Shaving a dog not only helps keep it clean and free from tangles, but it can make them feel more comfortable during hot weather as well. In fact, shaving the coat of a long-haired dog can help prevent heat exhaustion in the summer. However, if you do not have the money for a professional groomer, the following tips can help you learn how to shave your dog on your own.
Choose Clippers Wisely
First of all, it is essential to note that you should never use human clippers on your pet. Human clippers tend to overheat quickly and can pull your pet’s hair. As such, you need to choose a top-quality clipper made specially for pets. Some of the best brands available today are Oster, Andis and Wahl.
How to Shave Your Dog?
Shaving a Dog – Getting Started
It is best to place your dog on top of a grooming table that has an overhead arm, which attaches a short leash to its collar keeping the head up. However, if you do not have a grooming table, any sturdy table will do. Nevertheless, you will want to make sure that your pet does not wiggle while you shave it.
Using a number 10 blade, begin by shaving your dog’s face. Taking care to not poke the eyes, shave against the body so that you do not risk cutting your pet’s skin. If your dog gets restless, have someone help secure it or wait until it settles down to continue shaving.
After you have finished the head, you can then move on to the ears. Shave the outer part of the ears first, but be careful that you do not nick the skin. You can then move on to the underside of the ears. Since this can be a bit tricky, many people choose to clip this hair with small scissors.
Shaving a Dog – Moving On
Next, lift each arm one at a time and shave the underarms. When you reach the rear legs, lift each leg a bit higher and carefully shave the groin area. Raise the tail and shave the area around the rectum as well. At this point, you will want to check the clippers and make sure they have not become overheated.
So long as the clippers have not become overheated, you can then begin shaving the hair from the rest of the body. However, be sure to switch the number 10 blade to a larger one. Start just behind your dog’s head and work down towards the neck and back leaving at least one half to one inch of hair. Then, go down each side. Take extra care when shaving the belly.
Useful Tips on Shaving a Dog
Before shaving your dog, get it accustomed to the sound of the clippers. In this way, your pet will be calmer during the grooming process. Additionally, be sure to clean and oil your clippers regularly. When you follow these easy steps, you can easily shave your dog.
A shaved dog is much easier to care for and is typically much more comfortable during the hot months of summer. For people who do not have money for a professional groomer, shaving their dog on their own is a great option. Learning how to shave a dog is not difficult; however, always take extra care when shaving sensitive areas of your pet’s body. You might wonder, should I shave my dog or not? Find out the pros and cons here: to shave or not to shave?