Try a De-Shed Treatment. For this treatment, I use a shampoo and moisturizer enriched with Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids and is specifically formulated to aid in loosening dead hair and dander from your pet. This is followed up with a de-shedding tool that removes dead hair and dander. This is the hair that would eventually be shed in your home. This De-Shed Treatment does not stop the natural shedding process, nor is this a one-time cure. This unique treatment is done in conjunction with the regular grooming process. De- Shed Treatments work best when pets are kept on a regular grooming schedule.

That seems to be the question I hear most these days. There are several factors to consider when determining what’s best for your pet. Coat condition, skin, environment, as well as how your pet will feel. If you have major shedding issues at your house there are options without shaving. We use grooming techniques that will minimize the shedding at home generally referred to as a De-Shed Treatment. If you don’t mind your pet being shaved and you feel like they will be more comfortable, then we can of course zip the hair right off and this too will keep the hair around the house to a minimum. Just keep in mind breeds that are prone to shedding will still shed when shaved, the hair will just be shorter. De-Shed treatments, proper nutrition and exercise will work best for long term results.

Pictured below is ELVIS– one of the coolest Pugs I know. He’s just had a summer shave, and if you’ve ever had a Pug you’ll understand why Mom and Dad opted for a trim this time. Puggy’s are sheddin’ machines!

If you’d like to learn more about how your pet is helping to clean up this devastating oil spill, please go to www.matteroftrust.org

Your dog is matted when you can’t get a comb thru the hair. It is as simple as that. It is just like when you can’t get a comb or brush thru your own hair when you have tangles. I ask all the time prior to taking an appointment “is she matted” the answer is always “oh no, I brush her.” It’s ok to be honest with your groomer, it doesn’t always mean you are going to pay an arm and a leg to have your pet de-matted, but it does mean you will come up with a solution for humanely getting rid of the mats much faster. Were not here to judge you for how little or how much you brush your dog, If you don’t have the time to keep your pet brushed out, and don’t want to bring them to the groomer every 2 weeks then I would definitely recommend a short cut for your pet. We want your dog to be happy and healthy first and foremost and then of course we want to make them as gorgeous as possible. If mats are a reoccurring issue for you and your pet, ask for a brushing demo at your next appointment. We’d be happy to show you proper techniques for maintaining your pet’s coat, in between regular grooming.

This is what the ASPCA recommends- “Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.”

The only time I would recommend shaving a pet in the winter is if they are kept indoors at all times (in a climate controlled environment like the house – not a shed),  and or they are extremely matted.  If you are on a tight budget after the holidays  get a bath and brush  for your pet  and stretch your groom a little longer. Don’t forget to brush at home too. If your pet is normally in the house then they need to stay in during the winter. They are not acclimated to colder temps and therefore have not had time to develop  a winter coat to help protect them from the elements outside. If they are not in the house, consider bringing them in. We have seen record breaking cold temps this year in Texas and just like we are not used to it, our pets are not either.

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