False collective beliefs might be discovered in all places—even within the pet grooming business. Some are humorous, some make us shake our heads in disbelief and others are simply extremely irritating. So, after some brainstorming with different groomers, I got here up with a listing of grooming- and pet-related myths which were round too lengthy and wish debunking.
1. Washing canines too usually will dry out their pores and skin and coat.
This widespread fable might be discovered in lots of breed-specific books. Homeowners are cautioned to solely wash their canine if needed, and definitely no more than each few months. When clients ask about this, I level out that the glowingly-healthy, lovely canines they see trotting round present rings are sometimes bathed weekly, and a few extra continuously than that. Then I clarify that trendy, high-quality pet shampoos are designed to be mild on the pores and skin and coat whereas washing away dust, sebum and dander. I additionally discuss in regards to the significance of conditioning the coat after bathing.
2. Pet Shampoo is a unique pH than human merchandise.
Grooming educator Barbara Fowl handily slew this fable years in the past, however many groomers nonetheless broadly accepted it. Fowl examined the pH of over 50 merchandise and charted the pH ranges. Her examine additionally inlcudes every little thing you ever wished to learn about pH in pet shampoos.1
3. Clean-coated canines shed lower than different breeds.
Shedding is the results of the animal’s hair development cycle. Quick hair has a quick development cycle. So, from the time it emerges from the follicle till it dies and sheds out, that is the quick interval. This explains why Pugs, Dobermans, Dalmatians and different canines with quick coats shed lots! On the same word, many individuals (even some groomers) don’t imagine that short-haired canines want skilled grooming. Certainly, common bathing, brushing, ear and nail care are important for smooth-coated breeds.
4. Some breeds (or mixes) of canines are hypoallergenic.
Individuals who undergo from canine allergy symptoms could have much less of a response to some canines than others, however there isn’t any genuinely hypoallergenic canine breed. Typically, the canine’s dander and saliva are the culprits that trigger individuals to have opposed reactions, and all breeds produce dander and “drool.” Low-shedding breeds could produce much less dander than higher-shedding breeds and could also be extra tolerable for some individuals.2
5. Some breeds (or mixes) don’t shed.
If a canine has hair, it would shed. For instance, canines with lengthy hair (e.g., Outdated English Sheepdogs, Shih Tzu and Poodles) have hair which will keep within the development (anagen) part for a number of years, however because of this shedding is barely noticeable, not nonexistent.
6. Canines which might be half Poodle don’t shed.
Canines blended with Poodles are topic to the whim of genetics. Some “doodle” mixes shed little or no (see #5), however others shed simply as a lot because the Golden, Labrador, Bernese Mountain Canine or different shedding breeds that make up the remainder of the canine’s gene pool.
7. Cats bathe themselves.
Whereas it’s true that cats spend a number of time licking their coats, it’s not the equal of a very good bathtub. Many cats profit from skilled grooming. A correct shampoo, conditioning, fluff-dry and comb-out go away cats wanting, feeling and smelling superb.
8. Canines don’t must be groomed as usually within the winter.
Might pet house owners imagine their canines have to go longer between grooming appointments when the climate is chilly to ensure they keep heat. The issue with this logic is that stretching the time between grooming visits usually ends in matted fur. Matted fur doesn’t insulate properly and will entice moisture, inflicting the canine to really feel the coolness much more. Apart from this, tangles pull and are uncomfortable for the pet. If the canine wears a sweater or coat, it will increase the prospect of mats forming until the pet proprietor could be very devoted with a brush and comb. I encourage my clients to maintain their pets on common appointments, particularly in the event that they wish to go away the fur longer for chilly climate.
9. Utilizing a conditioner makes canines dry extra slowly.
In line with grooming educator Christein Pearson, this fable most likely “began again within the day when our restricted selections for topical conditioners sometimes had a number of heavy, waxy components that took without end to fully rinse out and sometimes coated the hair leaving it limp and oily. Formulators have since moved away from such components.” As an alternative, trendy conditioners {smooth} the cuticle, permitting water to be blown out of the coat extra effectively.
10. Puppies shouldn’t get their hair minimize till they’re at the very least six months previous.
It is a fable that each groomer I do know would like to see turn out to be extinct. I encourage clients to convey puppies in as quickly as they’ve their second set of vaccines, even when it’s for nothing greater than a nail trim, a deal with and a few affectionate pats on the grooming desk. Early, common visits assist acclimate puppies to the grooming course of. If the pet proprietor needs the pet to be groomed however the coat left lengthy, that’s completely high-quality. Instructing the pet bathtub and desk manners is useful in shaping habits for the remainder of the canine’s life. Nonetheless, if the proprietor needs the pup’s hair to be trimmed, no hurt will come.
Myths are memorable and protracted. Debunking them might be difficult. The following time you might be introduced with a grooming fable, attempt to assist the individual sharing it study the reality. Perhaps we are able to even lastly slay that one about puppies not needing to be groomed till they’re sufficiently old to go to varsity. ✂️
References:
1. The pH of Pet & Human Shampoos. (2012, Sept., 29). GroomBlog. http://groomblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-ph-of-pet-human-shampoos.html
2. The Low-Down on Hypoallergenic Canines. (2015, Dec., 11). Tufts College. https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/information/the-low-down-on-hypoallergenic-dogs/
