SKIN DEEP: Why Chlorhexidine & Hydrocortisone Deserve A Place In The Grooming Salon

I’m going to say something that may make a few groomers uncomfortable: a dog can leave your salon looking beautiful and still not have received a great groom.

I said what I said.

We groomers know how to make a coat look good. We can fluff it, shape it, shine it, and send it home looking like a million bucks. But while we are busy perfecting what everyone can see, the skin underneath may be telling us a completely different story.

Itching. Redness. Flakes. Odor. Greasy patches.

Hot spots are a common issue we see every day, and they are exactly why we need to begin looking beyond the coat and think skin first.

So, when I got my hands on the new Healthy Skin + Coat medicated shampoo line from Groomer’s Choice, I was beyond excited. Chlorhexidine and hydrocortisone in a grooming shampoo? As someone who loves all things skin and coat, I was ready to get to the tub.

What really won me over were the ingredients: Chlorhexidine and Hydrocortisone.

Chlorhexidine helps clean problem-prone skin.

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that helps reduce bacteria on the skin. For groomers, that can make it an important ingredient when working with pets who have mild to moderate skin concerns and need more targeted cleansing.

Then there’s hydrocortisone, which plays a different role.

Hydrocortisone helps calm itching, redness, and inflammation. Think of the dog licking and scratching throughout the appointment, or pets whose skin looks red and irritated.

In simple terms: chlorhexidine helps clean the problem-prone skin, while hydrocortisone helps calm the skin down.

Sometimes, that skin needs both.

As groomers, we are not here to diagnose the pet. We are not veterinarians. But we are often the first professionals to see what is happening underneath the coat.

That gives us an important role.

As groomers, we have an important role. We may not diagnose skin conditions, but we can often spot them first. That means we can educate pet parents, encourage veterinary care when needed, and use products that support healthier skin every step of the way.

When we understand ingredients, we make better choices. When we make better choices, we create better experiences for pets and build more trust with their families.

Of course, a medicated shampoo isn't going to magically cure their issue. If you see open wounds, severe inflammation, widespread hair loss, or a skin condition worsening, refer that pet to a veterinarian.

The caveat? Knowing when not to treat something in the salon is just as important. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for a pet is recognize when it’s time to refer them to a veterinarian.

But for the everyday skin concerns, having the right products matters.

The coat may get all the compliments, but the skin is doing the real work.

So yes, give me the beautiful finish.

But first?

Give me healthy skin.