Owings Mills MD 21117

410 356 7252

*Labs, Goldens, Shepherds - twice a week, ideally;  once a week for sure. Brush with a slicker.

*Dogs with thick undercoats (Shelties, Lhasas, Pekes, for instance) - daily or every other day. Some people find it easier to work on a section of coat every day. Brush first to remove under coat. Make sure a comb will go through to the skin. Look for tangles on the legs, the under arms, the tummy, behind the ears.

*For Dogs with undercoats such as Shepherds, Shelties, Soft Coated Wheatens and, yes, even some Labs an undercoat rake can really help with shedding and to prevent mats from forming. In spring (March/April) and in fall (November) use your undercoat rake before brushing or combing.

All dogs with "coats" MUST BE BRUSHED/COMBED BEFORE BATHING. If the hair is matted, do not bathe. Water makes the mats tighten closer to the skin and shampoo can be trapped under the mats and cause skin irritation and infections.

Use a gentle shampoo such as one with an Aloe base. Harsh shampoo can cause dry/flaky/itchy skin.

Here at Long Last Kennels we use a shampoo called "SWEET SHIRLEY" which is very mild and gentle. You can purchase this in our office.

Always "cut" your shampoo about half and half with water. It will save shampoo for you and make the job easier.

Most "coated" dogs don't grow their "adult" coats until at least 6 months of age. If you have your dog clipped before 6 months, the adult coat will not be as full.

If you keep your dog clipped but like the "puppy" look (about 1" long) then have the grooming done about every 8 weeks. If you let the coat grow longer and risk it becoming matted, the groomer will have to clip much shorter to remove the mats.