Dog Grooming 101

No matter what type of dog you get (unless it is the Chinese Hairless), you have to worry about getting your dog groomed. Some breeds require a more demanding grooming routine than others - a Poodle must get her hair cut frequently to keep it from matting; a Sheepdog goes on frequent trips to the groomers to keep the hair out of her eyes; while some breeds require a less demanding routine - a Shar Pei requires less grooming because of her short hair, the same is true for Rottweilers, Dobermans, and Great Danes.

During the summer months, if you have a dog with long hair, you should take her to get clipped frequently. A dog's hair is like our winter coat - it keeps her warm and insulated from the weather. To avoid a heatstroke, make sure she is kept cool by having plenty of cool water available for her to drink as well as making sure she has a shorter hair cut. It is also common during the spring/early summer months that she begin shedding her "winter coat", regular brushing and clipping will decrease the amount of hair you find throughout your house.

During the winter months, she will be growing a nice, heavy coat to keep her warm. Make sure she is not left outside overnight when it is chilly. This is especially true for small dogs like the Pomeranian, Chihuahua, or Miniature Pinscher. These dogs do not have nearly enough body fat as a Great Dane, German Shepherd, or Newfoundland, therefore it makes it harder for them to stay warm if left outside. Brushing should still take place on a regular basis to decrease the amount of mats in the coat, but be sure to leave plenty of fur there on her body - you should take her to the groomers and have her trimmed, nothing more.

As far as haircuts go, by far the most interesting is that of the Poodle. If you have ever seen a dog show on television, you know exactly what I am talking about. Some parts of the Poodle are thick and puffy, while in other areas, the hair is incredibly short (almost like a buzz cut). This particular clip is called the "sport clip" and it is used mainly for dog shows. If you have a Poodle, you can consider this style of cut, but it usually just ends up to be too much upkeep, and a simple, short cut is what makes sense for most owners.

When doing research about what breed of dog you want, or when reading about the breed of dog you already have, shedding and grooming is something you should not overlook. Think about how quickly the groomer's bills will add up, think about your vacuum cleaner - they even sell special vacuums designed just for picking up pet hair, think about your clothing, your furniture....the list goes on and on. Although this may seem like just a casual decision and factor when deciding on a breed, it really plays into your whole lifestyle.

No matter what breed you choose be sure and take extra special care of them during the extremely hot and extremely cold months. Watch them carefully when they are outside, and do not leave them out there for extended periods of time. Any of the following symptoms: glassy eyes, extreme panting, weakness, or confusion, do not hesitate to call your vet.