Did You Know?

 Natural or Medium coated dogs are protected by their layered coat. We will not shave your natural coated animal, however, we will shape it from underneath and        de-shed thoroughly in order to keep the separate layers intact and in their natural state. We aim to preserve 85% of their natural coat.

3 to 4 weeks is the optimal grooming interval for this type of coat with a heavy shedding twice yearly in June and December

 Shaving Short and Natural Coated Dogs

The hair (or coat) of cats and dogs protects and isolates their body helping to keep the pet’s inner temperature. A healthy coat prevents the body from wasting warmth and protects the pet against mosquitoes. The coat also acts as a protection against ultraviolet rays, heat, cold, humidity and all external agents. So essentially, a healthy coat, according to the breed, keeps the pet healthy. 

Each kind of coat has in fact its particular needs and a good groomer should be able to identify these needs and then give the right information on the matter.

Coat protects skin.

The skin glands produce a protective layer, which plays a fundamental role as a physical and chemical barrier for substances which are useful for the skin defenses. 

Short coats have the least amount of protection of any other type of coat. Double or natural coats also have a layered system of protection. Once we remove this protection by shaving the animal, we have taken away layers of protection that the animals skin has to keep the body healthy.  Shaving kills the primary hair that is the only type of hair that can properly carry the natural oils that are necessary for survival.  Shaving also raises the low critical temperature (the lowest temperature that the body can  survive if       encountering trauma) so in essence, we take away everything that helps keep a short or double coated animal healthy.  There are several options we have to maintain a  shedding coat.  Hydration is the key. If the skin is well protected, healthy and hydrated, this is the best case scenario for a minimally shedding coat.             

De-shedding treatments are very deep and healthy for the pet and can remove up to 95% of loose hair. We recommend this procedure instead of shaving.

Concern 1) “Bathing too often is bad for dogs and it dries out their skin.”

Due to current research and better formulation of products, dogs and cats can be washed regularly without damaging their skin.

Concern 2) “I can’t handle the shedding, please just shave it off!”

There are 2 major shedding times of the year that happen during the Solstices, June 21 and December 21. Off season shedding can happen when the coat is too dry and it breaks off or there is an underlying issue causing Alopecia or hair loss. The first issue can be alleviated with an extra hydration treatment while the second may need to be explored by your veterinarian. Shaving causes the hair to fall out in small sharp pieces that aggravate itching and allergies. Shaving also removes the protective hair covering that shields our pets from damaging UV rays, toxins, bacteria and pollutants that is then absorbed into their system.

Concern 3) “My dog is too hot; the hair has to come off.”

The hair is a natural wind and sun barrier and is essential in the movement of oils across the skin. Each hair follicle is attached to a muscle call the Erector Pili that raises and lowers the hair in a complex ventilation system to keep the pet cool in summer and warm in winter. Humans have melanin in our skin that darkens to protect us from the sun, our pets don’t have this in their skin, it is in their hair! Once we shave the hair barrier off there is no more protection.

Concern 4) “My dog’s hair grows too fast.”

Depending on the breed of your pet, there are techniques and products that can be used so the animals’ health and beauty is not compromised and the comfort of the owner is satisfied. Concern 5) “My dog hates being groomed; I don’t want to put him/her through this very often.”

Dogs love routine and are able to trust a groomer who is not a stranger. Frequent visits help soothe fears of the unknown and keeps the skin at a maximum level of health. Proper and ethical handling leads to a calm, happy pet. If your pet is afraid of going to the groomer, you should find out why. 

Concern 6) “He won’t let me brush him so he is always matted. Sorry!”

We offer free brushing and de-matting lessons! Another solution is to come in between grooms for a low cost brush out.

Concern 7) “Shave my pet, he/she has bad skin.”

“Bad skin” is a sign of imbalance and needs a hair covering to protect the skin and keep it properly oiled. If deeper issues are emerging, a veterinarian visit is always recommended.

Concern 8) “I have allergies, my pet needs to have short hair.”

Length of hair will not reduce allergies. Regular and proper cleansing of the skin is the only thing that will reduce the irritant that is sticking to your pet.

 We do not express Anal Glands

Anal glands are internal scent glands — some people refer to them as “anal sacs.” They are located between the layers of muscles that makeup the rectum and, when all is working right, they are naturally expressed,through the duct that connects the gland to the outside, each time a dog has a bowel movement. This is another way that a dog can mark their territory and leave a “smell signal” for any other dogs that may pass by their feces. Squeezing that’s done during anal gland expression, especially when done externally, can lead to inflammation which could result in scar tissue formation, further narrowing an already narrowed anal gland duct. Frequent anal gland expression, when it is not needed, can also weaken the surrounding muscles and result in a pet that cannot express their glands in a normal way. Anal glands are an internal organ that are under the jurisdiction of the vet. While we do check the region during the bath, in case of redness, swelling, or ulcerations, we will always refer you to your vet for this procedure.

Ear Hair Plucking

 While ear cleaning is included in your full groom or bath package, we may choose to forego ear plucking under the following circumstances: Unknown infection present, heavy hair growth within the canal. Heavy plucking may result in bacteria or fungus being able to enter the skin through the freshly plucked follicles, resulting in a possible ear infection. Please discuss ear plucking options with your groomer. 

Hand scissoring

This skill is honed by years of experience and practice. Coats and Tails are proud to include team members who can style your pure breed perfectly or create a unique Asian fusion trim to set your pet friend apart from the rest!

Hand Stripping

This technique is for wire coats and it helps them retain their wiry texture and vibrant color. These services are by appointment after an in-person consultation.