SHOULD I USE A FURMINATOR ON A DOG [LAB] THAT SWIMS IN COLD WATER?

June 21, 2009 2:25 PM

Doesn't the underfur removed by a Furminator serve as insulation, waterproofing, and buoyancy for a dog, especially a water dog like a Lab? She never wants to get out of the water and I'm afraid she'll get too cold.
posted by edaphon to Pets & Animals (4 answers total)

Meh, I think it should be fine. I would think you would notice if she started shivering or looking uncomfortable. I know lots of non-water breed dogs with very short hair and no undercoat that love to play in cold water. Dogs are better at tolerating that than humans.
posted by emilyd22222 at 2:30 PM on June 21, 2009

I use a furminator on my husky (she has a very heavy undercoat that sheds twice a year), the furminator seems to only remove the undercoat that is shedding/about to shed, I don't believe it is removing anything that isn't ready to fall out (all over the house/car/me/the cats/and everything else) anyway.

I don't think you need to worry about it.
posted by HuronBob at 2:35 PM on June 21, 2009 [1 favorite]

What HuronBob said. The Furminator pulls some hair, but mostly it removes hair that has already been shed.

Also, have not seen a Lab get too cold and I suspect a Lab that thought she was chilly would try to get back in the car or the house or whatever.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 3:44 PM on June 21, 2009

The Furminator only takes the fur that has already been shed or is actively shedding. It does not pull hair from the root or anything so you should be good to go. Good luck, I love mine.
posted by crankylex at 4:12 PM on June 21, 2009