Grooming in animals originated as a key hygienic behavior, encompassing self-maintenance, parasite control, and social interaction (allogrooming). Historical records indicate that around 2500 BCE Egyptians groomed cats out of reverence and applied scented oils to dogs. During the 17th and 18th centuries, poodles were styled in France for practical as well as aesthetic purposes. In the Victorian era, it was the queen’s love for dogs that helped normalize consistent grooming of pets for cleanliness and elegance. Currently, grooming constitutes a vital aspect of pet care, encompassing hygiene maintenance, health considerations (such as flea management and mat prevention), and adherence to breed-specific styling requirements. Veterinary nurses not only are essential healthcare professionals critical to the efficient operation of veterinary hospitals; they also provide nursing care, serve as patient advocates, and ensure high standards of care. Therefore, it is the veterinary nurse who is most likely to identify grooming neglect of patients. Grooming neglect has implications beyond appearance, as it may result in medical complications. Such neglect is seldom deliberate; in many instances, it stems from clients’ lack of awareness regarding the issue and its potential severity, or from obstacles that hinder them from implementing effective preventive or corrective measures. This issue’s “How to Identify and Address Grooming Neglect” aims to help veterinary teams consider grooming as a core health concern rather than simple cosmetic care and demonstrate how veterinary nurses can help protect animal welfare through early detection, education, and collaboration.
Keep Up With the Latest Veterinary Medical Research
The Research Wrapped newsletter, from Today’s Veterinary Practice, is a monthly roundup of the recently published research that is most relevant to small animal veterinary practitioners. From studies on the need for postsurgical antimicrobials to the best way to prevent patient-inflicted injuries, each issue of Research Wrapped provides a deep dive on 1 study, outlines practical takeaways for 1 to 3 more, and lists other notable studies worth your time and attention.
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Congratulations to the 2026 Rippie Scholarship Winners!
The Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship has been a pillar of the NAVC’s dedication to recognizing and uplifting veterinary nurses who have made a positive impact on the profession and their community. Winners are announced annually at VMX, and we are proud to share the 2026 winners: Gary Fitzgerald, RVT; Mariel Hendricks, MVEd, RVTg, FVTE; Megan Richie, CVT, VTS (Surgery).