Dogs With Short Hair Benefit From Grooming, Too
Sometimes people think of grooming as being only for long-haired dogs. Indeed, long-haired dogs should go to the groomer so their hair can be trimmed and tidied up. However, groomers do not just work on long-haired dogs. Most are happy to work on short-haired dogs, too. And there are some benefits your short-haired dog can enjoy from regular grooming visits. Take a look:
Undercoat Shedding
Many short-haired dogs essentially have two layers of hair. There is their overcoat, which is what you see and pet, and then there is their undercoat, which is the softer, fluffier hair closer to their skin. Dogs shed their undercoat, but it can get stuck and be hard to remove because it is under the overcoat. A groomer will have special brushes to remove your dog's shedding undercoat. Some groomers even have specific "shower wands" they can use to remove the undercoat while bathing a dog. It's a good idea to take your short-haired dog to the groomer in the spring, during shedding season, so their undercoat can be removed.
Mat and Tangle Removal
The undercoat can also develop mats and tangles. You may notice these when you pet your dog. They can feel like little, raised lumps or bumps. They are tough to remove because they form so close to your dog's skin. However, they tend to make dogs feel itchy and sore. A groomer will have special scissors and shavers that they can use to remove these mats and tangles. Not only will this make your pup more comfortable, but it will help protect against skin damage and skin infections.
Nail Trimming
If you trim your own dog's nails, then this one may not be so important. But many dog owners struggle to trim their own dog's nails, either because their pups are squirmy or they don't know where to cut. A groomer should be happy to do this for you. It is standard during a grooming session, and most groomers offer it as a separate service, too. Keeping your dog's nails well trimmed helps ensure they can walk comfortably. It also keeps them from scraping up your floors.
Grooming is not just for long-haired dogs. Short-haired dogs can also benefit from being groomed from time to time. Reach out to a dog grooming provider near you if you'd like to learn more about their services. Every groomer does things a little bit differently, and it's nice to talk to them in person.