Burdock in Golden coat

• 04-13-2008 10:31 AM

  mama_mojo Joined on 07-16-2007 Champlain Valley Posts 47 Points 0

  Burdock in Golden coat Reply Contact  Help!  I spent over two hours getting the burdock, not the balls, the loose seeds, out of my dogs' coat.  Poor boy REALLY was put to the test when I had to spend so much time on his belly area and under his tail.  I think his coat is thicker than the more field type dogs.  The burdock will happen over and over again because of where we walk.  I did figure out to wait for his coat to be mostly dry, which meant he spent an uncomfortable night with burdock mats on his tummy, and I ended up using a wide tooth comb.  Any other hints?  Should I trim the fur on the backs of his hocks to reduce the burdock problem there?  We don't show, but I like for him to look pretty.  I cannot imagine how long it would have taken if his coat was not already in very good shape.  I also cannot imagine how it would have gone if we did not already spend so much time grooming.  UGH!   Rachael "Most of us, male or female, work at full-time jobs that seem organized around the presumption that some wifely person is at home picking up the slack- ... but in fact June Cleaver has left the premises."

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• 04-13-2008 5:33 PM

  In reply to mama_mojo

  willgroom4chocolate Joined on 08-30-2006 Central NE Posts 357 Points 100

  Re: Burdock in Golden coat Reply Contact I personally think it's easier to dampen the coat wrapped in the burrs, as opposed to letting it dry out.  A dematting/conditioning spray helps, but even just water is better than nothing.  Do you have a soft slicker brush?  I would use that first, and then the comb. Can you re-route your walk, to avoid such areas?  If not, I would indeed trim-up the hair that is collecting the burrs.  I know, Goldens look bad without those pretty furnishings.  But it's you dog's comfort that is most important, right? ___________________________________ ALL generalizations are bad Jacob Visit my blog! http://thedapperdog.blogspot.com/

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• 04-15-2008 8:37 PM

  In reply to willgroom4chocolate

  mama_mojo Joined on 07-16-2007 Champlain Valley Posts 47 Points 0

  Re: Burdock in Golden coat Reply Contact  They are not burrs.  I'm from Texas, and I know the prickly things like beggars lice and what not are easier if damp, but this burdock was definitely less clingy when dry.  I did try detangler, as someone told me to do that when the burdock balls got in my kids' hair, but it really did not work on the bits and pieces in the dog's coat.  As for rerouting the walk- unfortunately, in order to have off-lead time and water around here, you have got to put up with the burdock.  And I guess I would rather comb out the burdock than always walk on a sidewalk,   Rachael "Most of us, male or female, work at full-time jobs that seem organized around the presumption that some wifely person is at home picking up the slack- ... but in fact June Cleaver has left the premises."

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• 04-15-2008 9:51 PM

  In reply to mama_mojo

  jennie_c_d Joined on 09-10-2007 Southeast Georgia Posts 8,696 Points 75

  Re: Burdock in Golden coat Reply Contact Consider trimming him, for the summer, then. At least have his belly and feathers significantly shortened and thinned. It can't feel good to have stuff all in his coat. Another thing to possibly think about would be covering him in a light t shirt, to prevent stickers from attaching to his belly.  Mischeif N Miracles, CGC, RE (PRT, 10/13/2003) Libby's Monkey N The Middle (Chinese Crested, 1/26/2008) Teenie Weenie at the Bridge (Dachshund, ???-12/28/2007)

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• 04-17-2008 8:29 PM

  In reply to jennie_c_d

  mama_mojo Joined on 07-16-2007 Champlain Valley Posts 47 Points 0

  Re: Burdock in Golden coat Reply Contact  Thanks!  I hadn't thought of the t shirt.  Also, I paid very close attention, and I know the area where he's picking up the most, so I am encouraging him to swim elsewhere. Rachael "Most of us, male or female, work at full-time jobs that seem organized around the presumption that some wifely person is at home picking up the slack- ... but in fact June Cleaver has left the premises."

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• 04-24-2008 12:37 PM

  In reply to mama_mojo

  GoldenAC Joined on 02-05-2007 Posts 240 Points 110	Re: Burdock in Golden coat Reply Contact  A lot of people who hunt with their Goldens will put a conditioner on their dog's furnishings before they go into the field, or they spay them with pam.  I have found that for burdock, a slicker brush does work best.  A summer trim up of the furnishings is a good idea also.  It will grow back.
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• 04-24-2008 1:41 PM

  In reply to GoldenAC

  Maxs Mom Joined on 09-26-2006 Livonia, MI Posts 1,580 Points 100

  Re: Burdock in Golden coat Reply Contact When I have burr issues in a horses tail, I use "Show Sheen" to make the coat slippery and they are MUCH easier to remove. It is a silicone spray. It becomes very slippery when dry. We use it to not rip out hair. "Cowboy Magic" is a similar product too, but that may not work as well. With the Show Sheen, it may help prevent them from sticking as badly later too. I don't think it will hurt your dogs skin. It is meant for use on a horses body too for shine. Oh I hate the thought of clippers on a Golden. Yes it grows back, I just hate that look. I have 2 Goldens. I don't have burdock issues (MI) my problem is usually too much swimming, too much coat and we end up in clumps. Don't clip unless you have to. Show Sheen should be available at any horse supply store. Do you have Tractor Supply stores where you are? They might have it too. I would think in TX (that is where you said you live isn't it?) there would be a lot of horse supply type stores not too far away. Good Luck!   Ann & Art Maxine CGC, UADNJIII, DDNJ-r (11 yr old Golden) Belle NJP, NAJ, OJP, CGC, UAGI, UADSJ, UADJJ (5 Black Lab) Teddi UADJJ, UJJ, CGC (1 1/2 yr old Golden) Pete 14 yr old TB

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