Let’s Shed Some Light On Shedding - Dec 10

by Rita McMurray

To maintain a healthy coat on your pet (AND reduce cleaning time) follow a de-shedding program and continue with weekly brushing.

Who needs more chores??? In today’s fast-paced world, nearly everybody has maxed-out schedules. For those of us with pets, vacuuming pet hair is one of those necessary, but time-consuming tasks. Want some advice on how to reduce your cleaning time?

Stop the shedding BEFORE it happens.
Fact: A human hair follicle grows between 1 and 3 hairs each.
Fact: Pets can produce 7 to 15 hairs per follicle. So those little hairs are working OVERTIME — and so will you be, if you don't take the right steps.

There many different types of pet coats, but one common concern is: MATTING. Your pet’s coat can mat due to friction, moisture, compression, static, dirt and debris. If left unchecked, these mats can actually bond together tightly, eventually creating an opportunity for bacterial growth, and/or parasitic infestations that can turn into health problems. Skin conditions under dense mats include: “hot spots” (minor irritations); fleas, ticks and severe skin infections.

To maintain a healthy coat on your pet (AND reduce your cleaning time) follow a de-shedding program and continue with weekly brushing. The de-shedding process involves deep cleansing of the coat, ultra conditioner and (preferably) high-velocity drying. This is the most gentle, and complete way to get your pet's coat in great condition. This process loosens the hairs which are trapped in the coat, so they can be removed by carding, hand-stripping or by using a de-shedding tool.
In extreme cases, the only option is to shave the pet in the area of the mat(s). But the best option is to get ahead of your pet’s coat care, saving you time, money and stress.

Rita McMurray is the owner of Jazzy Pet Spa. We are proud to offer our expert grooming services at your doorstep and are happy to serve the entire Kansas City Metro Area! Our brand new custom van is a pet salon on wheels! We bathe and groom cats and dogs — all sizes, all breeds. Avoid your pet’s stress and possible sedation at the groomer’s! Call us today at 816-517-7349 or visit www.jazzypet.net.