MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
As temperatures rise and spring transitions into summer, local veterinarians are urging pet owners to pay close attention to their animals’ grooming needs—especially for those breeds with dense undercoats.
Dr. John Austin, a practicing veterinarian, says now is an ideal time to start grooming pets, particularly dogs, to remove their heavy winter coats and help them stay cool in the warmer months.
“We’re seeing a lot of dogs come in with tufts of fur falling out, especially double-coated breeds like Huskies, German Shepherds and Labradors,” Austin said. “These dogs have an outer layer of long, light hair and a tight, dense undercoat. That undercoat doesn’t shed easily on its own.”
Austin recommends a basic steel comb—medium or wide-toothed and with non-bending bristles—as the best tool for tackling shedding. “There are a lot of brushes and gadgets out there,” he said, “but a solid steel comb is really the gold standard for getting that undercoat out.”
Grooming can be a time-consuming task, requiring patience and persistence. “You might comb for weeks and still feel like you’re not making progress, because that hair just keeps coming,” Austin said. “But that’s why those dogs can lay in the snow and be content. That thick coat is insulation.”
While some pet owners opt to shave their dogs to save time, Austin cautions that shaving isn’t always the right choice. Certain breeds—such as Chows, Huskies, and St. Bernards—rely on their coats not just for warmth, but for protection from the sun.
“If you shave those breeds, you can disrupt their natural cooling process,” Austin said. “Worse, their hair sometimes doesn’t grow back correctly—or at all.”
Austin advises checking with a knowledgeable groomer or veterinarian before shaving any dog. “A good groomer will know which breeds are okay to clip and which ones are not,” he said.
In cases where dogs or cats become severely matted, professional intervention may be necessary. “With cats, we sometimes need to sedate them to safely shave off mats,” Austin said. “The mats can get so tight, it’s like having your hair pulled 24/7. It’s painful and can lead to skin problems.”
He recalled instances where shaved mats stood up like a thick carpet. “It’s no wonder the animals feel better after,” he added.
For long-haired cats like Himalayans, Austin recommends the “lion cut,” which leaves the head, paws, and tip of the tail furry while shaving the rest. “It not only helps the cat feel more comfortable, it also gives us a better look at their skin and allows us to identify any rashes or issues early,” he said.
Grooming, whether at home or professionally done, is essential to animal health. “Pets can’t do it themselves—especially long-haired breeds. Nature didn’t design them that way,” Austin said. “As owners, it’s our job to help them stay healthy and comfortable.”
Austin emphasizes the value of experienced groomers, noting the labor-intensive nature of their work. “Spending hours combing out a dog from head to tail isn’t a $30 job—it’s hard work and it’s worth every penny,” he said.
Before making grooming decisions, he urges pet owners to consult their veterinarian or a qualified groomer. “It’s all part of being a responsible pet owner,” Austin said. “You’ve got to do your part.”