e live in amazing times where information is everywhere. Pull out your phone, and you can look up anything you can imagine. And with AI, it not only has the ability to research topics but also write articles and present the latest information circulating online. It will even suggest the best products for your pet. But where did that information come from? Is it a reliable source or simply someone’s opinion?
When I was in school, we had to go to the library, search through reference books and document our sources for any paper we wrote. Most references, especially at the veterinary school level, came from refereed articles, meaning they were reviewed by a board of peers who determined whether the information was valid based on current knowledge. Today, with social media, online influencers and open platforms, that double-check system is often missing from the information we access so quickly.
An equally concerning issue is that marketing has, in many cases, replaced science, and many people aren’t even aware of it. Terms like “holistic,” “all-natural” and “hypoallergenic” are used regularly to describe pet products. But are these scientific terms or marketing terms? The reality is that there are no consistent legal definitions for these product-related claims, which means they can be shaped to fit whatever a company wants to promote.
We often get pulled into online discussions about “good” or “bad” ingredients and feel confident we are making scientific decisions. The problem is that most products are not made from a single ingredient. When multiple ingredients are combined, often in unknown amounts, they create chemical interactions that affect the final outcome. Since product labels do not disclose concentrations, how can we truly evaluate them?
For example, a product may contain oatmeal, which is generally considered beneficial. But if it is combined with a harsh detergent in an unknown quantity, are we still getting the benefits of the oatmeal? We all agree that not all oatmeal products are created equal, so simply seeing “oatmeal” on a label does not guarantee quality or effectiveness.
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. It requires research, experience, trial and error, and, most importantly, observation. As professionals, we must be cautious about making decisions based solely on internet content, social media or influencers without verifying the credibility of those sources. Information driven by marketing, money or popularity does not always equate to accuracy.
This is where the groomer’s true “superpower” comes in: the power of observation. You cannot consistently produce great grooms without the ability to evaluate your results. Learning to use this skill effectively means looking beyond immediate outcomes and focusing on long-term results.
For example, dish soap may clean a dog and leave it looking fantastic when it walks out the door, but what does that coat look like the next day? Two days later? A month later? The same applies to any product that smells great and feels good during use. What happens to the coat after three or four months? Is it drying out? Is the dog starting to itch? Short-term results are not nearly as valuable as long-term performance.
So, what are the key indicators that we are using the right products?
First, evaluate how the dog looks and feels when it leaves. Does the coat feel truly clean, or is there still residue or greasiness? Are the skin and coat properly hydrated? How easy was it to scissor? Does the coat have the correct lift and texture, or does it feel heavy and weighed down? Remember, results are influenced by both products and technique, so if something is off, both should be evaluated.
Next, observe how the dog looks in the days and weeks following the groom. If the dog becomes dirty quickly or mats easily, it may indicate an issue with the product choice or process. If the dog begins itching within the first week that is a strong signal to reassess both shampoo and conditioner.
Conditioning should be part of every grooming process to help maintain hydration and barrier function. Dry, itchy skin is often the result of harsh shampoo combined with a lack of proper conditioning, particularly the absence of effective humectants.
Another important indicator is your own hands. If your hands are dry or irritated at the end of the day, that is valuable feedback. The products you use affect you just as they affect the pet. Ideally, with the right products, your hands and the pet’s skin should be in better condition at the end of the day/groom than when you started.
In ideal conditions, a quality groom should last three to four weeks, aligning with the normal skin cycle of approximately 21 days. If results do not last that long, it is time to evaluate why. This is where your power of observation becomes critical.
Sometimes the issue is not the product or technique at all. It could be a need for more frequent baths, seasonal changes, weather conditions, environmental factors, dietary changes or underlying health issues. The key is to observe, identify patterns and adjust accordingly.
Social media and the rapid access to information have transformed our industry in many positive ways. However, they are not a substitute for professional judgment and real-world experience. Successful grooming results come from a combination of knowledge, critical thinking, hands-on experience and careful observation—factors that are not always reflected in online content.
At the end of the day, your knowledge, your common sense and your “superpower” of observation are what truly determine your success. Use them to evaluate products, refine your techniques and ultimately provide the best possible care for the pets.
Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.