Dogs at Jerseys: ungroomed shitzu dogs subject to infection?

Question by Minxie: ungroomed shitzu dogs subject to infection?

What happens when a shitzu dog goes ungroomed for over a year? I know a dog (not mine) who has not been groomed for over 1 year now and he’s matted really bad, you can’t see his face and he just looks so disgusting

I am really upset about this. Can he die?? Is this animal abuse??

Best answer:

Answer by Purebreds Rock!
This is absolutely animal abuse. I cannot even begin to explain the horrors that are probably living on that dog.

Yes, the dog could die from an infection, fleas, etc.

Call your local aspca. You can probably report the dog anonymously. Do it for the dog.

Answer by Dez
Of course its animal abuse to leave a dog in that kind of condition!
Report it to the nearest animal shelter, he could die of over heating infections CAN set in, he could have urine and poo all over his coat subjeting him to them and the weight of it all could hurt him!
He could develpe respiratory problems as well from the stench!

Answer by Meaghan
It is abusive. And yes, he can get fungal infection from moisture caught underneath the matting, or the skin can be damaged from the knotted hair pulling on it. The ears can get infected from impacted hair not allowing moisture to drain out. The rear can get infected from the fecal matter and it can also cause an issue with fly strike if not treated.

So yes, it is abusive. Have the dog shaved down and then buy a comb and keep up with the grooming. Longhair dogs take some effort, but it is manageable if you stick with it, every single week.

Answer by Rebecca T
Yes it IS abuse!!!!!
You should call the authorities about the dog.
They should be able to rescue it from its current neglectful “owners”.
Or I would just take it to the vet so that it can get the help that it deserves!!! No dog should have to live like that if you can call it living!!!

Answer by Shih Tzu Mom
Yes, this is animal abuse. I’ve seen pictures of dogs like this and also on Animal Planet and it makes me want to cry! It has to hurt that poor dog to even walk or turn it’s head because of the matted hair.

This dog needs to be shaved clear down to his skin, in order to get all the matted hair off, and heaven only knows what lies beneath all that stinking hair and mats. Sometimes the dogs are covered in sores, and sometimes surprisingly enough they are find under all that. The dog will not die because of this awful mess, but the misery it is going through has to be horrendous! I would also bet this dogs teeth have to be nearly rotted out of it’s little head, and so what is that doing to it’s eating habits?

But, no matter what, I believe I would turn this owner in to someone that would come and take this dog, shave it down and find it a good home. These kind of people deserve to be put in a cage for the rest of their rotten lives, and made to live like that poor little dog is living.

I am owned by a little Shih Tzu, and if they are kept groomed in a puppy cut as I clip mine, they are so easy to groom and keep brushed and clean.

Please, see what you can do about finding this dog a new home be it through the ASPCA, Animal Control or whatever means.
Good luck and God bless.

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