grooming

Q: I've got conflicting information, how short can you cut an American Eskimo dog's hair? Can you shave it? American Eskimo dog has a layered fur coat. People have told me that you cannot shave a dog like that. Is that true? Photo Credit: MitchD50/Flickr CC Answers and Views: Answer by WhyDoTheyDoThisToMe If you're shaving your dog for its comfort (hot summer) and you aren't showing it-- shave it all the way down. You can have a groomer do it for you if you don't have clippers large enough to handle the job. Answer by Icteridae Sure you can cut your Eskie down. Leave around 1 1/2 inches long so he doesn't sunburn. Keep in mind your Eskimo will look like a sheep for awhile — you're cutting off all the guard hairs and exposing the undercoat. Shaving also makes the coat temporary coarser until he sheds all those truncated guard hairs and has all new growth. That'll take a while. Answer by julie Do not shave them. This undercoat is to help cool them during the hot summer months. Helps keep them warm during winter. Can you trim them - yes. But their bodies were built with this kinda fur for a purpose. So don't think they're hot because they have that undercoat. It's there to protect them from both weather climates. Answer by Shelly I have an Eskie and I have never shaved his fur. If you are concerned about him/her being too hot in the summertime, he/she will be fine. Also, the coat protects your pet from sunburn. I like to brush my dog before walks, but sometimes, he is only brushed once a week. It doesn't take very long and it's a great bonding experience with your pet. One of the best physical attributes of this breed is the beautiful coat. Why would you want to shave it? Aren't Eskies (nickname for American Eskimo Dogs) awesome?!!!! Answer by Go Spurs Go If you live in a hot place, take the dog to a groomer and ask for a summer cut. They will shave your dog. Trust me, the dog will be happier, and there will be less of a risk for heatstroke. Answer by Ginny So very true. Our vet highly recommends that we shave our American Eskimo. Her body temperature was way too high. She feels better after her cut Answer by Kit_kat I am a professional groomer and I have shaved a few and other dogs with layered hair is Shih Tzu, Lhasa, Sheltie, and several others oh yes a Chows I have shaved all and I went to the N.Y. school of dog grooming and we shaved them there as well. Answer by abnormal2004 I agree with much of what you are hearing (okay, not "hearing" more like reading) already. My parents have a pomeranian and the vet said it is okay (in fact, it is beneficial) to shave him. Many dogs are afraid of the sound of the shears (or clippers), but others (like my parents' dog) find the vibrations soothing. And, like somebody before me said, if you have too much trouble invite a friend over to help or go to a vet or a groomer. Shaving is much kinder to the animal. Would you want to wear your winter jacket all summer if you had a choice? Dogs don't either, including American Eskimos. Know better? Give your own answer to this question!

grooming

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