Episode 60 - Consent-Based Grooming: The Missing Piece in Your OA Team - Daniella Malcom Stewart

Episode summary

Host sits down with Daniela Malcolm-Stewart (Woody’s Holistic Grooming) to unpack how grooming and osteoarthritis (OA) intersect — and why groomers belong in the interdisciplinary care team. Daniela explains her consent-based setup (floor work, padded mats, walk-in shower) and how many “difficult” dogs are actually showing pain. She shares the story of Maximus, whose later-diagnosed OA, hip dysplasia and spondylosis shaped her mission to empower guardians to groom at home with welfare first.  

Guest bio

Daniela Malcolm-Stewart is a certified holistic grooming behaviourist and founder of Woody’s Holistic Grooming. After her first dog, Maximus, panicked in a conventional salon, she retrained and built a consent-based approach that prioritises emotional wellbeing over aesthetics. Today she teaches guardians to groom at home and adapts salon environments for dogs with pain, drawing on learnings from CAM and other training. Maximus’s legacy continues to drive her work.  

5 key take-homes

1. Grooming & OA are tightly linked — done well, grooming supports comfort; done poorly, it can exacerbate pain. 

2. Choice-rich environments reduce stress: floor work, padded mats and walk-in showers build trust and better bonds. 

3. “Behaviour problem” or pain? Many grooming struggles are pain-driven; grooming time can reveal early signs. 

4. Adapt the groom to the diagnosis: techniques and pacing should consider OA and other conditions to keep dogs comfortable. 

5. Empower guardians: consent-based home grooming reduces reliance on traditional salons and can mean happier, healthier dogs. 

Relevant links:

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — official site (about Daniela, services & approach)

https://woodysholisticgrooming.co.uk/

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — Instagram (behind-the-scenes & updates)

https://www.instagram.com/woodysholisticgrooming/

- Woody’s Holistic Grooming — Facebook (contact & local info)

https://www.facebook.com/WoodysPlaceSN2/

- Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) — owner guides & science-backed advice

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

- CAM Education — courses for professionals

https://www.cameducation.co.uk/

- CAM Downloads/Resources — free tools & checklists

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/how-cam-can-help/downloads/

Learn more about CAM:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [e-mail]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.