Quote of the week:  No matter how little money and how few possession you own, having a dog makes you rich. - Louis Sabin

Summer is finally here!  That's why we did a lot of big dog shaves this week.  Yes, shaving those big dogs.  When I went to grooming school, we were taught to deshed (brush out undercoat) the dogs coat.  The dogs coat keeps it warm in the winter as well as insulates it from the summer heat.  However, I am tired of trying to convince people of this fact.  So this week we shaved a Newfoundland, various large Shepherd mixes and yesterday we shaved three Golden Retrievers.  I also have quite a few cats that we shave.  The customer insist that their dogs are cooler and as we know the customer is always right.  Therefore, we shave whoever and whatever wants to be shaved.  On my shaving resume, I have shaved everything from rabbits to Pigmy goats (that was fun, they poop all over).  If you do shave your dog, please remember they can get sunburned.  Don't forget to sunscreen you dog.  Other reasons to not shave your dog are that it can ruin the texture of its coat because these large double coated dogs have two types of hair - the guard hair and the undercoat.  When you shave the dog short, the guard hair is shaved off leaving the undercoat as the main hair.  This is how the texture of the hair may change.  It takes some breeds years for the guard hair to grow in. Also, even though the dog is now shaved, the dead hair still needs to be removed.  If not, it may cause skin problems. 

In conclusion, to shave or not to shave, that is the question

~ Lynn Edwards

About Lynn Edwards:  Lynn Edwards is the owner of Dirty Dogs Pet Services.  She has been grooming for nine years. She owns a grooming/retail store and a mobile grooming service.  Her company focuses on using and promoting all natural pet products.

SUPERSIZED PETS

Dirty Dogs Quote of the Week: If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise - Unknown

While your making your list of New Year's resolutions, take a good look at your dog. Pets are getting fatter according to University of Minnesota Veterinarian Julie Churchill. "By the time dogs and cats reach middle age, nearly 50 percent are overweight or obese," she says. America leads the world in dog ownership. However, at the same time it also leads the world in obesity reflecting the percentage of overweight humans. You may want to think about starting an exercise program with your dog. Starting a walking program costs next to nothing except for a good pair of walking sneakers. I would recommend an eight foot leash for your dog because it gives your dog more freedom to walk. A harness is a better choice over a collar because there is less stress on the neck. However, if your dog is not a well behaved walker, I would use a Halti, which is a gentle leader collar which fits on the muzzle of the dog. The Halti enables you to have more control over your dog while walking. When starting a new exercise program, always make sure you check with your doctor and your vet. Your dog will always have time for you and they will make it a point to regularly take you along for a walk. They will ensure that you follow a fixed routine of walking. 

Happy walking!

~Lynn Edwards

About Lynn Edwards: Lynn Edwards is the owner of Dirty Dogs Pet Services. She has been grooming for nine years. She owns two grooming/retail stores and a mobile grooming service. Her company focuses on using and promoting all natural pet products.