What Your Groomer Wishes You Knew
Oftentimes, there is a disconnect in communication between pet owners and the pet groomer. Pet Owners live with the dog, and tend to live with a general internal picture of their pet based on their daily normal life. Then, one day, they notice that a trim-up is needed. They may not be sure what details need to be tended to, but something is needed.
They bring the Pet to the Groomer, who does not live with the pet and who does not have that general internal picture. Usually the Groomer has some clues to work with, and some general guidelines based on the coat condition and the observable physical needs of the pet.
General terminology like “Puppy Cut” or “Teddybear Trim” are words we hear a lot, but they are very vague. They mean “all-over haircut.” How would this instruction fly with your hairstylist or barber?
So, let’s look at your pet. We’ll talk about dogs since I can explain those best.
Submitted photo
Is your dog shedding a lot? It may not need a haircut, but It may need a thorough de-shedding treatment. Occasionally, shedding dogs may get a severe accumulation of undercoat packed together in the ruff area and on the back legs.
This coat type has a real advantage in that it always looks good if you are able to keep it combed out. Weekly brushing and combing, with the direction of the coat’s growth and against, will keep the layers acting as protection against weather fluctuations and the elements. Because the coat sheds, healthy vibrant coat is always cycling to the skin and pushing out the older hairs. The disadvantage is the hair all over your clothes and home. Because each hair follicle can produce 7-25 hairs at once. Hair grows half an inch per month, so if the hair is short, it is a quick rotation and a lot of shedding.
I have been told that shedding can be reduced by 60-80% if the dog is thoroughly washed and deshedded (at the groomer) every 4-6 weeks.
If you haven’t been able to keep up with your dog’s shedding, a good de-shedding bath can help. A regular schedule can also help, both with shedding and keeping nails maintained at a healthy length.
THE NAILS—OH, THE NAILS!!! Yes, it is so important to keep the nails at a good length. They should be able to barely touch the ground normally, without putting extra pressure on the foot structure that will create a bad posture. If the nails are too long, it can cause discomfort and pain up the legs of the dog into their shoulders and hips. Plus if they crack or snap, that can be painful. And no-one likes to see the nails grown into the tender paw pads. That’s just not right.
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