Because my maltese was 'in jail' for 2 mos., his coat is now unbearable. Can I have him completely shaved? Answers at Dogster Answers.

Sun, Jul 26th 2009, 15:23 GMT

How could your Mlatese be in jail do you have that backwards? Well anyway you can have a groomer clip her down with a #3 BALADE WHICH WILL LEAVE HER 1/2 INCH ALL OVER......

ANSWERED BY

Bunny Honey Crystal Sparkjaw

Thu, Jun 4th 2009, 06:11 GMT

Yes it's fine to shave you Maltese. And you can do it as often as you want without worrying about the hair growing back. The risk of shaving a dog and having the hair grow back funny only applies to double coated dogs, and even then it depends on the individual. Since Maltese are single coated you don't have to worry. Shavng a matted dog is also alot easier and more human for the dog than tuggng and pulling on thier skin trying to remove them. Rmoving mats also destroys the caot and makes it easier for them to form again. If they don't need the caot then it's much better for everyone involed to just shave it down and start over.

ANSWERED BY

Davy

Wed, May 27th 2009, 03:11 GMT

Hey! I have a tzu cross, and I shave her down. That should be fine for your maltese, it would probably even be more comfortable in the summer for him. Just make sure he's kept warm in cold weather...

ANSWERED BY

♥Maybelle♥

Wed, May 27th 2009, 01:52 GMT

I haven't had a maltese, but if his coat is that bad, shaving may be his best option. I have had to shave my schnauzers down due to matting when they were adopted. Maybe go into the breed specific forum and ask some other maltese owners of thier opinions.

ANSWERED BY

Max (aka Sebastian)

Wed, May 27th 2009, 01:50 GMT

Hi Ashton! Wow, you are cute! What does Evelyn mean, you were in jail? Were you quarantined? Well, anyway, it is true that long-haired dogs have guard hairs that conduct body heat away during the hot months; in fact, my friend who does Husky rescue says that if you shave a Husky every summer, at some point the guard hairs don't grow back and the dog permanently looks like a giant fuzzy Q-Tip! But if you have horrible mats, it's probably better to be shaved and start over. I would call a few local groomers to get their opinions. You might want to call the vet, if you are really concerned about overheating. Good luck!

ANSWERED BY

Katie