If fleas and ticks have not been treated in the last 30 days, which step is advised during grooming?

• A. Decline service due to fleas and ticks risk.
• B. Groom normally without any extra checks.
• C. Treat fleas and ticks on site without owner consent.
• D. Pay close attention to skin coat for presence of fleas and ticks.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is to perform a careful parasite check during grooming and communicate findings to the owner. When fleas or ticks haven’t been treated in a while, you should thoroughly inspect the dog’s skin and coat for signs of pests, such as flea dirt, live fleas, or ticks, especially in common hiding spots like the neck, ears, under the armpits, and at the base of the tail. This approach allows you to identify infestations early and inform the owner so they can choose appropriate treatment, rather than assuming or taking actions without consent. It also helps protect other pets in the salon.

Declining service, grooming without any checks, or treating on-site without owner consent all pose safety or ethical issues, whereas closely checking and communicating what you find is the responsible, standard practice.