Merryfield

Pets are a huge part of our day to day lives. They greet us when we come home, comfort us when we aren’t feeling well, and are always happy to see us. What more can we ask? To pay them back with all the love they provide, we make sure that we take care of them by offering them food, shelter, and care. For many pets, care includes routine grooming that improves health and the overall well-being of both dogs and cats. For those that wish to look into pet grooming services for their fur children or have a desire to become a professional pet groomer, reading up on some interesting grooming facts can provide you with the knowledge you need!

Certain Breeds Have Hair; Not Fur

While most dogs have fur that routinely grows and sheds to make way for new fur to grow, other breeds of dogs have hair instead. The difference between fur and hair is only the pattern in which it grows and dies. Breeds with hair only shed their fur when it does or it is cut, so they shed much less than other species. Also, this hair does not remain dormant at all, never stopping at a certain length before dying and falling off. These types of dogs need routine grooming to help keep new growth and prevent matted fur. Specific breeds of dogs that have this type of hair growth include Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Bearded Collies, Lhasa Apsos, Havaneses, and Tibetan Terriers. These breeds must be regularly groomed or they will develop tufts of matted fur. Matted fur can lead to a number of health issues including skin infection, maggot infestation, and even cut off blood circulation resulting in amputations. Combing through matted fur is not a pleasant experience, and many dogs will associate the groomer with harmful memories as a result of all the tugging and pulling. Regular brushing done by the owner and grooming sessions can keep these breeds happy, healthy, and unafraid of their routine grooming visits.

The Stages of Fur Growth and Shedding

Breeds of dogs with fur that sheds have coats that have a growth pattern. This pattern includes three stages; growing, resting, and shedding. Pretty much, fur keeps growing until it reaches its determined length before it dies, falls off, and regrows once again. Although fur is meant to be shed before warmer months, the domestication of dogs as pets has changed this natural occurrence. You may find that your dog sheds all year round instead of seasonally.

Nail and Ear Maintenance is Beneficial to Pet Health

Too many customers think that they are dropping their dogs off to get just a haircut, but grooming services are much more than that. Cleaning and trimming nails help to keep unwanted bacteria and infections from harming pets. Also, long nails can get uncomfortable, and even break unevenly. This could bring about pain and further infection; so it’s important to keep pet nails short and at a comfortable length. Also, keeping shorter nails prevents your pet from shortening them themselves by scratching on surfaces. Ear cleaning helps to do the same as nail trimming; prevent built up bacteria that can lead to infection. Grooming is so much more than just a trim; it’s a way to ensure the health of a pet and keep them living comfortably.

Want to Learn more Grooming Facts?

If you enjoyed learning some grooming facts and would like to learn more about how to become a professional pet groomer, please view our website for more details about our school! Merryfield Academy is located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We are the only nationally accredited and federally funded pet grooming school. This means that we offer federal aid to students who qualify. Give us a call today to determine if a career as a professional pet groomer is right for you at (954) 771-4030.  

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