Module 5 and How to Groom a Dog

Coat and Skin Disorders Module 5 and How to Groom a Dog

As a dog’s coat and skin disorders are such important aspects to be mindful of in the dog grooming industry, it makes sense to test your knowledge through this worksheet. Set 30 minutes aside to cover all Task: three activities that have been set. There is a convenient answers/feedback section for you to check what you have written at the end of the worksheet.

For this first activity, simply read through the 10 statements below and decide for yourself whether each one is either true or false (allow 10 minutes):

1. As there are over 160 skin disorders that affect dogs, it is highly probable that you will encounter dogs suffering from one form or an- other. True / False

2. It is a known fact that a dog’s diet will not have any bearing on skin disorders. True / False

3. The only breed to be affected by Malassezia is West Highland Terri- ers of the white variety. True / False

4. Ringworms are strange circular-like worms that burrow under the animal’s skin. True / False

5. The signs to look out for where ringworm is concerned include red coils under the skin accompanied by a dandruff-like flaking of the skin and hair loss in circles of patches. True / False

6. Canine Atopic Dermatitis is a curable skin disorder. True / False

7. If the dog’s fur is dull and lifeless and you cannot find anything else amiss, it is probable that the dog is on an inferior diet that is lacking in protein and amino acids. True / False

8. If the dull coat is accompanied by a bad odour, then the dog is prob- ably suffering from the canine equivalent of dandruff. This is known as doggydruff. True / False

Copyright:Pet Grooming Diploma 2016 Page 1 of 3 9. Autoimmune disorders occur when a dog’s immune system sets about destroying healthy skin cells. The most common of these dis- eases is Pemphigus foliaceus. True / False

10. Recurring Dermatitis is a non-curable skin disorder. True / False

List 8 out of the 9 pieces of equipment that are recommended for use when grooming a dog’s coat in this module (allow 10 minutes):

1 ………………………………………..

2 ………………………………………..

3 ………………………………………..

4 ………………………………………..

5 ………………………………………..

6 ………………………………………..

7 ………………………………………..

8 ………………………………………..

In this module you covered what is known as Malassezia. In your own words describe exactly what Malassezia is, what the symptoms are and how it might be treated (allow 10 minutes):

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Page 1/2.1

1. True 2.False 3. False 4. False 5. True 6. False 7. True 8. False 9. True 10. False

Page 2.2

Advice and Feedback You should have been able to list 8 out of the following 9 pieces of equipment mentioned in the module: slicker brush, rubber curry brush, pin brush, metal-toothed comb, stripping comb, scissors, electric clippers, hair dryer and a grooming table.

Page 2.3 Advice and Feedback Your answer to this question should have been along the lines of the following: Malassezia is caused by yeast which is usually found in the vicinity of the ears but also occurs in other areas of the body. Under normal circumstances, the yeast is controlled by the natural moisture and ph. balance of the skin. The exact trigger for an outbreak of Malassezia is not known. Vets think it could be due to an allergic reaction to the yeast, or that the yeast might become more prevalent with a rise in humidity and then congenital or hormonal factors prevent the dog’s system from regaining control of the outbreak. Symptoms of the disease are similar to other dermatitis attacks. The skin develops redness in the affected areas followed by a loss of hair and scaly skin which splits to release a bad smelling discharge. There is also greasiness of the coat and areas of the skin become darker. In chronic cases, the skin can thicken.

As there has been quite a lot of important information to take in on this module, make sure you feel confident with everything that was covered. Don’t be afraid to admit that you need to read through the material again if you feel this will be of benefit.