PetStyleHub

Summer Grooming Tips for Double-Coated Dogs

As summer temperatures rise, many pet parents wonder if they should shave their double-coated dogs like Huskies, German Shepherds, or Golden Retrievers to help them stay cool. The short answer is: No, and here's why.

Double-coated breeds have two layers of fur: a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs on top. This natural insulation actually helps regulate your dog's body temperature year-round, protecting them from both cold and heat. When you shave a double-coated dog, you interfere with this natural cooling system.

Instead of shaving, here are better alternatives to keep your double-coated friend comfortable in summer:

Regular Brushing

Invest in proper deshedding tools and brush your dog several times a week. This removes loose undercoat fur that would otherwise trap heat and allows better air circulation to the skin. A professional deshedding treatment at the start of summer can remove up to 90% of the loose undercoat.

Trimming, Not Shaving

A light trim of the longer fur around the belly, behind the ears, and between the toes can help with cooling without damaging the protective coat structure. Have a professional groomer do this to avoid accidentally cutting too close.

Proper Bathing

Regular baths with the right shampoo help remove excess oils and dander, keeping the coat's insulating properties working efficiently. A professional hydrobath with high-velocity drying can remove an amazing amount of loose undercoat.

Environmental Management

Provide plenty of shade, cooling mats, and fresh water. Walk your dog during cooler parts of the day. Consider indoor air conditioning during the hottest periods.

Remember that once a double coat is shaved, it may never grow back properly. The texture often changes, and the insulating properties can be permanently damaged. The coat may grow back patchy, with the undercoat and guard hairs uneven and tangled.

Book a summer grooming consultation at PetStyleHub, and we'll create a personalized cooling strategy for your double-coated companion that preserves their natural insulation while keeping them comfortable all summer long.

Helping Your Cat Overcome Grooming Anxiety

Many cat owners avoid professional grooming because their feline friends become stressed or anxious during the process. However, regular grooming is essential for your cat's health, especially for long-haired breeds or seniors with mobility issues. Here's how to make grooming a more positive experience for anxious cats.

Understanding Feline Anxiety

Cats are creatures of habit who often fear new environments, unfamiliar people, and unusual sensations. The sounds and smells of a grooming salon, combined with being handled differently than they're used to, can trigger anxiety. Signs include dilated pupils, flattened ears, growling, hissing, excessive shedding, or freezing in place.

Start Early and Go Slowly

Ideally, introduce your cat to grooming elements as a kitten. But even adult cats can learn to accept grooming with patience. Begin with short, positive sessions at home. Try these steps:

• Touch desensitization: Regularly touch your cat's paws, ears, face, and tail—all areas that will be handled during grooming. Pair this with treats and praise.
• Tool introduction: Let your cat investigate brushes and combs before using them. Start with soft brushes and brief sessions of just 1-2 minutes.
• Sound desensitization: If your cat fears the sound of clippers or a dryer, play recordings of these sounds at a low volume during positive experiences like feeding or play.

Choose a Cat-Friendly Groomer

At PetStyleHub, our feline specialists use specific techniques for anxious cats:

• Separate cat-only areas away from dogs
• Feline-friendly handling techniques that respect your cat's body language
• Calming pheromone diffusers and gentle restraint methods
• Grooming in shorter sessions if needed

Consider the Carrier Experience

Often, anxiety begins before the actual grooming when the cat is placed in a carrier. Make the carrier a positive space by leaving it open in your home with comfortable bedding inside. Occasionally place treats or toys inside so your cat associates it with good things.

Professional Options for Very Anxious Cats

For cats with severe anxiety, we offer:

• Mobile grooming services that come to your home
• Early-morning appointments when the salon is quietest
• Consultation with your veterinarian about anti-anxiety supplements or medications for use before grooming

With patience and the right approach, most cats can learn to tolerate and even enjoy grooming sessions. The key is consistency, positive associations, and respecting your cat's individual personality and boundaries. At PetStyleHub, we're committed to making grooming a stress-free experience for even the most anxious feline clients.

Popular Haircut Styles for Different Dog Breeds

Choosing the right haircut for your dog isn't just about aesthetics—it's about comfort, functionality, and highlighting your dog's natural features. Here's our guide to popular cuts for different breed types, along with tips for maintaining them between grooming appointments.

Poodles and Poodle Mixes

Poodles and their mixes (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, etc.) are incredibly versatile when it comes to styling options.

• Teddy Bear Cut: This adorable, low-maintenance option keeps the hair at an even length all over (usually 1-2 inches), with a rounded face that resembles a teddy bear. It's perfect for active dogs who enjoy outdoor activities but still want to look stylish.
• Lamb Cut: This style features slightly longer hair on the body and shorter legs, creating a silhouette resembling a lamb. It's elegant yet practical.
• Continental Cut: For show dogs, this traditional cut leaves "pompoms" on the legs and tail, with a clean-shaven face and hindquarters. This high-maintenance style requires professional upkeep every 4-6 weeks.

Maintenance tip: Daily brushing is essential for poodle-type coats to prevent matting, especially with longer styles.

Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Maltese

These long-haired breeds can sport various looks depending on your preference and lifestyle.

• Puppy Cut: This all-over short cut (about 1 inch in length) is perfect for active pets or those living in warmer climates. It significantly reduces grooming time while keeping your dog cool.
• Top Knot: For those who love the flowing coat but want to keep hair out of their dog's eyes, the top knot style maintains length while keeping a clean face with hair tied up on top of the head.
• Show Cut: The traditional floor-length coat with a center part requires daily brushing and regular conditioning treatments to maintain its luxurious appearance.

Maintenance tip: Use a leave-in conditioner spray between baths to prevent tangles in longer styles.

Terriers

Wire-haired terriers like Schnauzers, Scottish Terriers, and Wire Fox Terriers have distinctive traditional cuts that highlight their breed characteristics.

• Traditional Terrier Cut: This style maintains longer facial furnishings (eyebrows, beard, and mustache) while the body is hand-stripped or clipped shorter, creating the distinctive terrier silhouette.
• Summer Cut: A shorter variation that keeps the signature facial features but trims the body hair closer for hot weather.

Maintenance tip: Regular facial cleaning helps prevent food staining on beards and mustaches.

Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and English Springer Spaniels benefit from styles that highlight their elegant ears and feathering.

• Sporting Clip: This functional cut keeps the body moderately short while leaving feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. It's perfect for active dogs who enjoy outdoor adventures.
• Show Trim: Maintains the full coat length but with carefully blended areas to highlight the breed's natural lines.

Maintenance tip: Pay special attention to the ears, checking regularly for signs of infection and keeping the hair around the ear canal trimmed.

At PetStyleHub, our groomers are trained in breed-specific cuts as well as creative custom styles. During your consultation, we'll discuss your lifestyle, your dog's activity level, and your maintenance preferences to find the perfect cut that works for both of you.

The Benefits of Professional Cat Grooming

Many cat owners believe their self-grooming pets don't need professional grooming services. While cats are naturally fastidious, certain situations and coat types benefit tremendously from professional care. Here's why you might consider scheduling a professional grooming session for your feline friend.

Reduced Shedding and Hairballs

Professional grooming significantly reduces shedding by removing loose hair that would otherwise end up on your furniture or be ingested by your cat. This means fewer hairballs and a cleaner home. Our high-velocity dryers and specialized deshedding treatments remove up to 80% more loose hair than home brushing alone.

Detection of Health Issues

Professional groomers often notice health issues before they become serious problems. During grooming, we check for skin conditions, lumps, parasites, ear infections, dental issues, and more. Early detection of these problems can save your cat discomfort and potentially expensive veterinary treatments later.

Management of Long Coats

Long-haired cats like Persians, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls are especially prone to matting. Once mats form, they pull at the skin, causing pain and sometimes leading to skin infections. Professional groomers have the tools and expertise to safely remove mats without stressing your cat. Regular grooming prevents mat formation in the first place.

Specialized Services for Special Needs

Certain cats require extra grooming attention:

• Senior cats often struggle with self-grooming due to arthritis or decreased flexibility
• Overweight cats cannot reach all areas of their bodies
• Cats with medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues may have coat changes requiring specialized care
• Flat-faced breeds like Persians need regular facial cleaning to prevent tear staining and dermatitis in facial folds

Nail Trimming Safety

Many cats resist nail trims at home, turning the process into a stressful experience for both cat and owner. Professional groomers use proper restraint techniques and specialized tools to make nail trimming quick, safe, and stress-free. Regular nail trims prevent painful ingrown nails and reduce damage to your furniture.

Seasonal Considerations

Seasonal grooming helps cats stay comfortable year-round:

• Spring/Summer: Deshedding treatments remove winter undercoat, keeping cats cooler. Lion cuts can help extremely heat-sensitive cats or those with severe matting.
• Fall/Winter: Conditioning treatments prevent the static and dryness that indoor heating can cause in cat fur.

At PetStyleHub, we've created a cat-friendly grooming environment with separate waiting areas, feline-specific handling techniques, and groomers specially trained in cat behavior. Even first-time feline clients typically adjust quickly to our gentle approach.

For most cats, we recommend professional grooming every 4-8 weeks, depending on coat type, lifestyle, and specific needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation and create a personalized grooming plan for your cat's unique requirements.

How to Prepare Your Puppy for Their First Grooming Session

A puppy's first grooming experience sets the tone for a lifetime of grooming sessions. When introduced properly, grooming can become an enjoyable part of your puppy's routine rather than a stressful event. Here's how to prepare your puppy for grooming success.

Timing is Everything

The ideal time for a puppy's first professional grooming appointment is between 10-16 weeks of age, after they've received their full set of vaccinations. However, preparation should start much earlier at home. Begin with short, positive handling sessions when you first bring your puppy home.

Home Preparation

Before scheduling that first appointment, help your puppy become comfortable with being handled in these ways:

• Touch exercises: Regularly touch your puppy's feet, face, ears, tail, and belly while giving treats and praise. This teaches them that handling these sensitive areas leads to positive outcomes.
• Introduction to tools: Let your puppy see, sniff, and hear the sounds of brushes, combs, and clippers (without actually cutting hair). Run an unplug​ged clipper near them so they get used to the vibration and sound.
• Bath practice: Give short, pleasant bath experiences at home using lukewarm water and positive reinforcement. Start with just wet feet, then gradually progress to full baths.
• Standing practice: Teach your puppy to stand calmly on a non-slip surface like a rubber mat, which simulates the grooming table experience.

Choosing the Right First Appointment

For a puppy's first grooming visit, consider scheduling:

• A "puppy introduction" appointment rather than a full grooming session
• An early morning appointment when groomers are less busy and have more patience
• A shorter session (30-45 minutes) to prevent overwhelming your puppy

At PetStyleHub, we offer special "Puppy First Visit" packages that include gentle introduction to bathing, light brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and a simple trim - all conducted at your puppy's pace with plenty of breaks and positive reinforcement.

Communication is Key

When booking the appointment, inform the groomer about:

• Your puppy's temperament and any fears they may have
• Previous home grooming experiences (positive or negative)
• Any specific handling sensitivities you've noticed
• Your expectations for the first visit (usually keeping it simple is best)

The Day of the Appointment

Set your puppy up for success with these tips:

• Exercise your puppy before the appointment to release excess energy
• Keep your goodbye brief and upbeat - lengthy, emotional goodbyes can increase anxiety
• Bring their favorite treats for the groomer to use as rewards
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow your puppy to become comfortable in the new environment

After the First Grooming

Regardless of how the first session goes, praise your puppy enthusiastically afterward. Schedule the next appointment within 4-6 weeks to reinforce the learning before it fades. Consistency is crucial in developing positive grooming habits.

Remember that some breeds require more frequent grooming than others. Poodles, Shih Tzus, and other breeds with continuously growing hair may need appointments every 4-6 weeks, while shorter-coated breeds might visit every 8-12 weeks.

At PetStyleHub, our puppy specialists understand the importance of these early experiences. We take extra time with first-time clients to ensure your puppy develops a lifetime of positive associations with grooming. Contact us to learn more about our puppy-specific services and schedule your puppy's introduction to the wonderful world of grooming.