In a message dated 12/5/99 9:32:52 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Last spring I recommended shaving to a friend with a collie who has
 one of those dense modern coats >>

Here in Florida we recommend AGAINST shaving as the dog's coat is his
protection from sun and insects.  For people who don't want to take the time
to groom consistently, you can "clip" a Collie to make the coat shorter and
more easily groomed.  Hot spots can be caused by the dead undercoat retaining
moisture and causing the dog to itch....proper combing to remove this dead
undercoat would prevent this type of hot spot.  Dogs sensitized to the
alergens in a flea's bite may itch and chew for days after one bite, even
dogs on the new flea killer products...since they only kill the flea AFTER
the bite.

Allene