Gyp is 13 1/2 now, and honestly I am about at the end of my rope with grooming him. He has got a terrible coat- very thick and cottony- and it mats like you would not believe. I have always had trouble with his coat, but its gotten so much worse now that he is having trouble standing for long periods of time on the table. I don't have the ability at home to do a back end harness, and although my sister is a groomer, their salon is not set up for that either. I could take him to a new groomer, which I know would make him miserable and I would have a hard time finding one who I trust, or I could continue doing what I have been doing, which is having him lay on his side on the table and just kind of getting through it. Either way sucks, honestly, and it is getting ridiculous. His pants are stained because he has been licking his bum a lot (my idea is because poop gets caught in his pants a lot), and his elbows get horribly matted from laying down almost all day. I brush him as much as I can but he shakes the entire time- it makes me feel horrible.
So, my sister had a suggestion of clipping him down- and honestly I don't know how I should feel about that. Part of me says NO FREAKING WAY, and the other part of me wonders if this would make his life more comfortable. He would have to go in for more regular grooming, but less matting and brushing. What do you guys think? I don't know if there's anything else I can do for him.
Also, vets/vet techs/anyone who might know- Gyp was on Clavamox and Lymphomyscot for a tooth infection which caused an abscess on his neck. He was on both for 2 months with no sign of improvement- and he was taking 8 pills a day! I don't know if I just didn't give it enough time- but I am just really frustrated and I feel like there has to be a simpler option. I have an appointment for tomorrow, but I wanted to ask anyone here if they have any experience with these two medications. I just feel like thats a lot of medication for him to be getting with no results.
Grrr, senior dogs always make things complicated.
So, my sister had a suggestion of clipping him down- and honestly I don't know how I should feel about that. Part of me says NO FREAKING WAY, and the other part of me wonders if this would make his life more comfortable. He would have to go in for more regular grooming, but less matting and brushing. What do you guys think? I don't know if there's anything else I can do for him.
Also, vets/vet techs/anyone who might know- Gyp was on Clavamox and Lymphomyscot for a tooth infection which caused an abscess on his neck. He was on both for 2 months with no sign of improvement- and he was taking 8 pills a day! I don't know if I just didn't give it enough time- but I am just really frustrated and I feel like there has to be a simpler option. I have an appointment for tomorrow, but I wanted to ask anyone here if they have any experience with these two medications. I just feel like thats a lot of medication for him to be getting with no results.
Grrr, senior dogs always make things complicated.