November 2023 - Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

0 Pet Shaving: Should I Have My Dog Shaved?

Pet Shaving

PET SHAVING: Should I have my Dog Shaved?

On a day where the sun burns your skin, and the heat makes you melt, it may be tempting to shave your dog.

Just look at that poor thing! Panting, tongue out and drooling.

What a pitiful sight. Add to that- if your dog’s got a thick coat, it must feel even worse.

So what exactly should you do? Call up your groomer and set a shaving appointment?

Well, not exactly.

PET SHAVING: Double and Single Coated Dog Fur

Do consider a few things. Each breed of dog has different fur types. Many dog breeds have what is called a “doable-coat” such as golden retrievers, german shepherds, pomeranians and samoyeds to name a few.

You might be wondering what a double coat is. However, if you are aware of its existence, you’d know that dogs with this fur type have an inner coat which acts as an insulating layer. This inner coat helps dogs regulate their temperature whether in heat or in cold.

In the hotter weather, a bit of this insulating layer is shed, meaning that air can be caught between the 2 layers of fur. In the cold, they keep the inner layer for extra warmth.

What happens when you shave this layer? Well, for one thing it can cause damage in the long-run.

If you shave a double-coated dog’s fur down to the skin, it decreases their protection to the seasons, and causes improper hair growth.

But what about single-coated dogs? Dogs with only one layer of fur?

For dogs such as poodles, maltese, boxers and greyhounds, you mustn’t shave down to their skin either. For both fur types, vets recommend at least one inch to protect them from sunburn or keep them warm on cool evenings.

The only situation when you should completely shave your dog’s fur-whether double coated or single coated, is when their fur is so matted that brushing gets you nowhere. But hopefully, you’re too much of a good pet owner for that.

How about declawing are you considering it? Here’s why I do not support declawing.

Pet Owners, if you still need guidance on your pet’s grooming do not hesitate to bring in your pet at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 WHY I DON’T SUPPORT PET DECLAWING

Pet Declawing

WHY I DON’T SUPPORT PET DECLAWING

Got a destructive cat?

Often people will tell you many different options on how to prevent it- and one of those methods can stop scratching completely. That is the method of declawing.

This process involves amputating the front knuckles of a cat’s toe so that it can no longer use its claws.

If you have a feline that is constantly destroying household items it may be tempting to declaw them, but you have to consider a few things.

First, a cat’s claws are their first line of defense. If they ever get into a fight with other cats or any animal, your feline has an increased chance of getting injured or even killed if declawed.

Second, this surgery can cause many complications such as infection. It’s not easy to keep a cat’s feet clean after surgery, as they use it to walk to their litter box filled with debris. Additionally, surgery can cause nerve damage which is very, very painful.

Now this reason is still debated amongst pets – but there is evidence showing that declawing can cause behavioural changes in chats.

Scratching is an innate behaviour for cats – it’s part of their instinct. To suddenly not be able to do it may cause them stress.

How to Deal with Your Cat Scratching

In some cases, pet declawing can even make cats more aggressive, specifically causing more biting.

Before making any major decisions like declawing, make sure to consider it very carefully. Perhaps it may make your life easier, but it’s not the same for your pet.

Cat Owners, don’t forget that if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital