My groomer shaved my coton

by Donald Stout
(Ann Arbor, Michigan)

The groomer called and said my cotons hair had several mats close to the skin and was afraid of hurting him, and that he had to be Shaved. OMG I feel so badly, how long will it take to grow back. He is 7 months old and just got neutered a few weeks ago. He was fine a month ago at groomer. He did have a cone on for a week, and does wear a non pull harness always, with a sweater as we live in Michigan, as well as being out in the snow. It’s all my fault for not brushing enough. When will my babies hair grow back? I did not know

you needed a brush and a comb. He was very hard to brush after sweater. HELP.

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Oct 25, 2020
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How long did it take!?
by: Lynne

Would you share what you found? Ours was cut very short yesterday and looks like a baby lamb now! It’s cute, I guess, but doesn’t look like our dog. We want to know how quickly it grows back!

Jan 23, 2018
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Choosing Groomer NEW
by: Mary Ann

Sorry you had this experience. When we got our Coton we went around to the groomers in our town and asked if they were familiar with the breed. If they said no, or what kind? we said thank you and left. When I found the one we use now, the owner had several rescue Cotons and her groomers knew how to groom them. We don't keep Bailey in long coat so a modified puppy cut on his body but leaving his face and tail longer. I learned the hard way during boarding to have him brushed a few days before grooming to keep his mats down. His ears are the worst area for them.

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Coton de Tulear Grooming Trauma

by Iris
(Bristol, CT USA)

I would be very interested to know if other Coton de Tulear owners dogs have experienced trauma and bizarre behaviors after being left at the groomers.

We are having bad luck finding a compassionate groomer. My Tuffy went to yet another groomer yesterday. This one was recommended by the Vet's office, and turned out to be the worst experience for Tuffy.

He was badly matted from repeatedly getting wet in the snow, and I had been combing, brushing and cutting out chunks of matted hair all winter. The mats got so bad, I could not keep up with it. I left extensive information for the groomer, all the do's and don't, and even so, my dog was a nervous wreck when I picked him up.

His legs and feet were shaved, his body maybe 1/2 inch of hair left on it. I asked that they at least leave his head and tail alone, but they still thinned and trimmed that hair, and I specified NOT to express the anal gland, but his behind is so sore he is dragging, turning, and showing distress toward that area. He seems to be afraid to go poop.

He is itching and scratching all over so bad and shaking, and he was so fearful he even hid in his crate when we got home, (I can never get him to stay in the crate) I had to give him half a benedryl for the itching, but it did not help at all. He would not eat or play, and just stands outside and stares when I take him out to go potty.

Tuffy always sleeps at my feet, but when I woke up this morning I could not find him at all. Then when I went back to bed I saw a bit of white hair, He was curled up asleep under my pillow!

When I take him outside, he shakes and trembles and seems to be looking to get away. I feel so sad for him. and feel I cannot trust any groomers that I am going to buy a grooming set and learn how to do this myself. I never want my dog to suffer this disgrace and abuse again.

Tuffy is such a good boy, fun and loving, I hate to see him so miserable. I cannot bear to show you what he looks like right now.

I would appreciate your responses.

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Apr 07, 2019
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Tending to skin irritation after a too close to skin grooming
by: RockUncleBratt

I have not been able to find a groomer in my area for my Coton De Tulear. He will be 6 months old this coming week and am afraid for him to have such a horrid grooming experience such as these mentioned here. I had a great groomer who only works. With poodles she said she have to charge 2x what she charges for poodles that would be over $300.00 an I can't afford that.

She has a product that helps with irritation from close cuts. It works wonders on poodles and feel it will work on a Coton I wish I can give you its name but am sure you can find it online at a grooming supplies shop. I wish you the best and hope you're able to help your pup overcome this trauma.

Dec 13, 2013
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Bad groomers
by: Anonymous

I to had my dog has has bad groomer. They pulled out his hair in his ears they bleed for a week. They cut his stomach. Cut off his long eye lashes. Made him look like a poodle. They did everything I asked them not to do. He is now afraid of groomer. I will try it myself

Nov 28, 2013
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Why, you ask, is it necessary?
by: Iris

IT absolutely is NOT necessary for a groomer to express a dog's anal glands,I told the groomers that,and said do not do it,they did anyway, as far as I'm concerned, it is a medical issue that a Vet should determine, not a dog shampoo assistant, or anyone else at a dog grooming facility. I specifically asked my Vet, he said the same, it is not necessary to express the gland and tell the groomer NOT TO DO IT. That is exactly what I told the groomers(many of them, until I quit bringing Tuffy to them). People just are going to do what they want to do, what they believe, no matter that you are paying them to do what you need. OY, Don't get me started again. Love your dogs and protect them like your children.
God Bless, and happy Thanksgiving to all our Coton families.
Love, Iris and Tuffy.

Nov 27, 2013
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anal glands
by: Anonymous

why is it necessary to have the groomer clean his glands...it seems to me anything that is stuck there will come out when he goes again. I have a friend who was having his dog groomed every month and now he started biting. He wasn't a coton but he must have had some trauma.

Oct 20, 2012
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problems related to groomers
by: AnonymouNancy

Our coton has been is just a yr. old now.We sent him to be groomed and he came back with major pain and fear. They did not correctly attend to his anal glands and improperly groomed his tail so now they say he will have permanent arthritis in his tail. We are so upset. Does anyone know of any other people who have had this problem and any related lawsuits. Out puppy is suffering and it is breaking my heart. If u would like to reply please do so nmkjester@aol.com.

Jul 02, 2012
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COTON TRAUMA AT GROOMER...MY BIG FEAR
by: Owner of a Rescued Coton

This is the reason our Lilly has not been to a groomer. I'm afraid of the trauma. I have been trying to teach myself. Recommend a very good pair of scissors so it's easy to snip out the mats. Snip vertically up into the mat not to close to the skin and they are easier to cut out in smaller strips. We live in a fairly hip area of town, so i just told myself that it's ok for my doggie to look asymetrical while i teach myself. Try a product called "Cowboy Magic" (its made for horses manes and dogs) it is so very very nice to de-tangle and keep tangles out. After bath, put a tiny bit (dime size) rub it into palms and then spot all over under arms and legs, neck, behind ears. If your dog picks up dirt quickly you will know you used too much. Then massage into fur and comb through with your fingers while wet. I finger dry and use a large wooden comb. This gets the dog used to being combed. Give your dog lots of Reiki and maybe some Dr. Bachs for dogs.

Feb 08, 2012
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Bad grooming
by: Anonymous

We have experienced a bad grooming experience. Our little Coton ended up looking like a poodle. His beautiful white hair was gone and he seemed so sad. They should never shave a Coton!

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Can I shave my Coton de Tulear?

by Esterh
(Jacksonville, FL)

I want to shave my Coton to get him to grow fresh and beautiful fur. Right now he has some knots and it will be hard to brush.If I shave him will the hair grow the way it is? I am not sure if it won't grow properly and he won't look like a Coton anymore.

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Feb 19, 2018
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grooming NEW
by: Connie

Hi Coton lovers,

I am bad about bathing and brushing my Coton, Charlie, so a day or 2 before his grooming appointment I get the tools out and go to work to get rid of those pesky mats so the groomer won't shave him. I use a brush with rolling pegs(?), a metal comb, and my husband's mustache scissors which are pointed and work great on the mats. I cut thru them from the base to the ends of his fur and comb them out, being really careful not to cut him or pull too hard, as he has tender skin. I also use the curved grooming scissors with rounded tips to trim the tear stained fur from the corners of his eyes. I dread taking him to the groomer. My 8 yr. old Maltese hated the groomer so badly that she died of a stroke or heart attack.:((((( still not over it.

Jan 17, 2016
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Shaving Coton pup NEW
by: Anonymous

Where did Joy get the soft PAjamas to put on her cottons after being shaved???

Jun 26, 2015
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Shaving a Coton NEW
by: Joy and the kids

Have shaved all 3 of mine after the the bad winter and deep snow took a toll on their coats. Two loved it! Feel asleep while being shaved. The other tolerated it well, but was not a fan. I did keep soft pajamas on them after the shave for a few weeks, and waited to shave until it was warm outside. ALL of their coats came back BEAUTIFULLY! They have very full, soft, fluffy coats now. Also, their coats grew quite quickly. Will shave again, if needed!

Sep 25, 2014
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fur butter NEW
by: you need to try

try fur butter--you can get it on line at happy tails.com. it is amazing and you will luv it-- it is a conditioner and I use it on my bichon and maltese leaves their fur amazingly soft. the knots almost blow out with a hair dryer when you bathe them. type in fur butter and it will lead you to the web site it may say fur butter or worse.

Sep 18, 2012
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Help my Coton was shaved :(
by: Melissa

My Coton 6 1/2 months just had her first trip to the groomer. They shaved her on her snout underneath her eyes, her legs and rear end. She does not even look like the same dog :( How quickly will the hair grow back. I am devastated!

Feb 17, 2012
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COTON SHAVING
by: SHERRY - COTTON

MY LITTLE GIRL COTTON WAS SHAVED DOWN ONCE LAST YEAR AND HER HAIR CAME BACK JUST AS BEFORE, APRICOT COLORING ON HER EARS AND A LITTLE IN HER BACK. I DID NOT RECOGNIZE HER WHEN I WENT TO PICK HER UP BUT SHE SEEM TO LIKE IT ALOT. IT WAS VERY HOT WEATHER AND MADE IT EASIER ON BOTH OF US. IF THEY GET REALLY MATTED IT WOULD BE MUCH KINDER THAN GOING THRU ALL THAT PULLING AND CUTTING. SHE IS ALL GROWN OUT NOW AND I PURCHASED A CHRIS CHRISTIANSON BRUSH. IT WAS WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY. SHE NEVER FIGHTS ANYMORE AND ACTUALLY TALKS TO ME EACH AM UNTIL WE DO OUR GROOMING. I DID POST TWO PICS OF HER A WHILE BACK ON THIS WEBSITE. GOOD LUCK IN WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO DO, ONCE THAT PUPPY HAIR IS GONE, GROOMING IS A BREEZE.

Feb 17, 2012
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cut rather than shave
by: Anonymous

So sad that your tri-color lost his color when he was shaved. I've been working with a groomer who will demat. She has been teaching me. I have 3 cotons. Two are only a year old and have been trimmed but never cut very short. One mats worse than the other. The third is 6 years old, and her hair is very different from the puppies. I keep wondering when their coats will change. I have over the years cut her hair very short, but never had much success with shaving. They are easier if you keep it short, but it's worth learning how to demat.

Feb 17, 2012
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Coton prayer: Please God let me wake up tomorrow & not find mats
by: Vicky & Jonah (Az)

By shaving him & starting fresh it will make it easier to begin fresh by combing or brushing every day for at least 5 min. There is nothing worse then a Coton that has learned to hate the grooming process by hair pulling. It is very hard to win their trust again by pulling on mats when u yourself are learning.

Their is very good info on this website about grooming, mats, tools & product. Contact Gale if u have trouble learning ur way around. Their is also good info on the web for dematting etc. like ehow.com, Cotons websites also.

Start fresh. Keep it gentle, fun & treat. Imagine having long hair after being washed how it hurts if u pull to hard combing it out. It is easier to cut it out & let it grow back while u are learning then to pull ur Coton's hair. U will be thankful in the end since they will not fight u when u brush & grooming will not be a chore. Good luck

Feb 17, 2012
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shaving the Coton
by: Iris Miller

I agree, the puppy cut with the tail and ears left alone is cute and manageable,but you need to get rid of the matting first. Tuffy has been shaved three times because he was matted and the groomers would not de-matt they shaved him clean.It was traumatic for both of us, he felt awful and did not look like the same dog, all his unique beautiful colors were gone(I posted his tri color before pictures earlier)it made us both sad.He is all white with grey wars now and still beautiful.Tuffy does not like to be naked.His skin is like albino, burns very easily, and in winter he gets too cold to be shaved. There isn't a groomer to be found who will take the time to get the matts out.I have done it, and need to do it again myself. There is excellent advice and instruction for de-matting online. It is time consuming and sometimes you need to clip a chunk of hair out, but it is worth it.I am working up to it, it's a big job.
Good luck!
Iris and Tuffy

Feb 17, 2012
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Shaving your dog
by: S Russell

I had to shave my coton after having him fixed, His hair was all mated under that cone he wore for 8 days. His hair has come back in cute as a button, we keep a puppy cut now. If he has color in his hair he will lose that but they are still adorable and a puppy cut is much easier to take care of

Feb 17, 2012
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Not a good idea!!!
by: Margie

NO, My friend coton was shaved and the dog is not the same. Puppy cut is best!!!

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