When should you refer to a veterinarian for ear care during grooming?

• A. If signs of infection appear or you are unsure.
• B. Only if dog is aggressive.
• C. After the client leaves.
• D. If the dog is a purebred.

Answer: (A)

Recognizing when ear issues require veterinary care is essential in grooming. During a session, you should check the ears for signs of infection or other problems. If you notice redness, swelling, a foul odor, any discharge, a crust, warmth, excessive scratching, head shaking, or anything that doesn’t seem normal, you should refer the dog to a veterinarian. Infections can worsen with improper cleaning, and a vet can diagnose conditions like otitis, mites, or yeast infections and prescribe the right treatment. If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing, seek veterinary input rather than guessing. This keeps the dog safe and helps prevent complications. While behavior like aggression or the dog’s breed aren’t indicators for veterinary referral in this context, waiting until after the client leaves isn’t appropriate either—address potential ear problems promptly to avoid delaying care.