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Here is an excellent website I found about trimming coats. http://omalmalamutes.com/omal/wooly.htm It is written for longcoated Alaskan Malamutes but can also apply to our woolies too. It is not necessary to trim a longcoat. Many of us woolie owners do not trim but brush regularly instead. This is just info for those that prefer or are considering trimming.
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A word on shaving your LC akita. If there isn't a problem with the coat we do not recommend shaving it all off. Exceptions are if the coat is so badly matted that it has caused a skin condition needing aggressive treatment or the mats cannot be removed any other way. Mats are extremely painful for dogs. They tug and pull at the skin with every movement the dog makes so preventing or removing them in very important. Some people think that shaving will keep their dogs cooler in the hot summer. Dogs do not sweat to keep cool like people do, they pant instead. They may also sweat through the pads of their feet if they are overheating. (or if they are really stressed) Removing the coat is removing the insulation they have against the elements. Insulation works both ways, to keep heat in and to keep heat out. Without their coat they are also exposed to the risk of sunburn. The best way to keep your woolie cool is to keep them inside with airconditioning, fans or on a cool floor. Provide plenty of water and shade. Do not over tax them with hikes or long walks on really hot days. If you shave their coat off it may take quite some time for it to grow back. And do not be surprised if it doesn't grow back the same.
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Here is a tutorial on keeping those feet trimmed. If you have any non-carpeted floors in your home this will help give your woolie some traction. The fur on the bottom of the foot can act like a sock and cover the pad. In winter this fur can also become a magnet for snowball clumps which can be painful for your dog to walk on.
Here are a couple of before photos of the feet when untrimmed.
You can see how the fur lays over the pads when stepped on.
Keep the scissors parallel to the foot so you don't cut into the pad or stab the pad accidentally. This is especially important if your dog is moving around at all. Have a helper distract the dog with treats if needed and be patient. Unless you have trained your dog to tolerate this they may be wiggly. Sometimes this tickles! Be sure to get as close as possible to each pad individually and each side of the pad.
A finished paw. You can see how clean this makes it. Not only does it give your dog more traction but it helps cut down the amount of mud and dirt that can get tracking into your home. I recommend triming the nails after trimming the pads because taking away the extra fur will make them easier to see.
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Happy Grooming!
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