Question:
You might have some fun explaining this one:Smudge, a male, bearded collie (alias Smudley, son of Sedgley), at 1 year old could leap from a near standstill to a height of over 10 feet, with a big, goofy grin. He is also an accomplished rear foot, walking pickpocket.At 8 years old, Smudge (with a full beardie coat) was a relatively complacent sort, loving to run laps in the park. This past summer we had the groomer shear his coat down (very short). He has very sensitive skin and when the extreme heat hit in September he spent his days scratching and biting his fur into skintight mats. Since the shearing, his energy level is revitalized incredibly and now his exercising moves are amazing -- leaping and, at a full run, reversing direction immediately.Do you recommend keeping him trimmed to maintain this renewed vitality?.
R.J.Z, Detroit, MI Apr 24, 2005
Answer:
Dogs like to feel good and when they have a greasy, dirty and itchy skin they do get miserable -- depressed, less playful and often more self-involved chewing, licking and scratching.Often after a shampoo, my own dogs have a burst of energy for the day that I attribute to their feeling good.Cool weather perks up most dogs. So your dog, feeling cooler with less fur and feeling better because his skin is healthier, points to the importance of taking good care of dogs' coats for their psychological and physical wellbeing.Going to a good groomer isn't, therefore, just to make the dog look good, but also to feel good. Be aware, however, that dogs with shorn coats can get sunburned; and with less insulation need to wear a doggie coat if there's a cold spell, especially if the dog is old and arthritic.SPRING TIME REMINDERS:-- Now is the time for a full health check-up with the vet plus a heart worm blood test.-- Get new toys, bed or sleeping pad, scratch post, collar and ID tag if worn.-- No very strenuous activity
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