Re: grooming question
In a message dated 8/3/2003 11:06:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: and keep rinsing until the water runs clear of hair debris and soap suds... Hello everyone, Water pressure is a problem at our house and getting all of the soap and debris out used to be quite a chore. While I don't usually plug products, we did come across an item at a dog show that has helped us out a lot in the bathing process. If you are interested go to www.dogwashcompany.com and check out the pet nozzle and hose. There are about 7-8 different nozzle setting and directions that work great. Best wishes, Robin Hamme ShadyOak BMDs Evansville, IN, USA
RE: grooming question
Hi Natalie, A bath this time of year will loosen the undercoat and cause matts in the fur. With the accompanying dampness this sets up the right environment for hot spots. Before bathing the dog should be combed out thoroughly and even then matting can occur. Always best to blow dry and use a slicker brush while doing so to help blow out the dead coat. Now you have a lot of work to get those clumps out so use a slicker and keep surface brushing and then work down in the layers, do not drag a comb through as the dog will resent it quickly. You can buy a matt comb to help or just use the end of the comb to gently pick at the clumps starting at the outside and working in. One of the best investments a Berner owner can make is to buy a Commodore Blow Dryer, they vary in type and price and can be used without bathing the dog to facilitate layer brushing and getting the dead hair out as well and a good tool to have to dry them. Also you can buy coat dressing which you spritz on and that may help with the stubborn bits. My afternoon is prepping two hairy bears for their summer bath so I'll be thinking of you while I stand with my wind machine running:-)) Rose T. -Original Message- From: Natalie Waters Seum [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: August 2, 2003 9:33 PM To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List Subject: grooming question Greetings - I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. We gave George a bath today at a grooming facility and decided to let him dry naturally... the room was a bit warm. Seven hours later he is close to dry, but I've just discovered terrible mats across his back and on both shoulders. Could this be because we didn't blow dry him? He's never had mats in that area - only a bit behind his ears. I worked on him with a comb for about a half hour - until he was obviously uncomfortable. I'll resume trying to get them out tomorrow - any advice? Many thanks, Natalie and George (Mom, I've had enough already... a brushing, bath and combing all in the same day... ph-lease.)
Re: Grooming Question
Natalie. This happened to my berner-boy, Ian, once when I had him groomed at a grooming facility. They neglected to brush out his bib area and I spent a few days getting all the mats out. Since then, Ian is brushed well, and all mats gotten out before he is bathed. To help you get the mats out, try spraying some conditioner on them as you comb. Brushing seems to just make the mats worse. You may have to use thinning scissors or even cutting out some of the mats. Give George a big hug and lots of love, Carol Slider in NC with Ian and Anna, who has no coat right now (easy to bath and dry!) - From: Natalie Waters Seum [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: grooming question Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 20:33:28 -0500 Greetings - I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. We gave George a bath today at a grooming facility and decided to let him dry naturally... the room was a bit warm. Seven hours later he is close to dry, but I've just discovered terrible mats across his back and on both shoulders. Could this be because we didn't blow dry him? He's never had mats in that area - only a bit behind his ears. I worked on him with a comb for about a half hour - until he was obviously uncomfortable. I'll resume trying to get them out tomorrow - any advice? Many thanks, Natalie and George (Mom, I've had enough already... a brushing, bath and combing all in the same day... ph-lease.) -- End of BERNER-L Digest 4526 ***
Re: grooming question
Possible causes: he wasn't brushed out prior to the bath Is your dog in the midst of blowing coat? Good idea to get all loose hair out prior to bathing. and keep rinsing until the water runs clear of hair debris and soap suds... Did you rinse ALL the soap out? Did you use a HIGH QUALITY shampoo and dilute it appropriately and/or use conditioner? MOST Human shampoos are not meant for dogs... (DAWN dish soap strips the hair of all natural oils- that's why they use it on animals caught in oil slicks) Many grocery store shampoos (hartz products for example) are essentially useless... works for a beagle not for a Berner Did he roll on carpeting or grass and dirt post bath? A good pin brush ought to help you remove the mats... SOLUTION: don't brush the coat dry- mist with water not saturate... use a pin brush, or rake if he is shedding , or large ['greyhound']comb to gently comb through the coat. work one section at time. comb in long strokes; use a good leave in conditioner (actually, Paul Mitchell leave in conditioner works pretty well- only a small drop is really necessary) CAUTION: 7 hours to dry?? IF it is humid out; this is the perfect environment for hot spots to form...also leaving soap in the coat can dry and irritate the skin... hope this helps... ~Rebecca (owned by Bernese since 1989) Canine-Corner from hair to heel Grooming; Training *free* Breeder-Referral Service Owner/groomer/Trainer/BMD Breeder CGC evaluator The Home of: CC-Bernese Red Hook, NY [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.canine-cornerbmd.com (currently under construction) A DOG IS THE ONLY RELATIVE YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE SO CHOOSE WISELY! -Original Message- From: Natalie Waters Seum [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: August 2, 2003 9:33 PM To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List Subject: grooming question Greetings - I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. We gave George a bath today at a grooming facility and decided to let him dry naturally... the room was a bit warm. Seven hours later he is close to dry, but I've just discovered terrible mats across his back and on both shoulders. Could this be because we didn't blow dry him? He's never had mats in that area - only a bit behind his ears. I worked on him with a comb for about a half hour - until he was obviously uncomfortable. I'll resume trying to get them out tomorrow - any advice? Many thanks, Natalie and George (Mom, I've had enough already... a brushing, bath and combing all in the same day... ph-lease.)
