2 Questions...Belly Shave & Collars...Matts...

[Pam & Trixie]

Since I dont plan on trimming Trixies fur...I recall reading when she was a puppy that people shave their bellys....is this to help them keep cool?

Maybe I should Shave Trixies Belly?  I dont have a Shaver...I suppose I cant really trim her belly fur...

 

And- She is starting to matt a bit under her collars.  I have several kinds...But not a rolled collar...I know alot of people say that is the best to prevent matts...Are they always leather? (never owned a rolled collar)   Do any come with the Snap on vs a Buckle?

 

Any other collar style Suggestions?   I do keep her collar off lately in the house. 

[Rachel and Ollie]

I'm wondering if this type of collar would work? 

http://www.ruffwear.com/Knot-a-Just-Collar?sc=2&category=16

It's climbing rope. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

This doesn't work because it rubs the hair into mats.

[Rachel and Ollie]

The climbing rope in particular or this style? 

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

The collar that Rachel linked to looks very similar to this, but this would be another option of a sort of "rolled" collar that still has a quick clasp.

http://www.bigdogboutique.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=...

I'm sure that one aspect of shaving their bellies is to keep them cool, but my understanding is that it is also for sanitary reasons.  Removing the hair from that area of their body helps to prevent bacteria from getting trapped and potentially resulting in a UTI.  One option is to take Trixie to a groomer and just ask for a "sanitary trim".  That will mean the groomer will only shave her belly and trim some of the fur away from under her tail.  

[Donna P.]

I like the looks of that collar. I think I will order one. Thanks for the link.

[Pam & Trixie]

Thanks Lori & Rachel, both of those look like good alternatives to look into.

Lori -I do a Sani trim on Trixie.  I enjoy grooming her on my own...Just not sure what I should do about her belly fur...I sure to like it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Shaving her belly will not really keep her cooler and may irritate the skin. (Clippers can be irritating on areas where there is little fur to begin with.) The sanitary trim is enough.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't shave anywhere. But I do keep bellies pretty short to avoid collecting debris. Also Luca tends to get tiny knots in his fine belly hair and it's much less of a problem when the hair is short. No real worries about sunburn there.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Er, I meant I don't shave my dogs anywhere : )

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

ROFL, F!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well, I didn't want anyone to misconstrue what I meant.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Ugh.

You know, there is always waxing.  Wonder if that would work?  Hey, Spud.  Come here a minute