gs long haired

#1 08-05-11, 02:40 PM

Hi need abit of advice we have a rescue dog about 1 yr old and he's finding it hard to cope with the heat, it's only 27degs today but it will be in the high 30's come August I've asked a few friends about having him clipped not all over off course but they say NO have been brushing him twice a day as he's shedding quite abit not sure whats best any advice (we've always had Lab's in the past ) ps we live in Spain most of the time Wendy pearce

jesterjenn · #2 08-05-11, 02:46 PM

If it were my dog, I'd shave their tummy (still remaining his curtains, so it doesn't alter his look, but will cool him), and also trim back the hair at the back of his legs (feathers).

To me the welfare of the dog comes before vanity

(not saying that you think otherwise, just saying

)

super D · #3 08-05-11, 02:47 PM

Hi Wendy welcome to the forum.
We have other members who live in spain, hopefully they will be along soon to answer you.
As far as Im aware, you dont have GSD's trimmed, but rather get out the undercoat as much as you can, this time of year they will blow their coats, so there will be lots of tumble weed hair about xxx

Sully Monster · #4 08-05-11, 03:05 PM

i agree with jenn and would maybe suggest trimming their tummy fur.

I am not sure if this is true or not and would imagine someone will be able to set me straight but I have heard that the more you brush a dog the more their fur will grow?????

Matrix/Logan · #5 08-05-11, 03:18 PM

I believe if you clipper off their coat then it grows back woolier and thicker the next year round, which then just makes the problem worse!

I groom my 2 through with furminator and remove all the undercoat and they seem to cope okay with the heat, we just leave water in the paddling pool for them to dip into if they get too warm and have fans on inside so they can choose to lay near them if they want to. X

Beki where are you for advice?????? LOL

Sully Monster · #6 08-05-11, 03:22 PM

It is also worth noting that I think they have sweat glands on their pads so would be best to keep their feet trimmed and as has been said a paddling pool would no doubt go down well

Beki · #7 08-05-11, 03:27 PM

Im here!!!! lol

Yes Clipping it all off will make your problem worse and you will always have to clip them as it make the coat thicker also it stops the coat from shedding as it is shorter and thicker so all the dead coat gets trapped more,

Personally i would go for regular grooming out to make sure there is minimal dead coat, its actually this that makes the hot not the long guard hairs on the surface these actualy help control heat. Provide him a shadded area, get a fan for him and a paddling pool or similar but really really wouldnt advise clipping it.

Altho some may disagree this is my opinion based on my knowledge and experiences

#8 08-05-11, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beki

Im here!!!! lol

Yes Clipping it all off will make your problem worse and you will always have to clip them as it make the coat thicker also it stops the coat from shedding as it is shorter and thicker so all the dead coat gets trapped more,

Personally i would go for regular grooming out to make sure there is minimal dead coat, its actually this that makes the hot not the long guard hairs on the surface these actualy help control heat. Provide him a shadded area, get a fan for him and a paddling pool or similar but really really wouldnt advise clipping it.

Altho some may disagree this is my opinion based on my knowledge and experiences

Agree with Beki. A friend of mine clips her GSD underneath and his coat never looks right, just tufty and thicker so how can this be cool for the dog?

For mine I find removing the dead undercoat's the best option, with plenty of shade and access to water to lie down in.

Matrix/Logan · #9 08-05-11, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beki

Im here!!!! lol

Yes Clipping it all off will make your problem worse and you will always have to clip them as it make the coat thicker also it stops the coat from shedding as it is shorter and thicker so all the dead coat gets trapped more,

Personally i would go for regular grooming out to make sure there is minimal dead coat, its actually this that makes the hot not the long guard hairs on the surface these actualy help control heat. Provide him a shadded area, get a fan for him and a paddling pool or similar but really really wouldnt advise clipping it.

Altho some may disagree this is my opinion based on my knowledge and experiences

YAY!! Well done Beki, you arrived! LOL