A Viral Outbreak Turns Personal
As summer approaches, I can’t help but reflect on the sobering events that unfolded just a year ago. You see, I own a small pet grooming salon in Nottingham, and last summer, my business was right in the eye of the storm when it came to the worst canine influenza outbreak the UK had ever seen.
It all started when several of our furry clients came down with a persistent, stubborn cough that just wouldn’t go away. At first, we assumed it was just the usual kennel cough making its rounds. But as more and more dogs fell ill, exhibiting symptoms like fever, runny noses, and lethargy, we realized we were facing something much more serious – the dreaded dog flu.
As we later learned, this particular strain of canine influenza, known as H3N2, had originally appeared in Asia before making its way to the States and sweeping through the Midwest. And now, it had come to our doorstep in Nottingham.
Navigating the Outbreak
Needless to say, when news of the outbreak hit, panic started to set in – both for my team and our clients. Suddenly, everyone was acutely aware of their dog’s sniffles and sneezes. Appointment cancellations flooded in as worried pet owners refused to risk exposing their pups. And of course, our own four-legged friends at the salon were just as vulnerable.
As the business owner, I knew I had to take swift action to protect my staff, my clients, and our furry customers. So I quickly consulted our local Veterinary Medical Association to get their advice on how to proceed. Their recommendation was clear – we needed to implement strict disinfection protocols and require all dogs entering the salon to be vaccinated against the H3N2 strain.
Let me tell you, putting those policies into place was no easy feat. Our little salon was overrun with anxious pet parents demanding answers and questioning every move we made. Clients were upset about the added costs of the mandatory vaccinations, and a few even threatened to take their business elsewhere. But I stood my ground, because I knew the health and safety of our canine clients had to come first.
Disinfection Protocols 101
Of course, simply mandating vaccinations wasn’t enough. We also had to be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting every inch of our facility, from the front lobby to the individual grooming stations. As the research showed, the H3N2 virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours. That means any infected dog that came through our doors could potentially spread the illness to every nook and cranny.
So we geared up in our trusty rubber gloves and got to work. We used disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium compounds, aldehydes, phenols, and 10% bleach to meticulously clean every surface, every tool, and every piece of equipment. Even our front lobby and office supplies didn’t escape the scrubbing.
And of course, we were vigilant about hand-washing too. Following the CDC’s recommendations, we made sure to lather up before and after any interaction with a pet, and to scrub for at least 20 seconds using warm water and soap.
Partnering with Clients
Through it all, clear communication with our clients was key. I knew we couldn’t afford to create more panic, so I made sure my team and I were always calm, collected, and ready with the facts.
Whenever we called a client to remind them of an upcoming appointment, we used that as an opportunity to check in on their dog’s health and share information about the outbreak. We let them know about our enhanced disinfection protocols and vaccination requirements, and answered any questions they had.
I even went so far as to create educational handouts that clients could take home, outlining the symptoms of canine influenza and what to do if their pup started showing signs of illness. And of course, we shared updates and resources on our social media channels as well.
Weathering the Storm
Implementing all these measures wasn’t easy, and I won’t lie – there were more than a few tense moments as we navigated the outbreak. But in the end, I’m proud to say that our diligence and our partnership with our clients paid off.
Not a single dog that came through our doors during that tumultuous time contracted the flu. And while a few salons in the area had to temporarily shut their doors due to outbreaks, our little Nottingham grooming haven remained open and serving our community.
Looking back, I realize how critical it was for us to stay ahead of the curve. By being proactive about disinfection and vaccination, we were able to protect our furry customers and keep our business running smoothly. And I’m proud to say that we’ve carried those lessons forward – our salon is now better prepared than ever to handle any future outbreaks, canine or otherwise.
So if you’re a pet groomer, kennel owner, or veterinary professional, heed my advice: don’t wait for a crisis to strike. Get informed, get equipped, and get your clients on board. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your business – and your four-legged friends – healthy and happy.
