Learning How To Shave A Dog
Dogs are regularly groomed to maintain the admirable condition of the coat but for some reasons pet parents would decide to have the dog shaved. The heat of the summer months would take a toll on the dog thus long haired breeds are commonly shaved. 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 long coated dog may be too old to tolerate a good brushing thus an owner would shave the dog to minimize the need to groom.
Dog owners would opt to shave the dog for different reasons. Professional groomers charge from $40 to $80 to shave a dog. An adventurous pet owner though can do the shaving himself.
Apart from being easier to shave, a clean and tangle free hair would not over work the clipper. Bathe the dog to remove dried up feces and other dirt clinging on the coat. After the dog is bathed and dried, the hair must be brushed thoroughly to remove the tangles. The shaving task would be easier and of course kinder on your back if the dog is positioned on a table but ensure that the head of the pet is loosely fastened to an overhead support to prevent the dog from jumping 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.
To shave the face and the area between the eyes, use a #10 blade. Be careful not to nick the eyes. From the eyes, run the clipper carefully down to the face. Lift the ears of floppy eared breeds to shave the hair under the ears.
The armpit area is the next. Raise the dog’s leg but be sure that the pet is not uncomfortable. Move down to the anal area. Shaving this area is actually necessary for long haired breeds so as to prevent feces from sticking to the hair every time the dog defecates. Change the blade and work on 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.