Hi all I was talking to a groomer today on the phone and with the condition she is in thay recommend a shave. I told here I thought husky where not supposed shaved and she said husky did not do good in north Carolina because of the heat. She is a outside dog is this a problem? Or should I find a different groomer? Thanks David

David find another groomer, the huskies double coat protects them in the winter and regulates their body temperature. In the summer their double coats does the same, that's why a husky does fine outdoors in the winter and summer. I live in Texas and we have similar, yet more intense and duration of heat than NC. DO NOT have your girl shaved. Was this a chain store groomer, or a private local groomer?

It was a private groomer at a place where you can take your pet a wash them yourself. A local company her in in wilmington nc. I thought I read that here. Thank you all for this forum. David

Renee, I think Zena has some coat issues. I remember seeing another thread about her.

David, I would talk to the groomer and express your concerns about shaving and see if there's anything else that can be done first. If I remember correctly she's pretty matted? Normally, no, don't ever shave a Husky. Sometimes it's necessary though if there is a medical reason or the coat has been really neglected. Being an outside dog I'd be really careful, because it will take away her heat/cold protection as well as sun and parasite protection. Bring all that stuff up to the groomer and if she's not willing to at least discuss it with you, then walk away.

Thank you Meredith, I was actually going to give a shout out to MayaAndSophie and Wpskier222 to help out here. Yes Zena has a bad coat issue, but would rather have David keep her coat if at all possible.

Right, and I was just saying that it may not be avoidable at this point.

I'm with Meredith on this one. I'd ask the groomer for clarification, and also possibly speak with your vet. Generally it's not recommended to shave a husky, but if there are other issues it may be necessary as a last resort. Is Zena a wooley? Her coat may be more difficult to save if that is the case. If she is badly matted and wooley, it would be extremely difficult to save the coat. I think an in person consult with a vet and groomer are your best bet, just make sure the groomer isn't doing it out of convenience.

Thank you I do believe she is woolly. I will just take her to couple groomers and have them look at here. And then see about making a appoint then. Thanks again y'all have been great. Is there any special concerns about here being a outside dog here in the coastal Carolinas? Other the than the basic shade plenty plenty of water. And lots of attention. Thanks David

Oh, I forgot to mention, tell the groomer to only shave where absolutely necessary. Even though it might look a bit funny to have a patchy dog, its better than a completely shaved husky and would at least provide some protection from the elements. Trust me they are ugly with no fur, so save what can be saved! FYI, the husky below was a rescued wooley that was shaved due to a terribly matted coat

Here's kind of an interesting catalogue of long-coats in bad condition that and what the shelter did to fix the coats. Comparing this to Zena might give you an idea on how to handle it.

http://mikulov.org/Rescues/happy/woolly.htm

It's funny Zena looks like Zeke only not as bad. I took some more pics today I will try to up load tonight maybe they will show her better. Thank you David

Here is some pics of Zena. Maybe y'all can tell a little more about her.

David - I have been away and not up to date. I do seem to remember the avatar picture and am not certain how matted she is - you may be able to just cut out the matts (leaving here very patchy and funny looking). Just keep the scissors parallel to the skin and us rounded tip scissors to avoid cutting her.

Your pictures aren't showing on my computer.

With Ami - he seems to be quite affected by the heat and lazy in the summer - like a lot of huskies, but I think it is more pronounced in the wooleys.

Here are some pics of Zena I hope. Ok I give up how do you post a pic from your phone. Thanks David

David, my husband uploads his pics from phone to computer, then I post them here. Perhaps someone else will be able to explain better, there is a sticky that's entitled how to upload pics, it's at the top right hand side of the current page.