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. The heat of the summer months would take a toll on the dog thus long haired breeds are commonly shaved. 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. Dogs advanced in age would not appreciate a good brushing thus an owner would choose to shave the dog to lessen the need to groom.

Due to varied reasons, a pet owner would choose to shave the dog. To have the dog shaved by a professional groomer, a dog owner has to pay between $40 to $80. Shaving the pet would be fun – the dog will not complain and the hair would grow in no time anyways.

Before starting the shaving session it would be best if the dog is bathed and the fur thoroughly brushed to prevent the clipper from overheating. Dirt and dried up feces that clings to the coat will be removed if the dog is bathed. 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.

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 armpit area is the next. To shave the hair under the dog’s armpit you have to raise the leg but be sure that the position is not making the pet uncomfortable. Next is 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 with a longer one and shave the rest of the body. In long slow strokes, run the clipper starting from the head down to the neck and to the sides of the body . Pull the loose skin of the belly to make shaving easier. Last stop would be the legs and the feet. Congratulate yourself for a job well done.