More Knowledge

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To Bathe or not to Bathe and the reason for this discussion:

It always comes down to Post Grooming Furunculosis (PGF). Lots of discussion and outdated or anecdotal information around this, but if you dig deeper, then…

You open the pores and increase the bloodflow in the skin when taking the hair out. All what’s already on the dog’s skin from sebum via the natural ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, mites and of course debris (and stripping chalk) which collects over time have now more access to the follicle.

That’s why you bathe with cooler water and ideally sensitive or soothing shampoo after: clean the skin and close the pores. Some advice is to use a “follicle flushing” shampoo, but most of them are only available on vet prescription in UK. So aloe, primrose or oatmeal shampoo would be a good alternative.

Personally I use conditioner only on dogs where we need to avoid breakage of hair such as Wire Fox Terriers, but not Border Terrier  or Parson Russells, where you don’t have to preserve any intricate hairgrowth on the head or legs.

PGF is not caused by stripping itself, but by unhygienic environment, including but not limited to old (pre-mixed) shampoo.

• Dog hair and surface of the skin: look here
• Post grooming furunculosis – most common reasons 
• “Canine Health & Welfare in the Groom Room” by Dr Sophie Bell BVMS MRCVS on prevalence of post grooming furunculosis.
• “The Art of Handstripping” by Scott Wasserman, Page 19.
• Understand canine skin & hair (the basics for groomers).
• ISCC Petcare DermaTech Specialist (course including Pam Lauritzen’s “supercoats” Book)
• Mia Övernäs’ hairy universe and her educated articles.

Public facebook group: Handstripping from beginner to expert / grooming – educational group

Free online tutorials -available at Groomer.dk on YOUTUBE

Further Questions?
If you have a question about using a tool or a special problem which hasn’t been answered by any of the above sources and groups, you can also contact me