3 replies to this topic

[Kittie]

I took my lab to a groomer for the first time today. She looked beautiful until I noticed her butt had been shaved. Is this a normal grooming technique?

[Kurt]

If the hair is covering the place where the poo comes out and sticks to the hair this might be a good practice for hygenic reasons. Maybe the groomer saw evidence of that? Did she shave just around the anus or the entire rear end from the anus down to the vagina?

[Kittie]

Well, she is actually shaved from anus to belly button and all around her nipples down to bare skin. even the outline of the shaving is erratic. When I called the groomer he said he just did a normal groom. Needless to say I won't ever use him again. After more research I found a term called "sanitary buzz cut". I was not informed this was part of what they defined as normal groom. This was an atrocious thing to do to a very clean, short haired dog with no evidence of any fecal material or foul odor. It is so very obvious because of her white skin and black coat. I know it will grow back, I was just freaked out when she flipped over. He shaved my shephard too but it is not as noticeable because she keeps her tail down. thanks for the reply.

[Kurt]

I know what you are talking about.

This type of cut is not normal as a general rule, but performed usually when the owner either requests it or the groomer may think that she has impacted poo somewhere.

In the more tropical climate there is a cut called a "shell out" where they just shave the underside of the dog. It keeps them much cooler in the summer. But again, this is a request by the owner and not normally done without it being requested.

On a lab, normally all they get is a bath, blow dry and nail clip. Nothing else is needed unless they are having a problem with poo sticking to their hair. Then just a small trim around the anus is all that's needed.

I agree with you, I would find another groomer.