Grooming Tips
De-Shedding
De-shedding is the process of removing hair from your pets undercoat which may not be effectively removed when you're brushing or combing even regularly, as these focus primarily on removing hair and debris from the top layer of the fur.
That’s why de-shedding can actually help reduce the amount of fur your pet sheds around your home because you remove the fur from the undercoat before it has a chance to shed.
De-Matting
What is a mat? A mat is essentially a mass of tangled hair. However mats can be comprised of burrs, barbs from plants, or other debris. Unlike a human’s hair, a dog’s hair mats from the skin up, so it’s important to comb from the skin up, not just brushing the top layer.
Mats can sometimes be difficult to remove and shaving may be your only option. Heavy matting can also trap moisture and urine near the pet’s skin, allowing mold, fungus, or bacteria to grow, and/or revealing skin irritations that existed prior to the grooming process.
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Matting can cut off blood supply to extremities, and deny regular air circulation. Skin denied fresh air and stimulation from regular brushing becomes quite unhealthy. It can turn dark pink to red, and open sores are apt to form emitting foul odors. Even organic matter, like weeds and stickers, can become embedded in the skin. Matts have been known to contain stool of the pet and even fly larvae that further irritate the skin. Remember, sometimes these mats and their consequences can be completely hidden from view.
We here at Ms. Barkley’s Organic Pet Grooming take proper precautions for the removal of mats, small or large. We will always do what is best for your pet and
make them as comfortable as possible!
Hand Stripping
Hand-stripping is the process of pulling the dead hair out of the coat of a non-shedding dog, usually by using a stripping knife. A hard, wiry coat has a cycle where it starts growing and then sheds as it reaches maximum length.
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Certain dog breeds more commonly have wiry coats and will require hand stripping to help them maintain a healthy coat. Some examples of these breeds are Schnauzer, Airedale, Carrier Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier, plus many more.
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Generally, a dog's coat should be hand stripped every four to six weeks, but if your pet's coat grows rather slowly, you can wait as long as eight weeks.
We'll be happy to discuss a routine depending on your dog's specific needs to keep them looking and feeling their best.