Why Does the Groomer Want to Shave My Shaggy Dog?

Dear Groomer,

My dog has a long, furry coat, which our family really likes. Every time our dog goes to the groomer, the groomer says he has to be shaved. Why does the groomer always shave him?

Signed,
Mop Top in Holliston

Dear Mop Top,

Your groomer probably shaves your pet because much of its coat is matted, which you may not see or feel. Large-scale dematting is time-consuming, which is difficult for your dog when its has to stand and stay while its hair is being pulled on.

Dematting destroys the coat because the tools used are cutting into the coat and thinning it out. Plus, it’s just plain painful for your dog to be pulled on if the coat is very matted.  A groomer is usually comfortable with doing some dematting, but there is definite point where it makes more sense to remove the coat.

I recommend to my clients when they come in with a very matted pet to take the coat very short, thus removing all the mats. We then set up a regular grooming schedule and have the owners attempt to brush or comb between grooms. Otherwise, I suggest keeping the coat short.

You must take a look at your family’s lifestyle and what is realistic for your pet. Do you have a dog that loves the water or enjoys running through the muddy woods? Often for warmer weather, I talk with the owner about taking the furry dog's hair down very short. Then we let the coat grow back as the cooler weather sets in by having the dog come in more often to be groomed.

Here are a few things to consider when trying to figure out whether to cut your dog's hair:

1. Are you brushing or combing your pet on a regular basis? Imagine going weeks without brushing or combing your hair. Mats develop right at the skin even if the hair at the surface looks okay. When the mats get wet and then dry, they tighten and pull on the skin. The mats can hurt, and your pet can develop skin issues.
   
   Common areas that mat are: behind the ears where you scratch, around the neck where the collar sits, armpits and legs. Consider taking your dog’s collar off when he or she is not outside.
2. Is your pet cooperative while you are trying to brush through their coat? If your pet is willing, try brushing/combing while he or she is relaxing on the floor or in your lap. If your pet is not so cooperative and is small enough to lift, put a towel down and put them on a counter or the washing machine. Sometimes being in a place they are not used to will help you through the process. Just don’t leave them unattended.
3. Are you using the correct tool? There are many different tools on the market. The most common brush, a slicker, may not be the right tool for your pet’s coat. Undercoat rakes are one of my favorite tools and work great for double-coated dogs such as golden retrievers or doodles. Small fine-haired dogs such as the maltese or havanese need to be combed out very often. These tools can be found at your local pet store.

There is nothing cuter than a fuzzy dog, but your groomer will want to do what is best for your pet. Spend some time talking with your groomer. Your pet may need to be groomed more often or you might have to consider a shorter look for your pup.

If you would like to share your story about your pet, or have a question about grooming and pet care, please send an email to Serena Keating at lucybellemaude@verizon.net.