Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Considering other options
• Part 2 of 2: Shaving your dog
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

It may seem natural for a responsible owner to shave their dog when it gets hot outside. However, chances are that shaving your dog is not as good as you think. Even when it seems necessary, it is best to hire a professional. If you do shave your dog yourself, you need to be very careful and pay attention to the safety of your four-legged friend.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Considering other options

1. Don't be afraid of the heat. It seems obvious that a thick coat makes summer unbearable for your dog, but in fact the coat acts as insulation. It cools your dog and protects it from the sun. Animal protection therefore advises dog owners not to shave their dog.
   • In addition to the cooling effect, your dog's coat helps protect it from the sun. Without his coat, his skin can burn and he is more susceptible to skin cancer.
   • Some, but not all, experts suggest that certain breeds of dog bred for extremely cold climates do have coats that are too thick for hot summers. Talk to the vet and ask if your dog has more hair than is good for him.
   • Even in cases where the dog needs to be trimmed, don't overdo it. At least an inch of fur should be left to provide sun protection.
2. Think about moisture. If there is a good reason to shave your dog, it may not be the sun, but the rain. Dogs can suffer from ailments from too much moisture. The condition is called myiasis and is a plague of maggots in the coat. This can occur if your dog has a thick, dense coat and is often out in the rain.
   • Ask the vet if myiasis could be a problem for your dog. Even if your dog has the aforementioned risk factors, the condition can usually be prevented if you keep your dog clean and pay close attention to any open wounds.
3. Do not shave your dog if he has a double coat. A double coat is an undercoat of fine, frizzy hair. It may not be directly visible under the thicker top coat, but many popular breeds have it, including German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Chowchows, Huskies, Alaskan Malutes and Samoyeds. As these dogs get older, it becomes more likely that some of the hair will not grow back after a shave, causing them to develop a patchwork coat.
4. Consider a professional shave. Dog grooming usually costs between 30 and 90 euros. This price usually includes shaving the coat, as well as maintaining his nails and various other actions necessary to maintain hygiene.
   • For some people this amount is difficult to get together, but usually your dog can - and may be better off - without the grooming. Therefore, if the choice is between shaving it yourself or not shaving it at all, not shaving it at all is usually the better option.
   • There is a risk of injury when shaving your dog. If you're considering this, it's very likely that a professional dog groomer is ultimately the cheaper option - a vet costs more than a bath and a shave.

Part 2 of 2: Shaving your dog

1. Buy the equipment. You will need clippers and a comb that can be attached to them. You also need a brush and some lubricant. Buy clippers specially designed for dogs; this can be done in a pet store or in a grooming salon.
   • If you know your dog is easily startled by loud noises, try out the different clippers at the store to determine how loud they are. Choose one that doesn't make a lot of noise.
   • Buy an E-comb. This is a comb designed to leave 1 inch of hair, which is usually the recommended length.
2. Keep the clippers cool. Clippers can easily overheat and burn your dog. Take frequent breaks to let the razor cool down. Use the lubricant that comes with the clippers to prevent the device from overheating.
3. Clean your dog's coat. If there are tangles in the coat, it will be difficult to get the clippers through. This can be painful for your dog and difficult for you. Wash and brush your dog to get tangles out of his coat before shaving. EXPERT TIP

   Hold your dog by its collar. You should keep your dog from moving too much while shaving. If your dog is struggling, it is good to have a second person come to help hold your dog in place.

4. Shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the direction can cause rough lines. Make slow, gentle movements.
   • If you have trouble figuring out the shaving direction, take a debit card and rub it on the hair. If the hair comes up and moves back, you are going against the grain. So you have to shave in the opposite direction.
5. Start with the sensitive areas. Over time, your dog may become impatient. Therefore, start with the hard-to-reach places and then move on to the easier places.
   • A good order is head, armpits, under the tail, behind the head, back, sides, belly.
   • Unless your dog is completely still, you should skip his muzzle. And even when he's sitting still, keep at least an inch away from his eyes while shaving.
6. Shave the underarms. When the dog is standing, raise one front paw to a comfortable position. Then shave the armpit and repeat on the other front leg.
7. Shave the cross. Lift your dog's back leg as if it were about to urinate. Shave under the leg. This keeps the dog clean when it goes to the bathroom, especially long-haired dogs. Repeat on the other hind leg.
8. Shave the butt. Lift the tail and shave around the butt. This is also to keep it clean when going to the bathroom. Also be very careful here.
9. Shave the rest of the body. Start behind the head and work your way down the neck to the back and then along both sides. Shave the belly very gently and don't forget to shave off your hand.

Tips

• Some dogs are afraid of the sound of the clippers. Therefore, turn on the device a while before use to get your dog used to the sound. Hold it near your dog's head.
• Make sure you do long, slow movements and don't make upward curves.

Warnings

• Not all dogs need to be shaved. A dog's coat helps him to stay warm and also prevents sunburn.
• Be very careful.

Necessities

• Clippers with E-comb
• Lubricant
• Brush