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HELP ! the groomer wants to shave her Hi All, I just took Mia to the Vet for her finale round of shots, she will be 4 mo. tomorrow. On the way home we stopped by the groomer to find out price and other questions ( she wasn't very friendly won't be going there) Mia has a lot of little mats just above the skin she's had since we got her. Anyway she said they would probably shave her, I really don't want to do that is there any thing I can do she doesn't like being brushed. We have been using baby shampoo on her about once a week because our cat slobbers all over her while playing. If you have any suggestions they would be appreciated. Larry |
There really is only two solutions: to comb it out or to shave it off... If you're really against shaving it off, then I'd suggest that you use some detangler/leave-in conditioner to slowly comb/brush out the knots. It's really up to you to get her used to being combed/brushed and be this daily. Start slowly and gently - try not to scare her. Use brushes that don't hurt when you use it over your own skin. Give her lots of treats during and after. If her hair is matted beyond control, then I guess you have no choice but to shave it off. Then, I'd highly suggest you brush her daily from then onward. At only 4 months old, she's more likely to become accustomed to this routine than when she gets older. Otherwise...be prepared to be getting her shaved often! :) |
Hey Larry, For the bit of mats, try taking some human conditioner (I recommend Pantene) and try and rub the mats out. I think that may not be the groomer for you and you still have some time to find someone. Try a mobile groomer if you can find one, they may be more understanding of your needs and what you want out of a cut with your puppy. |
Be careful not to pull at the skin while combing out the mats. Combing out tangles without hurting the dog and without damaging the hair is a bit of an art. If the mats are really bad, you may have no choice but to shave and start over. Keep in mind that bathing tends to cause hair mats to tighten, so it is best to detangle before a bath. The mats will also retain moisture and could lead to skin problems. Brushing sprays, serums, and conditioners can help with detangling. Baby shampoo is really drying, believe it or not. Use a gentler shampoo formulated for dogs, and a good conditioner as the ladies above recommended. |
I use a spray product called "the stuff". I can spray it on a matt and use my fingers to work it out enough that I can brush it. I bought mine at petco, but after taking it to my groomer she now uses it and stocks it. Good stuff!!! |
If the groomer says she's matted, she probably is, and you will need to shave her. Do not blame the groomer- this is on you for not properly brushing your dog. If you want to avoid having to shave her again in the future, then brush her regularly and thoroughly. |
We just shaved the body of our 4 month old puppy, Perseus. My husband and I did it ourselves. He had severe gnarls in his very thick, cottony puppy hair. He now feels like silk. We tried getting the gnarls out, but it was too painful for our baby. We tried conditioner, spray detangler -- you name, we tried it. No luck at all. Of course, it is so hot and humid where I live that we will keep both of our babies short on the body year round (we just wanted to wait a little longer to cut his). My Zeus wears a shirt in the winter (which is not too cold here). We keep their head and legs longer in a teddy bear cut. If you're interested in a picture of him, there is one in the picture forum titled "Perseus Had to Get a Haircut." Good luck. By the way, I don't think it is the groomers' fault. I think that is how they see it as the least painful way to take care of it. If they tried to get the gnarls out and your dog was injured or had spots on the skin, they could get into trouble with you. |
^^ Good point about puppy coat, it is more difficult to take care of than an adult Yorkie coat. Conditioner will make it easier. |
The better thing for her would be to just shave her, I know it sounds bad but it is hair and it will grow back. Pulling at the matts will hurt her. We just had to do that with our pup because the people who had him before us never combed him. |
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To the OP: Good luck. I have read on grooming sites that it is easier to de-mat prior to the bath and while they are wet. |
When Bella had her first professional grooming, she had mats from her puppy coat. We worked them out as best we could by using Cowboy Magic detangler, but we couldn't get them all out. The groomer said they would have to shave her if her mats were bad, but they didn't really SHAVE her, they just cut her hair very short. She turned out great. Check out this thread to see before and after pictures: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...-grooming.html |
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Well I had hoped there was some secret way to detangle her but if no one here knows what it is I guess none exist. She has a 12:30 appointment with the groomer. Thanks Larry |
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I agree with the others, the puppy coat often mats terribly because they are shedding some fur and it turns into mats. So go ahead and shave, when it grows out, you probably won't have nearly as much trouble with matting. |
1 Attachment(s) I would shave the pup if the mats are bad. You don't want her to hate grooming. I use several brushes, but I recommend a wood pin brush and a good comb. I use the small Chris Christensen wood pin brush, but I recently bought the tiny tot brush. Wood brushes are very gentle and pull hairs away from the knot. This brush also works great around the face. Wood Pin Brushes for Pet Grooming, Show Dogs & Cats Right now the shipping is free on CC brushes here. Chris Christensen - Tiny Tot Brush with Wood Pins |
Mia went to the groomer yesterday, she came out looking whole lot better then I anticipated, she was able to leave 1/2 to 5/8 inch on her body and legs. As soon as I can get a good picture of her I'll post one. |
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Going forward, use a good doggy shampoo and conditioner. The CC wood pin brushes that Lisa recommended above are wonderful -- love them for the dogs and myself. I use a variety of brushes and combs on my boys, who are in full coat. Check out the Madan pin brushes from toplinepet.com Jenny offers a 10% discount to YT members. She also carries the Madan small comb for mustaches and legs. Great for getting the small tangles out that are left behind by brushes. Another brush I use for detangling is the ISINIS:  Amazon.com : ISINIS Large Cushioned Hair Brush... |
1 Attachment(s) This isn't the best picture Mia was just waking up Attachment 409742 |
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Mia is adorable! Looks like she has a good coat, so it did have to go shorter, it would likely grow back quickly. |
I was happy to see this. I felt like I did something wrong by having Penny shaved. She was a knotted up mess when we got her. I am glad now I did because her hair is easy to keep tangle free now. So, like so many others said, it's not the groomers fault and is really beneficial to shave at least once. |
Mia is adoreable..... |
only thing to do My Trixie was spayed and wore onesies for 2 weeks. My groomer who I love said that even shaving the mats that were so close to her skin could still cause some cuts. She did shave her and I'm keeping her close cut for the summer. And as a positive is that the new coat is silky and smooth versus the cottony easily tangled puppy coat. I'm happy and Trixie now enjoys a good bath and haircut- the dryer still freaks her out. |
Oh how sweet, she looks adorable! |
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