As a pet care professional, you cannot know too much about health issues that affect the dogs you see in your business. Dogs are taken to the veterinarian infrequently, perhaps once a year for vaccinations, sometimes not even that frequently. Owners are usually unaware of their pets’ health and well-being, as they have so much else occupying their consciousnesses, and they see their pets every day, making any gradually developing health issues invisible to them.

The pet care professional, whether he or she is a groomer, bather, daycare provider, trainer or boarder, sees the dog far more frequently than the veterinarian, and less frequently than the owner. Changes in health should be more obvious to pet care professionals and we should be trained to recognize early signs of many disorders to keep pets healthy and get the owner to take the dog to the vet when necessary. 

You may not be a vet, but you are the dog’s advocate, and it is your job to let an owner know when you suspect something is wrong that necessitates a visit to the vet. You are the first line of defense for each and every pet that you handle, so being knowledgeable about the illnesses and injuries that afflict these pets is a huge part of your job.

The Man’s Best Friend Series is a prerequisite for this course. After completing this course and the 6 courses in the Man’s Best Friend Series you receive your Specialist in Canine Health and Care.