Should I clip my Mum's dog?

[goodjambadjar]

This is the first time I've started a thread on MN!

Anyway, I'm currently looking after my mum's dog and he is clearly suffering in this heat. He is a spaniel/border collie cross, so big but not huge but has very thick fur and it's a bit curly. He's been sick a couple of times which could be the heat, or homesickness! He's a soppy sod!

My mum does clip him herself but I'm not sure she takes enough off, IYSWIM? There is a chance she won't be impressed if I do it, but my argument is it'll grow back, he'll feel better and I don't want to keep cleaning dog sick off of my cream carpet!

So, do I? Even if my mum might go ?

I'd do it. If she complains remind her that she's entrusted his care to you, that's more than food and walks. He'll be eternally grateful too, poor thing!

Thanks MrsPennyApple. She packed a special comb which takes out some hair at the same time, but it's not enough. He's very shaggy!

I think you owe it to the dog to do it. im sure you're mum will be fine with it

Thanks. Once he's calmed down from the storm I might take him into the kitchen and get him sorted. He's an old boy bless him, 13 this year! I think that's pretty good for a biggish dog? It's not storming here anymore but it really freaks him out. My mum over indulges him, I think that's why she doesn't clipper him too much and let's him get on the bed during a storm!

The sickness is unlikely to be related to having too much fur or heat. If he has been sick more than once I would suggest a trip to the vets.

He was sick twice, straight after his dinner on Saturday and Sunday. He was ok yesterday so I'm not too worried. I got the clippers out and he came straight over and laid down! Soppy bugger.
I did a 4 and he looks better, but I might try a 3 as his hair is so thick, especially around his neck-it's like he has a black curly mane! I think I'll need new clippers!

A warning has recently gone out on Facebook about clipping a dog's fur too short. I'll see if I can find a link.

Here

Thanks. Interesting link! I wasn't going to shave him completely, my mum would go totally ballistic!

basically, he's got the colouring and coat of a border collie, with cocker spaniel curls! So the curls make it thicker. I'll see how he goes. I think because he's so hairy, and I didn't get as much fur as I thought I would, if that makes sense?

Well, as both breeds are working dogs, he classes as double coated. I'm glad I only have him a trim instead of a proper clipping!

*gave

She clips him herself usually. I think it was more if I'd given him a number two she wouldn't have been best pleased!