Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You decide to suggest the client take the dog to a vet.
You can read the tell-tale signs of ear mites, but it's a good idea
for the client to see her veterinarian so that she will have a better idea
of how to properly treat her pet's problem.
When the client returns, you tell her that her dog seems to be low on energy
and has itchy ears with a thick, dark residue inside them.
You recommend she go see her veterinarian immediately. She does this and
calls the next day to thank you for your suggestion. She tells you her dog
had a nasty case of ear mites, and her veterinarian put him on extra strong
medication to put a stop to them.
This is a real-life decision made by pet groomer Peter Moran.
"People in other professions may think it makes sense for knowledgeable
animal handlers to offer veterinary advice to clients, but the animals are
too important to risk it. It's against the law, unethical and can be
detrimental to both the animal and the groomer's reputation among other
health care professionals," says Moran.