The days are growing longer; the groundhog says we will have an early spring, and heavy-shedding double-coated dogs are getting ready to blow those coats! Once pet owners see clumps forming, they will call to schedule a grooming appointment. If you have many of these dogs on your client list, your arms and shoulders are already bracing themselves for the onslaught.
There are products and tools that make the job so much easier! For example, the proven three-step system offered by Best Shot Products. Featuring Ultra Wash shampoo, Ultra Plenish conditioner, and Ultra Max finishing spray, these three products work together to almost magically unlock webby, shedding fur. Bonus point: the company discloses all ingredients that go into their products.
Begin by putting the Golden Retriever, Huskey, Keeshond, Samoyed, or other super sheddingdog right into the bathtub. Use Ultra Wash as directed (it dilutes 7:1 but can be used at a 3:1 dilution on extra grubby, very thick-coated dogs.) As always, a bathing system will give you the best results, but if washing by hand, ensure you work the product all the way to the skin. In most cases, washing twice is a good idea. Let's face it: these dogs are usually pretty grubby this muddy time of year.
After rinsing well, apply Ultra Plenish conditioner, paying particular attention to the pet's ruff, underbelly, "pants," and tail. This product dilutes 3:1 and may be used 1:1 on problem coats. After working the conditioner in well, try using a firm, long-toothed slicker brush to distribute the conditioner thoroughly through the coat. You will be amazed at how much shedding coat slides out. Some groomers like to use a rake for this job. No matter which tool you use, remember that the dog's skin will be a little more delicate while wet, so use a gentle touch.
There are several great reasons to brush the dog while it is covered in conditioner. The first is that doing so helps coat each strand of hair evenly so the product can best work. The second is that the few moments you take to do this allow the conditioner to remain on the coat, smoothing the fur and helping to release the shedding stuff. The third is that lots of the dead coat will come out in big, wet clumps that are easy to scoop up and discard. Finally, it will shorten the entire grooming procedure and be easier on your body.
Rinse well, allow the dog to shake a few times, and towel dry. Once the pet is on the table, spritz it with finishing spray. Lightly brush the spray through the coat, then get to work with your high-velocity dryer. As the fur becomes dry, you will see the shedding, webby coat lifting up and off the guard hairs. Every bit you remove with the dryer saves the pet from unnecessary brushing and your arms from fatigue. In most cases, the bulk of dead fur will be removed during the brushing in the bath and the drying process, and only minimal work with a brush and comb will be needed to complete the job.
Trim up as needed, admire the impressive mound of dead fur you removed, and send the clean, shiny, great-smelling dog home. Coat-blowing season does not have to be something we dread if we utilize the proper tools and products to make the job easier.
