Shaved fur- weird flinch

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi Everyone,
I wasn't sure where to post this and have been searching since Monday if there is anything like this on DK and google but can't seem to find anything. I'm really not sure if its a grooming issue, health issue, training, and can't seem to quite place my finger on what it is.

Our mobile groomer came on Saturday and Zoe and Bender got groomed. Bender had to get shaved because his fur was really matted at the roots. I was so sad because I spend so much time brushing him and yet he was matted. Well he came out beautiful but his body fur is reallllllly short and shorter than I have ever imagined or ever seen on another doodle. I just figured his mats were pretty bad and that's what the groomer had to do.

Anyways, he's been having a weird flinch. His flinch is towards his rear end almost like he's getting bit on his behind and legs. At first DH and I thought it was fleas so we put advantix on him right away. He's still doing this and that was Saturday. Zoe isn't itchy and seems fine. Bender only does this while eating and random times but not often. Always during eating tho. DH said he's probably sensitive because he's not used to not having fur.

Does anyone know why he's doing this or have experienced something like this? It's really freaking me out :(

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thanks Laurie!  

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Did your groomer express his anal glands? Perhaps that's the source of discomfort. Hope he feels better soon :)

[Lynda Kamrath]

I didn't think of that.  Sounds reasonable.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hmmm he's had anal glands expressed before and it never bothered him before.  thank you :)

[Lynda Kamrath]

Actually my dogs have done this and it is usually because of some irritant on their skin.  I would also say it is from the grooming.  Maybe he picked up some kind of lice or flea or even a bacteria of some kind from the clippers.  Check the area where he seems to be indicating a problem and maybe even try some tinactin (you know that stuff for athlete's foot).  And as far as shaving down a dog because he has mats, I think that is an excuse that many groomers use because they just don't want to take the time to do a proper grooming.  I would suspect some type of irritant from the groomer's tools.  While it may be convenient to have a mobile groomer come to your house, that may be the source of your dog's problem.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi Lynda,

Are you saying that a mobile groomer is not as sanitary as a regular groomer?  I never thought of that and assumed they would be just as clean.  I use the mobile groomer because Bender cries if I leave him somewhere but is ok when the groomer comes to the front door and HE leaves.  haha I know it's silly.

I really was shocked at how short it was shaved.  It's to the point to where you can see his skin color variances.  Last time she spend almost 4 hours on Bender but I did notice that this time it was MUCH faster.  Should I tell her about this and stop using her?  I really like her :(

[Penny, Comiskey & Beemer]

We have both our dogs shaved twice a year and the shave is very close.  Comiskey doesn't mind, but Beemer, you only have to walk past him with any sort of energy (create a mild breeze) and he flinches....we think he is just not used to feeling that much air circulating around him anywhere.  Just think about how much fur they usually have.  (side note:  my DH just shaved his beard and got a very short haircut....even he feels the breeze and it makes him cold! LOL)  HTH

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

LOL about your DH!  My DH was saying that too because he always shaves his head!  Bender IS cold...he sleeps curled up in a little ball lately so I always put a baby blanket on him and he sleeps better.  Usually he would sleep sprawled out on his back on the wood floor. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I wish you could post a video.  We always have a flinch after a close shave.  Spud certainly had to be scissor cut and then a close shave last week. 

He really has strange sensations after a shave; won't lay on tile floors, spins around trying to grab his tail, ripply little vibrations on his back, etc.

I do believe it feels so strange to them with the wind, the rain, the cool to warm temps.  Ours passes.  He does though, love to be rubbed down a lot after his hair is cut close.  I like this

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi Joanne!  thats exactly what Bender is doing!  He absolutely refuses to lay on the wood floors or tiles.  But isn't it weird that he does it more so while hes eating?  Maybe because the kitchen is tile but he does like to stand on the mat I have for the sink area.  Zoe thinks he is absolutely insane and wont go near him after a flinching episode.  You should see the way she looks at him LOL

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I think he's just cold and sensitive...standing still to eat is just a reminder cause he is not walking or snuggling on his bed with a blanket. I would wait a couple of days. When Daisy was shaved down she was cold, and nervous...it took a few days for her to get used to it...and we never ever let it happen again!

I don't see how he could have picked up lice or fleas without you noticing since he is shaved so closely, also Zoe would have it too.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thanks Lisa!  Maybe I should get him a sweater.  Pretty sure he can fit into mine LOL.  

yea I don't think I ever want him this short.  DH thinks he looks like a greyhound with a fluffy face.  We are pretty good about giving him flea prevention monthly.  

Hope all is well with your new job and Daisy's new daily schedule :)