Can You Shave A Dog
The fur is a dog’s crowning glory but there are situations when dog owners would think that shaving will be best for the dog. Dogs are commonly shaved to better cope with the heat of the summer months. A pet owner would decide to shave the dog because of the following concerns: fungal infections that results to hot spots, excessive shedding and fur that is prone to form tangles. A pet owner will opt to shave the dog to do away with the need to groom especially if the pet is old and cannot tolerate being constantly brushed.
Dog owners have varied reasons for shaving the dog. Professional groomers charge from $40 to $80 to shave a dog. Shaving the pet would be fun - the dog will not complain and the hair would grow in no time anyways.
If you have decided to shave the dog, the task would be much easier (and kinder on the clipper) if the hair is clean and tangle free. Bathe the dog to remove dried up feces and other dirt clinging on the coat. The coat must be thoroughly dried and combed to remove tangles. Shaving the dog will be easier if the pet is placed on a table with the head loosely fastened to an overhead support to abort the dog’s attempt to jump while being shaved. A dog that will be shaved for the first time must be accustomed to the humming and the vibration of the clipper thus before the starting to shave lay the turned on clipper against the body of the dog.
With a #10 blade start shaving the hair between the eyes of the dog. Be careful not to nick the eyes. Move on to the face and to the ears. For long eared breeds, lift the ear to shave the hair on the inner ear.
The armpit area is the next. You need to raise the legs but be sure that the position is not making the dog uncomfortable. Move down to the anal area. Shaving the anal area is necessary for long haired dogs. Change the blade with a longer one and shave the rest of the body. Run the clipper in long slow strokes from the head to the neck and down to the side of the body . Pull the slack skin of the belly to make shaving easier. Shave the legs and feet. Finished! Pat yourself on the back and hug the dog for a job well done.
Learn more about how to shave a dog and dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.
