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To shave or not to shave....

1/16/2017

9 Comments

 
When I was starting to groom we were all taught to shave every pad as short as possible. When I started showing and competing as a groomer with American Cockers I was told NOT to shave the pads out completely.
It was confusing to say the least.
Now, the newest thinking on the subject of shaving out pads is less scooping MAY be better in some dogs.
Leaving the hair in the pads (provided its not matted of course) and only trimming it flush with the pad or a very scoop in the pad area is more on trend now because we are beginning to realize that the hair is actually there to protect the tender skin between the toes.
In cocker spaniels and other dogs prone to yeast, shaving the pads really tight can easily result in a yeast infection being able to take root in the pads. Dogs who lick their feet are less likely to cause bleeding and sores in the foot itself if a little hair is left. The pad is less likely to be damaged by foreign objects in the environment as well if there is a little bit of hair.
Some people use the clipper to take out just a little hair and others use shears to do it.
Here is a picture of a foot done with no scooping, only a blade used to level it off.




If you are using shears, and I do it a lot with shears, use short shears you can control. I use curved shears turned BACKWARDS with the points towards me, to make it less likely I will cut a dog.
If the dog is antsy or tends to kick, then use a 40 blade and just skim the pads without going in between the pads and toes. This will also minimize irritation.
Dogs that lick their feet can actually cause yeast and bacterial infections to continue and sometimes, not shaving the pads out, will stop this behavior.
YES some dogs need to have their pads shaved out but not every dog does.
It DOES NOT make you any less professional to skim or scissor pads! It makes you a caring person that is doing what is best for your clients.
And isn't that what we want to do?? The best job we can for our clients.


Picture
9 Comments
iCleanDogwash Team link
1/20/2017 12:32:30 am

I love this article. This is very well written. You have truly enriched me with some excellent knowledge.

Reply
Local Pet Groomer link
1/22/2017 06:15:20 pm

Thank you for this article. I have been in the mobile grooming business for a couple of years now and was also taught to not shave the pads out completely. As a matter of fact I learned it from a guy who had a cocker spaniel who ended up with a bad yeast infection. I find I constantly have to explain this to customers and educate them on the importance of this hair. Thank you for a well written article. Please keep them coming.

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Dave link
4/1/2017 05:40:13 pm

I totally know what you're talking about.

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Wood"RUFF" Pet Resort & Spa link
1/31/2017 08:21:32 pm

Thank you! This is helpful information!

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denita messak
3/8/2017 04:12:12 pm

I've been trying to order from your site but no way can I get to the cart.. I add items to it but can't get there to check out... is something broken or am I just not doing something right... no way I see to contact either

thank you in advance

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Audrey link
4/4/2017 02:33:15 am

I am happy to read your article.
Thanks for share the article.
Thank you so much.

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Nonso link
5/2/2017 01:20:50 am

I learnt a lot about how to treat my pet specially

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Dog Groom Arena link
5/8/2017 04:37:49 am

Nice tips, I will be visiting to learn more guide

Reply
electric scooter for kids link
3/24/2020 12:45:13 am

Amy really liked her friend’s scooter, and we did too, we felt like shopping around a bit was the right thing to do. We started our search online

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    Author

    Debi Hilley is a dog groomer with a passion for teaching. Watch her videos and read her posts on speed, techniques, products for the professional groomer.

    A cause near and dear to me is childhood hunger. Please donate in the name of groomingsmarter this holiday season. It would mean the world to me!!!

    No Kid Hungry

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