What is De-Shedding?
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(Note: Images are watermarked to prevent "borrowing" by other groomers. If your pet's photo is posted and you would like a clear copy, we will be happy to send it to you!)
De-Shedding is a term we use colloquially to describe the proper grooming process for a Shedding Dog.
Shedding Dogs are primarily Smooth-Coated or Double-Coated breeds, which may or may not need hair trimmed as well.
Shedding Dogs Include (but not limited to): Labrador Retrievers. Boxers. Akitas. Siberian Huskies. Alaskan Malamutes. Corgies. German Shepherds. Golden Retrievers. Pomeranians. Chihuahuas. Pugs. Beagles. Pit Bulls. Dalmations. Dobermans. Rottweilers. Dachshunds. Collies. Shelties. Border Collies. Bernese Mountain Dogs. St. Bernards. Anatolian Shepherds. Australian Cattle Dogs.... and of course, mixed breeds of any of these breeds.
Corporate Pet Salons (Petsmart, Petco, etc) like to charge EXTRA for this process, which is the PROPER way these animals are groomed!
Regular and routine brushing at home are definitely crucial. However, regular PROFESSIONAL grooming is also a MUST.
Regular Professional Grooming=Cleaner, Happier, Healthier Dogs!
Shedding is a natural and necessary process for animals. But how much is too much? Does your dog seem to CONSTANTLY eject fur, year round?
Excessive shedding can be linked to dietary issues, stress, environmental influence, and grooming frequency.
If your dog sheds a lot, ask yourself these questions:
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What kind of dog food do I feed him? Is it high quality, or low quality? Consider changing his food, or adding a natural oil vitamin supplement.
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How often is he getting professionally groomed? If your answer is anything less than every 6-8 weeks, time to consider bumping that up.
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How often am I brushing him at home? If your answer is less than 3x a month, time to consider bumping that up, too.
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Does he have a skin condition or any other illness? Skin issues, Allergies, and certain health problems can amplify shedding.
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Is his body confused by constant temperature changes? When it's hot outside, we turn on the a/c. When it's cold, we turn on the heat.
Dogs' bodies react to their environment.
EXTREME DE-SHED MAKEOVER
"Kuma"
Double coated dogs such as German Shepherds, Huskies, Akitas, American Eskimos, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, Labradors, etc. will shed more than most dogs... and they will "blow coat" twice a year when the seasons change (spring, fall).
During "blowing coat" season, the soft, fluffy undercoat will start to clump up. You can usually pull some off it off with your hands.
Your Groomer will perform professional bathing, drying, brushing, and de-shedding techniques to get the maximum amount of shedding fur off your dog. The tools we have are much more effective than what pet owners can do themselves!
This is just what came out during a professional bath. A lot more than what you can accomplish in your bathtub... and you certainly do NOT want this going down your drain!
Finished and Fluffy!
A properly de-shedded dog will have a thinner coat, which will lay nicer and move more freely. He has his natural protection from heat and cold, but feels much better now that all that excess baggage is removed. His body can properly regulate his temperature and he is most comfortable and happy!