LoveToKnow Dogs:Custom Grooming Advice

You're actually going to have to wait until your dog grows his winter coat. Right now, it sounds like you're looking at a combination of the hair cut and the lack of undercoat during the warm season. It's going to take longer than a month to see much change, but your dog will eventually regain that lovely full coat you miss so much right now. With the Pom heritage, you can expect to see this type of coat transition every year, but it will come back.

Thanks for your question. :) - posted by:Kelly

I'm not aware that shaving any dog causes permanent damage to the coat. They certainly look different for a long time to come, but the fur does grow back. Sometimes the texture is a little different, so perhaps that is what Border Collie enthusiasts are guarding against.

That said, there are valid reasons for shaving a dog. If the dog has become terribly matted, it may be kinder to clip rather than put the animal through the pain of dematting.

There are also valid reasons to refrain from clipping a dog. Double coats are designed to protect a dog's skin from the elements, and this includes heat and sunlight. Some owners believe they are relieving a dog from the heat when they are actually removing the dog's insulation from it.

These are all things to consider when trying to decide whether to have your dog clipped. It all comes down to what is right for your situation.

Thanks for your question. :) - posted by:Kelly

If the licking is only going on for a day or two after you clip the hair, the skin may just be a little irritated from the grooming and this is fairly common. I always recommend keeping the hair on the muzzle short enough that it doesn't interfere with eating. However, if this is a daily recurring problem, I don't think the hair is really the cause.

There's a chance that something under the skin, on the inside of the lip or possibly even on the gums underneath is causing irritation that leads to the licking. Under very good light, I want you to carefully go over each of these areas to see if you notice any irritated skin, odd patches or growths. I also want you to look up your dog's nostrils, just in case something has been inhaled.

If you can't find the source of the irritation yourself, I recommend that you ask your vet to examine your pet. There's an outside chance that this behavior is caused by some sort of allergy.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you're able to figure out what's going on. Best wishes. - posted by:Kelly

There are several ways to go about giving your dog an oatmeal bath. First, you can simply shampoo your dog with an oatmeal shampoo. Most pet supply stores carry this kind of product, and I believe Aveeno also makes an oatmeal shampoo that would be perfectly fine to use on your Yorkie. You can use this product as your would during any ordinary bath.

As a second method, you could put about two cups of uncooked oatmeal in a nylon stocking, and let the warm water run over it as you fill a tub. Let the stocking float in the water, and soak your dog in the water for a good ten to fifteen minutes. If your dog has any particularly raw/itchy spots, you can gently press the oatmeal filled stocking against this are to provide more direct relief. Let the water out of the tub and rinse your dog off. Use a towel to soak up excess moisture, but avoid rubbing your dog or this may set off another round of itching. You can blow dry your dog on a warm setting, and just run your fingers through the hair for the most part. When you do finally brush out your dog's hair, be gentle so the bristles don't irritate the skin.

Thanks for your question. - posted by:Kelly

The tummy area is quite sensitive, so mats located here are especially painful when brushed. Unfortunately, your dog's lack of cooperation makes it difficult for even a seasoned groomer to shave them off without a little razor burn involved, especially if your dog is matted to the skin.

Yes, the Oster A5 is the clipper of choice. Make sure you purchase a can of Cool Lube spray as well. You need to spray your clipper blade periodically as you are shaving your dog, and this will reduce the chances of a burn. The blade becomes quite warm due to friction, and the Cool Lube instantly reduces friction and cools the blade. The product is not harmful to your dog's skin should any happen to get on it.

I think this advice should help you get the job done, but you may need a second person to help hold your dog while you work. Good luck! - posted by:Kelly