Grooming for Short-Haired Breeds

Maxine is a wonderful client of mine (pictured above) who's parents know how important grooming is, even for this Shepherd mix with short hair. The pile of fur pictured above is all a result of just a good brushing (before bathing), and no scissors, razors or clippers at all! Don't you think Maxine feels so much better after shedding such a heat-absorbing coat this summer?

So, you might be wondering why short-haired dogs need grooming too? If the photos above don't do it for you, here are some short-haired doggie facts:

The German Shepherds (as well as other short-hairs) have a "double-coat". Their coat consists of a downy-type undercoat next to the skin, with longer, coarse guard hairs as an outer shell. Under normal conditions, they will only require regular brushing, and an occasional bath. Without regular grooming, however, there's a risk that the wooly undercoat of the short haired dog will mat. This can also result in hot spots, bald spots, rashes and other coat and skin problems, so do not take grooming too lightly.

If you let the clumps of fur build up and hang off their bodies, the coat and skin underneath cannot breathe properly and could possibly suffocate as a result causing more potential health problems for your pup.

As always, feel free to call us if you have any grooming questions. We'd be happy to walk you through the proper way to maintain your dog's coat between visits to insure a happy healthy friend for life!

Golden Retriever

People often ask what a golden would look like shaved down. This is Barley sporting a # 5 blade shave down. Barley gets shaved for several reasons. His mom is allergic to him. He swims a lot and then just lays around so he stays wet for long periods of time causing hot spots. He also has skin issues and they are easier to control when he is short.

More on hot spots:

Hot spots are those "wet looking, oozing, smelly sores" found on your pet. They are typically on the face, neck, rump, flanks, and legs. They develop because your pet has some damaged skin that they "pick" at using their teeth typically and constant licking.

Hot spots are caused by a number of issues...fleas, insect bites, being damp for long periods of time, shedding season, ear infections, gland problems, irritants such as lawn sprays and harsh shampoos.

Tips on Prevention:
If your pet swims be sure to rinse them with clean water after a swim and then throughly dry their coats.
During shedding season up the amount of groomings or shorten the hair length so your pet can enjoy the season with you.
Keep your pets inside during the evening hours when the bugs are out the most.

How to care for your pet's hot spot:
Clip the hair around the spot to allow the air to get to it. Clean the wound using an antibacterial soap and be sure to rinse well Use a antiseptic spray such as Proderm Relief. You want the spray to accomplish three tasks...
1.) Relieve the pain and itching (should contain lidocaine and hydro cortisone)
2.) Help heal the wound (should contain aloe vera and maybe a topical antibiotic)
3.) Keep them from licking it so it will dry and heal (bitter apple or the like)

If they continue to lick you may want to get an Elizabethan collar from your vet or local pet store.

Thank-you to Barley for allowing us to show him off. He is a very sweet and gentle boy and we are thank-ful to have the opportunity to work with him.