How to Handle Happy's Horrible Haircut

By Melissa Chan

Dog groomers may seem paranormal with their enduring patience in keeping your wiggly Westiepoo still for so long, but they are no mind readers. Although most cases result in more angst for the owner than the humble hound, this leaves Lassie vulnerable to the victimizing bad haircut-— complete with the cheesy bandanas and bows.

Here’s what you need to know before you shell out $50 the next time your dog meets the clippers:

Be specific
According to Peter Likos, a professional groomer at Chance and Belle’s Pampered Paws in Wantagh, it is all about voicing your specific expectations instead of just dropping off Fido without instructions.

“It’s just like when you sit down in a chair to get your hair cut. You wouldn’t just let somebody do as they please,” Likos said. “It’s easier if owners tell groomers how they want it cut. Exactly how short is short? Do you want to cut off two inches or half an inch?”

Consider the breed
Breed is also a factor in choosing the right cut. For instance, Malteses and Golden Retrievers have their own specific cut, but mixed breeds do not. Owners of mixed breeds must specify which breed’s cut they want-- if they want their dog to look more like a Pomeranian or more like a Poodle. This is all based on the owner’s personal preference.

Inspect the coat’s condition
Be realistic. The more mats the dog has, the higher the chance of getting shaved. Mats, which are knots in the hair or fur that have become so tightly tangled that it bounds to the skin, are big problems for groomers since they cannot be brushed out like a regular knot. Any attempts to brush out mats induce great amounts of pain for the pet.

“We don’t want dogs to associate groomers with pain. You always want to make it a good experience,” Likos said.

The only way to safely and humanely remove a mat is to shave the area. In the case of extensive mats, this can mean shaving the whole dog, which frequently upsets owners.

To avoid this, owners should take in their dogs for trims always in the summer and every five to six weeks.

“When owners wait too long for haircuts, dog’s hair end up getting matted, which commonly results in fleas that hide under the mats,” Likos said.

Constant bathing also results in the build-up of mats when the dog is not properly groomed, brushed, or dried.

Dogs, large and small, should bathe only every six to eight weeks.

To avoid the absolute shaving of your pet due to mats, Likos advises owners to “brush, brush, and brush. There’s no two ways about it. It could be every day or every two days."

Grow it back
This is not the end for you and your furry canine. Similar to the rate of hair growth for humans, the average rate of hair growth for a dog is 0.5 millimeters a day. With typical trims and cuts, hair should grow back within five or six weeks. If a dog has been shaven, a quarter-to half-an-inch should grow back within six weeks.

Average smooth short-haired coats, like that of Chihuahuas, Boxers, and German Shepherds, take about six months to grow back completely and silky long-haired coats, like that of most Spaniels and Retrievers, take about 18 months. Also, in cold weather seasons, dog undercoats grow thicker and faster.

In the meantime, try adding Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to your pet’s menu. The high-quality fatty acids prevent dry skin and promote a thick, healthy, glossy coat.

When the silver lining seems as thin as your dog’s new coat, learn first how to avoid the situation-- starting at home and then with your first foot in the groomer’s door. Like a soothing mother would tell her daughter, a calming groomer would tell his clients, “Hair grows back!”