Golden Grooming Tips

Don't Shave Your Golden!

Many people mistakenly believe that shaving or severely clipping their Golden is a wonderful way to keep the dog cool and comfortable in warm weather. What they don't realize is that they're actually putting the dog at greater risk of health problems like skin cancer. Here's why:

A Golden's coat is made up of two parts -- the long and smooth outercoat and the soft and fuzzy undercoat -- which work together throughout the seasons to protect the skin from sun, heat, cold and moisture. To understand how the two coats work together, consider what naturally occurs in a Golden's coat as the seasons progress ...

The undercoat thickens in cold weather to keep the Golden warmer and dryer. It also begins to come out in big clumps in warm weather, when the Golden no longer needs as much of it.

But the outercoat remains the same year round ... offering not only the beauty we've come to love in this breed, but more importantly, protection from the harmful effects of UV rays on the Golden's skin.

That's why the keys to keeping your Golden not only cool but safe in warm weather are to keep the protective outercoat intact -- something shaving or severe clipping DOES NOT allow you to do -- and to remove the undercoat on a regular, weekly basis.

To do this easily and effectively ... Invest in an Undercoat Rake

Once you use one of these very handy grooming tools (cost: approximately $10) you'll wonder how you've ever done without one! It makes very quick work of brushing, particularly when the goal is to remove lots of undercoat.

They're available at most pet supply stores, and through pet supply catalogues and web sites. Buy or order one today! Your Golden will thank you!!

SKUNKED!

If you've ever been unlucky enough to discover that your dog has had a run in with a skunk, you already know just how stinky a situation it can be. If not ... well, may you never have the experience!

BUT ... if it does happen, here's a simple recipe that lots of folks swear by:

1 Quart 3-percent Hydrogen Peroxide

1/4 Cup Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Liquid Dish Soap

Mix together RIGHT BEFORE USE -- this CANNOT be stored!

Work the solution into the dog's coat. Avoid getting it into the dog's eyes.

Rinse well with water. Repeat if necessary.