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How To Shave A Golden Retriever

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Step 4: The Feet Trimming

Without trimming, your Golden will develop the slippers look on his feet. This is when long hair begins to grow past the legs. Trimming the legs is pretty simple. Using a pin brush or a comb, you want to brush your hair back to make your hair stand up. Using regular grooming scissors, youll simply trim the long hair so that its short, and youll put it nicely on the top of your foot.

Next, youre going to want to trim the long hair between the paw pads. Hold the paw in your hands and trim gently and carefully using regular scissors.

Golden Retriever Summer Cut A Complete Guide

As dog owners, were all aware that most dog breeds dont deal with heat particularly well especially those with long coats, such as the Golden Retriever. However, before contacting your local dog grooming salon or getting out the scissors yourself, its imperative that youre aware of precisely what you should and shouldnt do when giving your golden retriever a summer cut. 

Golden retrievers have a significant amount of hair. Although that is a very obvious trait to point out, it is actually this fact that leads some golden retriever owners to consider one thing they should never do: shave their dog. It may seem like an ingenious idea to remove the vast majority of your four-legged friends coat, but in reality, this isnt a good idea. Humans might opt for a shorter trim to make the baking heat of the summer months more bearable, but the same wisdom shouldnt be applied to a dogs coat. Before we discuss why shaving a dogs coat for summer isnt a wise idea, lets take a look at the Golden Retrievers coat in a little more depth. 

Given the characteristics of the coat, golden retrievers do require a lot of care and attention to ensure their coat is kept in tip-top condition. This breed commonly sheds twice per year in spring and fall, but they will shed throughout the year, albeit to a lesser extent.

Now weve taken a more detailed look at the coat of the Golden Retriever, lets discuss some tips and advice regarding grooming in the summer months.

What Should You Avoid Doing

Here are a couple of things youll definitely want to avoid doing. In fact, these can be damaging to your golden retriever, so theyre definitely best missed!

NEVER Shave Your Golden Retriever

You should never shave your golden retriever. It can permanently damage their fur, and cause them to have trouble insulating during the summer and winter months. Rarely do golden retrievers need to be shaven, but if they do, it should only be once its recommended by your vet.

Avoid Pills, Sprays, And Anything That Claims To Stop Your Pup Shedding

There are pills and sprays on the market that claim they can stop your golden retriever shedding so much. However, in most cases, this probably isnt true. And even if it is, you dont want it for your pup!

Shedding is natural and healthy for your golden retriever. If you try stopping it, its likely theyll suffer from health problems later down the line.

Instead of using pills and sprays, just accept that your golden retriever sheds a lot!

What Happens If I Shave My Golden Retriever

It doesnt matter for what reason you are shaving your golden retriever, it will put some negative effects on its body. However, if your retriever has some skin issues, then you may shave it but if you are thinking about shaving your retriever without any reason, then here are some things that might happen:

Step 8: Trimming Of The Bum Area

Should You Shave a Golden Retriever?  Golden Retriever ...

The hair along the bum area just below the tail is referred to as the pant. This is always the thickest and most fluffy part of the Golden Retriever. Using thinning shears, you can remove some bulk and shorten the length while leaving the feathering look.

Youre going to want your Golden to stand to trim this area. Start by brushing and then making a few cuts using thinning shears, then seeing how it looks. You might have to repeat the process a few times to get the look you want.

Shave Golden Retriever: Think Before You Do It

Have you ever thought about shaving your dog in the summer? Of course, youve got. People tend to go above and beyond their furry little companions. You may think youre doing them a favor by helping them keep cool in the summer, but shaving your dog may have the opposite effect as well. The most important thing you need to know before deciding to shave your dog is what kind of coat your dog has.

Yes, the type of coat your dog has will determine whether or not it should be shaved. So if youre thinking of shaving your dog, just remember that double-coated dogs shouldnt be shaved. Youre not going to help double-coated dogs keep cool by shaving their coat. You can make things worse for them instead.

Single-coated breeds like Poodles may have their fur shaved down to the skin or clipped, and it will grow back the way it was. However, the case for double-coated breeds is different. Not all dogs should be shaved, and were going to look at that in more detail below.

What Happens To Shaved Golden Retriever

A shaved golden retriever is always prone to different diseases and problems. A shaved retriever will catch more heat because it does not have its insulation to regulate the temperature.

If you are thinking that shaving the retrievers hair will stop the shedding, then you are highly mistaken. Shaving only exposes the retriever to different health problems.

Apart from this, a shaved golden retriever may lose its ability to grow its top layer back. However, the undercoat will grow but if the retriever is old, then he may face problems in getting the overcoat back.

Why Is Shaving A Golden Retriever A Terrible Mistake

When shaving a Golden Retriever, you put them in many risks: 

  • Overheating 
  • Vulnerability to fleas, ticks, and other parasites 
  • Increased risk of skin cancer 
  • Permanent damage to the coat
  • 1- Overheating 

    When you shave your Golden Retriever or any double-coated dog for this matter you will notice that their new hair will start to grow in and it will start to do so pretty quickly. This may seem like a good thing, but it really isnt.

    Why? Because what happens is that the undercoat will grow in first. The undercoat will grow soft, fuzzy hairs which are great for keeping your dog warm in winter months, but not so great for keeping them cool in the summer. 

    The guard hairs which belong to the topcoat are much slower to grow, so they will take more time to reach their full length. 

    During this long time through which the guard coats grow, it will be crowded on top of their skin as hair from both coats will be short and dense. 

    At this stage, the texture of the double coat will feel somewhat sticky and feels somehow like Velcro. Things like twigs and grass will constantly get stuck to the coat. 

    During the summer, however, the soft undercoat growing with the guard coat will stop the air from getting through the hair and to the skin as it normally does, so your dogs skin wont be able to cool down. Even worse, this new texture of the undercoat will absorb the suns rays and heat up, causing the dogs body temperature to quickly rise and overheat. 

    2. Red/Sore Spots

    Dog Shampoos For Golden Retrievers

    Not all dog shampoos are created equal, and not all are great for your Golden Retrievers coat. As an owner of many dogs, weve had the chance to try out all types of shampoos, so we feel confident making these recommendations.

  •   Our go-to shampoo for our Aussie, the Prop Pet Works is an all-natural dog shampoo made from oatmeal. It smells great and its gentle on the coat, meaning itd be perfect for the lush coats of Goldens.
  •   After hearing so much about the Earthbath, we eventually tried it out with our Corgi. Its also an all-natural oatmeal based shampoo and has been a time and tested shampoo with so many raving reviews. So far, so good!
  • Due to the sensitivity of the Goldens skin and coat, we recommend you only go with all-natural dog shampoos. Never use human shampoo, as itll be too rough on the skin of your dog.

    And while some will recommend using baby shampoo, we think its better to just be safe and go with dog shampoo. Its not terribly expensive and will last a good while.

    Why Would Someone Want To Shave A Golden Retriever

    I’ve heard two reasons from most people who shave or would like to shave a golden retriever…

    1. It’s cruel to let them wear that heavy fur when it’s this hot.

    False… It’s actually considerably more cruel to send your golden retriever outside with a shaved coat. Without their coat, they are not as equipped to regulate their body temperature and their skin is susceptible to the elements and way more likely to burn in the sun or develop irritated spots as they hair grows back.

    2. I’m sick of the shedding, this hair has to go!

    Please consider creating a brushing routine with your golden retriever first. Weekly combing with an undercoat rake paired with a daily brushing with a slicker brush will cut down your shedding problems SIGNIFICANTLY.

    Also, you did know golden retrievers shed before you got one right?

    Gives Protection From Sore Spots

    Sore spots usually appear on your dogs skin as moist, localized, reddish sores. Sore spots bring overwhelming discomfort to your dog, making it scratch, rub and lick the inflamed area. Sore spots in dogs are usually caused by parasites, allergies, injuries, or heavy friction.

    The double coat of your golden retriever not only protects it against sunburns but also reduces friction in sensitive areas of the dogs body.

    An example of this is how the long, soft coat under the legs of the golden retriever reduces friction when the dog is running through fields. The thick double layers of golden retrievers also help protect them from injuries, which may cause sore spots.

    Entangled coats tend to trap pus, parasites, and moisture, creating an ideal environment for sore spots. Regularly grooming your golden retriever prevents the coat from entangling, keeping the skin well ventilated and clear of parasites.

    This Groom Can Be The Perfect Answer For Golden Retriever Owners Who Want A Cut That Will Keep Their Dogs Cool In Hot Summer Weather

    • Anne Francis

    There has long been debate about cutting Golden Retrievers coats, and we try to educate our clients as much as possible about all sides of the argument. Still, many owners have made up their mind and want their dogs shaved down. In these cases, we compromise and use a snap-on comb and shears to do what we at our shop call the Golden “Teddy Cut.” 

    This months subject, Rory, has been groomed at our shop for eight years.  During colder times of the year, he is kept in a traditional Golden trim, but Rory is a big swimmer and enjoys a short do during warmer months. When we catch up with Kata longtime coworker of mine who is performing this groomRory has already been washed, dried with a high-velocity dryer and set under a room-temperature blower.

    Step 1: Finish Drying

    Use a high velocity dryer to blow out excess hair and damp spots.

    Step 2: Remove Dead Coat & Detangle

    Using a slicker brush and undercoat rake, move through the coat to make sure the coat is dry and tangle-free and all dead coat is removed.

    Step 3: Trim Nails

    Clip the nails and file smooth.

    Step 4: Trim Pads of Feet

    Clip the pads of the feet with a #30 blade.

    Step 5: Sanitary Trim

    Clip sanitary areas.

    Step 6: Clip Body

    Using a size “O” snap-on comb, clip the entire body of the dog, leaving the back of the front and rear legs, which will be scissored.

    Step 7: Blend Clipper Lines

    Use a carding knife to help blend any clipper lines.

    Step 8: Trim Tail

    Step 9: Trim Rear Legs

    Step 10: Trim Hocks

    Your Golden Retriever Has A Double

    His fur was matted so the groomer had to shave him he ...

    The thick water-repellent double coat of a Golden Retriever requires a lot of care to keep it looking its best. The coat consists of a dense undercoat of short hairs that are woolly in texture, and an outer coat of long hairs called guard hairs.

    You can blame your dogs undercoat for all of that heavy shedding!  It sheds heavily twice a year, in the spring and fall.  The rest of the year you will notice moderate shedding or hair turn-over.

    The undercoat and outer coat grow at different speeds and lengths from each other. The undercoat is shorter and grows faster whereas the outer coat is longer and grows slower.

    In extreme temperatures, the undercoat works as an insulator keeping your dog warm in cold, wet weather and cool in hot, and humid weather.

    The long guard hairs that make up the outer coat work to repel water and catch dirt and debris. The outer coat also protects your dog from the harmful UV rays.

    In the summer the undercoat is much thinner because of the shedding, and the outer coat will protect your Golden from sun and heat.

    Wouldnt It Make More Sense To Just Shave A Golden

    I always thought it would be a lot smarter and easier just to shave the pup to make him more comfortable in the summer months and reduce the mess around the house. It didnt take very long for me to learn, and that there is no good reason to shave a Golden.

    In addition to the obvious benefit of that thick coat keeping the dog warm during the winter months, it also acts as an insulator to keep him cool and comfortable in the hot summer months.

    Mother nature provided all that hair for a reason! It will protect the delicate skin that lies beneath from getting sunburned as well.

    If you are still concerned with the heat affecting the dog, there are different protective measures to be taken. Keeping your Golden indoors or providing ample shade during extreme heat is much better.

    Always be sure your dog has plenty of drinking and water as well. In fact, its a great idea to fill a kiddie pool with water to provide swim time.

    Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool In The Summer

  • Never leave your dog in the car 
  • Always carry water for them 
  • Provide shelter 
  • Get them a cooling pad 
  • Take them swimming
  • Plan your walks 
  • There is actually a lot more to protecting your pup from the hot weather. To learn more, check out how can golden retrievers live in the hot weather article here. I highly recommend checking it out as the 13 tips mentioned there are very useful and are explained in much more depth than here.

    Never leave your dog in the car 

    Cars can get very hot in the summer even when parked in the shade with the windows left often. The temperature in cars can get incredibly hot in minutes, and can even be 15-30 degrees hotter than the outside in a matter of 10-15 minutes. 

    This can happen even with the windows open. Some people would recommend leaving the air conditioning on, but this will only happen if you leave the keys on or if you have certain cars and is not practical for most people not to mention safe. 

    Dogs can still get distressed when left in the car alone for long times even if the air conditioner is on, so I really recommend against leaving your dog in the car alone for any reason. 

    Carry water for them 

    Just like you wouldnt go on a walk without water for yourself, you shouldnt go outside without carrying water for them. Bring along a bottle of water just for your dog. 

    I personally found to be the perfect size for my 30-minute walks with my dog.

    Provide Shelter 

    You can check my recommended dog houses here.

    Let them inside

    Take them swimming 

    Ears Eyes And Skin Care

    The Goldens coated and floppy ears are susceptible to ear infections, says Talbott. Check the ears once a week for debris and infection and clean if necessary.

    Goldens who like to swim will need more frequent ear checks, as the water gets deep inside the ear and makes them more prone to infections. After swimming, thoroughly dry the inside of the ears with cotton balls.

    According to Talbott, Goldens are not susceptible to dry skin, but fleas will quickly produce allergies and hot spots. Keeping your Golden flea-free is crucial, she says.

    Signs And Symptoms Of Lymphoma:

    Often the dog with lymphoma will present with swollen lymph glands somewhere. Early warning signs to look for are: weight loss, disinterest in food, vomiting, fever, and depression. In some cases, there will be additional signs of increased thirst and urination, and an erratic pulse.

    There is also a blood test that can be performed that is highly accurate in detecting lymphoma. This test needs just 1ml of blood and involves multiple bio-marker technology, which is used for detecting cancers in humans. This blood test has been developed by Pet Screen, and does not involve sedating your pooch. Your local vet should be able to provide you with more information.

    Bathing: Step By Step

    Bathing your dog is less complicated than you think. If you want to give your Golden Retriever the perfect bath, follow these steps:

  • Brush your dogs coat before bathing him. Brushing prior to the bath allows the shampoo and water to reach every part of the coat with greater ease.
  • Shampoo your dog and lather it all over their body, gently rubbing to ensure the skin is washed. You might consider using a soft sponge. Wash off the shampoo thoroughly, ensuring none remains in the folded parts like under the legs or ears.
  • Dry your Golden Retriever with a towel. Wet fur is prone to breakage and tangling, so ensure your Golden is well dried after a bath. A blow drier on low heat can be used once a towel has absorbed the dripping water. Remember not to overdo it and to follow the pattern of the fur.
  • Brush again. While brushing is important before the bath to loosen the fur for the shampoo and water, its also important post-bath to complete the grooming procedure. An undercoat brush can be used to ensure all the fur is combed, including the shorter fur near the skin. Make sure that your Goldens fur is completely dry before brushing.
  • Shave Golden Retriever: Should You Do It

    Most people end up making the mistake of shaving their dog when the summer comes, but some dogs are not meant to be shaved. The idea behind shaving the dogs coat is that it will help keep the dog cool, but it depends on what kind of dog you have and their coat. There have been numerous instances of people shaving their dogs coat and permanently destroying it. It might seem like a good idea to shave your dog for the summer. However, you should be careful because it may be one of the worst things you can do at the expense of your dog.

    Pro Tips For Controlling Seasonal Shedding

    There are a lot of surprisingly simple things you can do to stay on top of the shedding situation. I found that by poking around in a few Golden Retriever forums, you can find years and years of experienced breed owners sharing their valuable secrets and wisdom.

    Here are a few of the fur fighting tips Ive learned from longtime owners of Golden Retrievers:

    You cant beat the wisdom of people who have cared for and loved Goldens for decades.

    Puppy Old Golden Retriever 77 Days

    The fluffiest golden retriever I have ever seen!! And he ...

    If your 11-week-old puppy is not showing you all the trouble he can, he will. At 11 weeks old, he should consume approximately 2 cups per day. However, he might also eat as much as he can.

    Make sure to sweep your floors regularly and to watch the puppy whenever hes outside. If your veterinarian is concerned that your dog ate something potentially dangerous, you should call them immediately.

    To Shave Or Not To Shave Your Golden Retriever>

    Golden Retrievers are renowned for their long and luscious coats which protects them from the cold of winter. People living in areas that are prone to hot weather tend to assume that their Golden Retriever will overheat during summer due to that thick and long coat. The common solution most of them come up with is shaving the coat off. But should you really shave the coat of your furry friend?

     

    That is a question we will answer in greater detail below, along with what you should do instead of shaving off their long and luscious fur coat.

     

    Brushing Your Golden Retriever

    The golden coat that gives this breed its name is both gorgeous and fluffy. This coat has a double layer: the extensive inner layer and the thick and water-repellant topcoat .

    Golden Retrievers shed heavily two times per year and moderately throughout. Their undercoat thickens to adapt to the winter cold, and the outer coat sheds to weather the summers heat.

    Daily brushing helps, but shedding all over the house is just part of owning a large hairy dog. Our Goldens arent too bad most of the year, except in spring when they blow their coats.

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    If you want to rid the coat of loose fur and keep the dog properly groomed, you should perform regular brushing at least once every week. More frequent brushing is welcomed but weekly should be the bare minimum.

    If you brush more frequently, make sure to be gentle. While brushing is great for the coat, it can be rough on the sensitive skin of Golden Retrievers.

    You should consider brushing your Golden Retriever outside the house so that loose fur doesnt cover the floor of your home. Trust me, there will be a lot. Vacuuming the fur can be difficult especially if you have a carpet.

    Why You Should Avoid Shaving Your Golden Retriever

    There are tons of reasons you shouldnt shave your golden retriever. Here are some of the main ones:

    Shaving Wont Cool Your Dog Down

    Most people think that when you shave your dog youre going to help cool them down. However, the truth is this isnt the case. The double coat has evolved over thousands of years not just to keep your golden retriever warm in the winter, but to help keep them cool in the summer as well.

    Of course, there are always going to be days that are too hot for your golden retriever, but that doesnt mean you should shave their fur off. There are plenty of other things you can do as well .

    Their Fur Helps Protect Them From Bites

    When was the last time a mosquito bit your head? The reason it doesnt happen is that your hair protects you from their bite. The same is true with your golden retrievers fur. But when you shave their fur off you open them up to a whole range of bug bites.

    You May Permanently Damage Their Fur

    As you know already, when you shave your retrievers coat, you risk permanently damaging their fur. Youll never know how their coat is going to grow back and whether it will grow back properly. Sometimes the undercoat and overcoat grow into each other, and then neither work as they should.

    And the older your golden retriever is when you shave them, the less likely it is their fur will grow back the way that it should.

    The Shedding Doesnt Stop

    Your Dog Will Suffer From Skin Damage

    You Might Make Your AllergiesWorse

    What You Should Know Before Shaving Your Dog

    Have you ever thought about shaving your dog when summer arrives? Of course, you have. People tend to go above and beyond for their furry little companions. You may think that youre doing them a favor by helping them keep cool in summer but shaving your dog can have the opposite effect as well. The most important thing you should know before you decide to shave your dog is what type of coat your dog has.

     

    Yes, the type of coat your dog has will determine if they should be shaved or not. So, if youre thinking about shaving your dog, just remember that double-coated dogs shouldnt be shaved. You will not help double-coated dogs to keep cool by shaving their coat. Instead, you can make things worse for them.

     

    Single coated breeds like Poodles can have their fur shaved down to the skin or clipped and it will grow back again the way it was. However, the case is different for double-coated breeds. Not all dogs should be shaved, and we are going to look at that in greater detail below.

     

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