We're in shedding season, if you haven't figured that out by now. That makes me think about the type of fur pets have, and what people have to deal with. Personally, I would never have a long-haired pet because of the high maintenance. I have seen too many people come in with heavily matted dogs and cats, or have to get them groomed every month or two to keep the coat manageable. It's a lot of work! It's also important since a matted coat can trap dirt, cause skin irritation, and can be painful as the hair pulls the skin.
Thick coats can be as bad as long ones. Dogs like Siberian huskies and German shepherds have dense undercoats that will come out in clumps during the warm months. These coats require regular brushing to keep them from being a problem. Honestly, these dogs don't need to be shaved down, just brushed daily.
Unfortunately, many pet owners don't think about this when they get a pet. That little lhasa apso puppy is so cute, but the people don't know what it takes to manage the coat. It's a lot of time and cost, and not doing so can affect the pet in a negative way. It's an unavoidable consequence of these kinds of pets. Definitely think about maintinence when you pick a certain breed!
So keep up with those coats. Brush and see the groomer. Your pet will be better for it, and you'll want to be closer to your pet.
