Big Dogs, Big Coats: Grooming Large Breeds in Hillsborough

Hillsborough's big lots and leafy streets suit big dogs: Golden Retrievers, Samoyeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and other large, double-coated breeds. These dogs are wonderful companions, but their coats need real work, and lifting a large dog in and out of a car for every groom is no fun for anyone.

Understanding the Double Coat

A double coat has two layers: longer guard hairs on top and a soft, dense undercoat beneath. The undercoat sheds heavily, especially when the seasons change. If it is not brushed out, it packs down, holds moisture and dirt, and can mat close to the skin.

At-Home Brushing for Big Dogs

• Use an undercoat rake to pull out loose undercoat, followed by a slicker brush for the top coat.
• Brush a few times a week, and every day during heavy shedding.
• Do not forget the trousers, the tail and behind the ears, where big coats tangle most.
• Brush in sections, working from the skin outward.

Why Not Just Shave Them?

Shaving a double-coated dog is usually a mistake. The coat helps protect against heat and sun, and it can grow back patchy or uneven. A proper de-shedding treatment removes the dead undercoat while leaving the coat to do its job.

Why Mobile Suits Large Dogs

With a mobile groom, there is no need to load a large dog into the car. Our van parks in your driveway or on your street, and your dog is groomed right there.

Mobile Grooming in Hillsborough

Sky Pet Grooming's van comes to homes in Hillsborough, with a full bathtub, a grooming table and professional dryers on board, so your pet is groomed right outside your door. We offer full dog grooming, cat grooming, de-shedding, detangling, nail trimming and anal gland expression. Book online any time, or call (415) 754-0813.