Rated 4.7 Excellent 21,000+ Reviews.io
Dog grooming is a rewarding career, and whether you're new to the industry or your grooming business is thriving, the chances are that you love it and plan to continue doing it for a long time.
But did you know that constant exposure to loose hair, dander and grooming chemicals could negatively impact your health?
In this blog, we're focusing on your lung health as a groomer, how it can be affected by exposure to chemicals and particles, how to avoid “groomer's lung”, and how to protect yourself in the salon to remain a happy and healthy groomer for years to come.
Table of contents:
What are the main groomer's lung symptoms?
What is groomer's lung?
Groomer's lung affects the respiratory system and is common amongst those regularly exposed to pet dander, skin and hair particles, and fumes from pet-related chemicals such as shampoos, conditioners and treatments.
When pet hair and dander are inhaled, the tiny hairs and other harmful particles can travel down into the lungs and stay there. In time, this can inflame the lung lining and scar the airways, which can then progress into a chronic lung condition. We sometimes call this “Groomer's Lung” (also known as “hairy lung”, occupation asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis).
Groomer's lung can affect lung function, causing inflammation and leaving scar tissue behind. Poor ventilation in grooming facilities can increase your risk, and repeated exposure to hair, dander and chemicals can lead to breathing issues such as a chronic cough.
Groomer's lung is a chronic condition, and once you have it, you're likely to for the rest of your life. However, catching it early and putting in preventative measures before your lungs are damaged can make all of the difference in reducing the risk of future complications with the condition.
What are the main groomer's lung symptoms?
If you experience constant coughing, wheezing, pain while breathing or shortness of breath, especially during or after grooming, it's time to get yourself checked out.
Groomer's lung can mimic other breathing conditions or allergies, so pay attention to how you feel and visit your doctor if you notice any of the following persistent symptoms:
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Your symptoms' severity and medical history will determine how you are tested and treated for groomer's lung.
Your GP will likely give you a physical exam and possibly refer you for a lung function test to assess lung health; this could be either in the form of a chest X-ray, a pulmonary function test, which looks at your breathing patterns, the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream and lung capacity. From these tests, they can confirm your diagnosis and identify allergens or specific chemicals that are triggering the condition.
If you suspect there's any chance that you could have groomer's lung, early diagnosis is the most effective way to appropriately treat it and implement adjustments to manage symptoms and prevent them from worsening.
Coping with groomer's lung
Groomer's lung can be a severe condition. However, the good news is that once diagnosed, simple lifestyle changes can be made to help manage the symptoms and keep them at bay.
- If problematic chemicals or allergens are identified that trigger your symptoms, these must be avoided to prevent symptoms from triggering. You may also need to avoid environmental smells such as smoke or perfume, which could trigger your symptoms.
- Wearing a mask and gloves whilst grooming is a great way to limit airborne particles from entering your lungs.
- Keep your salon well-ventilated to ensure a good airflow and clean the air indoors.
It's important to minimise triggers; otherwise, your symptoms will continue to reappear or worsen until you limit your exposure to what aggravates your condition.
In a worst-case scenario, your doctor may be able to prescribe medical treatment to help minimise the symptoms of your condition. For example, a doctor may prescribe treatments that help reduce lung inflammation and open your airways to make breathing more comfortable until exposure to your triggers is reduced.
Immunotherapy can help the body develop natural protection against irritation caused by hair and dander. Immunotherapy is typically given via a series of injections until you can fight off the inflammation and irritation caused by the debris in your lungs.
Although there's no specific treatment designed specifically for groomer's lung, the right medication and plenty of clean air should help symptoms subside.
How to prevent groomer's lung
As with most things, prevention is better than cure. If you want to avoid dealing with groomer's lung, we recommend the following proactive steps to keep your lungs healthy within the salon.
- Proper ventilation: A well-ventilated salon means cleaner air and less exposure to harmful chemicals or allergens.
- Proper PPE: Masks and gloves are the key to shielding your body from potential irritants. Whether bathing a dog, grooming or trimming them, or even cleaning up their hair, wearing a mask and gloves can prevent contact with germs and any potential irritants from reaching your lungs.
Always choose a close-fitting mask that covers the face when cutting or blow-drying hair, and that is moisture-wicking so you can stay cool and comfortable while working. Wash your mask daily to keep it fresh from hair and particles, and have replacement masks for when one is being washed.
- Air purification: A strong air purifier can help remove harmful particles from the salon, whilst a clipper vac is great for vacuuming hair as you work.
- Keeping the salon clean: Vacuum your salon floor regularly after every groom, wearing your mask to avoid contact with particles and hair.
Wipe down your workspace after every grooming session to keep your space clean and debris-free.
Discover cleaning products and protective clothing at Groomers
Now you know all about the symptoms of groomer's lung and how to prevent it, why not shop for the essentials you need to keep your salon clean and hygienic to reduce hair, dander and germs? Our cleaning and sterilising collection has everything you need to keep your salon surfaces clean and safe for you and your clients! Then, why not browse our grooming clothing accessories to find the perfect PPE to wear whilst your groom?
Related posts:
Dryer and blaster maintenance tips
