The number one issue between pet owners and groomers is whether their pet has mats. There is a varying degree of matting. The factors involved in judging the degree are: surface area, thickness, and density. Besides the degree of matting, the dog’s coat type determines the ease of dematting. Terriers have a harder coat, this makes it easier to brush out. Goldendoodles have softer coats and typically come in matted.

Before mats develop, they are just dead hair falling out and getting caught in longer hair. This is were the proficiency of the owner’s at home maintenance comes into the equation. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pet, is be realistic about how much brushing and combing you want to do and how good you are. You can have a haircut at a length you can maintain or have your pet groomed more often. The cycle of BBN(Bath, Brush, and Nails), BBN, Shave down, and start over, is not necessary. By finding a haircut you like, at a length your pet and groomer likes, you can break this cycle. We groomers hate being the bad guy and being set up for failure. Dematting hurts, we do our best to not cause pain, but depending on the degree of matting there is some hair pulling.

So when you are looking at that show dogs with long flowing hair or full fancy haircut, think about what it takes to keep up with that style.

Yes, dry itchy skin is a problem in Colorado. But, we also have fleas, lice, and ticks in Colorado. So, is it dry skin or is it bugs? How can you tell? The easiest and simplest way to tell is if the “flakes” are all the same shape and the dog is constantly scratching. In this case, it could be lice.

With each summer we groomers are seeing an increase in the number of cases. My own personal theory is more dogs are going to open spaces and doggy daycare, and at the same time wildlife are losing their inner city homes and moving into our yards.

The good news about lice, as opposed to fleas, is that they are species specific and live their whole lives on the dog. The bad news is that there are two types (biting and sucking), and killing them is more complicated. It takes shampoo, dips and a precise schedule.

You should let your veterinarian or groomer treat your dog because these shampoos and dips are poisonous and can harm your pet if accidently misused.

This is an article about lice that I found helpful: Dog lice - lice in dogs - Article on Pets.ca. But, just like I said, check with your veterinarian before you treat dog lice yourself.

Poor little Beignet is saying ”Orevwa” to her unwelcome guests.