for consistency
- Use one hand exclusively for all scissor work
Correct answer: Adjust table height so the dog is at a comfortable working level
Adjusting the grooming table to the correct height for the groomer reduces bending and reaching that cause repetitive strain injuries over time.
Question 5: What is the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) a groomer should wear when applying flea dips or chemical treatments?
- Just an apron to protect clothing
- Gloves and eye protection at minimum (Correct answer)
- Full hazmat suit and respirator always
- No PPE is needed if the product is labeled 'pet-safe'
Correct answer: Gloves and eye protection at minimum
Gloves and eye protection are the minimum PPE required when handling chemical treatments to protect against skin absorption and splashes.
Question 6: How should a groomer handle a dog that is showing signs of extreme aggression during a groom?
- Push through and complete the groom to avoid rescheduling
- Use a muzzle and proceed cautiously or discontinue and contact the owner (Correct answer)
- Administer a calming treat without owner consent
- Restrain with additional loops around all four legs
Correct answer: Use a muzzle and proceed cautiously or discontinue and contact the owner
Using appropriate restraint like a muzzle and/or discontinuing the groom protects both the groomer and the dog from injury during aggressive behavior.
Question 7: What does 'high-velocity dryer safety' require when drying a dog's face?
- Increase dryer speed for faster drying around sensitive areas
- Direct airflow away from eyes, ears, and nostrils (Correct answer)
- Hold the nozzle within 1 inch for maximum effectiveness
- Use the highest heat setting to kill bacteria on the face
Correct answer: Direct airflow away from eyes, ears, and nostrils
Directing high-velocity airflow away from eyes, ears, and nostrils prevents injury to sensitive facial structures and avoids forcing air into ear canals.
CPG Health & Safety Practices 3
What is the correct water temperature range for bathing most dogs?