Learning how to 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. Excessive shedding, fur that tangles and mats easily, hot spots and other fungal infections are usually the reasons why a pet owner would opt to shave the dog. 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.

Due to varied reasons, a pet owner would choose to shave the dog. Dog owners would have to spend $40 to $80 to have the dog shaved by a professional groomer. Shaving the dog yourself though would be fun.

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. Dirt and dried up feces that clings to the coat will be removed if the dog is bathed. After the dog is bathed and dried, the hair must be brushed thoroughly to remove the 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 is being shaved for the first time have to be acclimatized to the sound and the vibration of the clipper otherwise the pet will vault and resist being shaved.

Use a #10 blade to shave the area between the eyes of the dog. Carefully shave the hair between 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 next is the armpit area. Raise the dog’s leg but be sure that the pet is not uncomfortable. Move down to the anal area. Shaving the anal area is necessary for long haired dogs. Change the blade and work on the rest of the body. Use continuous strokes to shave the hair on the head, neck and sides of the body . Skin on the belly is usually slack thus you need to pull the skin taut. Last stop would be the legs and the feet. Congratulate yourself for a job well done.

Learn more about how to shave a dog at Sarah’s Dogs.