[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: [pyrnet] To shave or not to shave..............



As I understand it, the reason you are not supposed to shave a Pyr is because dogs do not sweat through their skin...only through the pads of their feet and tongue. So, the coat helps to keep the skin cool and protects it from burning. We once leased one of our dogs for breeding. The people who leased her shaved her. When she came back, her coat was very short . We had a terrible time with her. She seemed to get bug bites and hot spots and all sorts of skin problems until that coat grew back. I would think that it would be ok if you left it about 2-3 inches long, but the best thing is to make sure all the undercoat is combed out..
Charlotte
----- Original Message ----- From: "Christy" <take_a_hike@earthlink.net>
To: <pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 2:05 AM
Subject: Re: [pyrnet] To shave or not to shave..............



Hi..

I finally gave in with my 3rd pyr... and shaved him. We hike, backpack and camp a lot. During the rainy seasons (we're in Wa.State) he would get wet then warm up from hiking and develop hot spots. He was sooo miserable. During the warmer months his endurance declined drastically. He is quite a large Pyr..very tall and 154lbs. I don't show him so why not? I have him shaved once a year in the early spring. About an inch and a half long. He looks like a fuzzy (massive) little lamb and is soo perky now. His energy level is up so much that he hops in circles in the house attempting to chase his tail. He is always ready to go for a hike and doesn't bonk out after 5 miles. By winter his hair has grown back with a vengeance. He is truly much happier now that he's a bit lighter. He doesn't develop the hot spots like he once use to either. And.. I can retire my shop vac while his hair is short and use a real vacuum.

Christy

On May 16, 2005, at 9:44 PM, bigdogs22003@comcast.net wrote:

Hey all,

I tend to be more of a "lurker" on this site than an active participant, but I do have a question that I feel will be well answered here. I have a Pyr, TJ, whom we adopted about 2 1/2 ago, who is now 8 yrs old. He seems to be having a bit of a problem with heat as he ages. I know it is a bit controversial about trimming the hair of a Pyr, but I really think he would be much more comfortable with less hair.

My home is air conditioned, but he, of course, would much rather be outdoors........so, my question is: How short do you cut the hair if that is the best option for the dog's comfort? I am hesitant to do this, but really feel that he suffers so in the summer as he ages........... (Of course, this would be done by a professional with experience with Pyrs, and I would insist on being there with my "big baby")
Thanks for the advice in advance!


Debbie in Colorado



To unsubscribe, send a message to esquire@pyrnet.org with
unsubscribe pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
as the BODY of the message.  The SUBJECT is ignored.