How to Cut a Dog's Tail Hair

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How to Cut a Dog's Tail Hair

Easy

5 - 15 Minutes

6 Weeks

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Introduction

Your dog’s tail hair cannot be ignored any longer. Maybe you have a dog with a long and fluffy tail. Or maybe your dog has a short stubby tail with tufts of fur. Some beautiful dogs even have sleek tails. But they all need attention at some point, and a haircut or trim is the best way to give it the attention it needs to be gorgeous again.

Long and fluffy tails might be the most challenging to keep cut. These tails can be maintained, brushed, cut, and even shaped to match a typical breed style or your dog’s personality.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog’s tail can be a sensitive area. If you don’t brush it regularly, it might become tangled easily. The underside of the tail could be encrusted with poop, causing pulling and tangled knots. Knowing the condition of your dog’s tail before cutting might help determine how comfortable your little guy will be.

The Tidy Trim Method

Effective

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Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Comb

Step

Brush

Brush out the length of the tail with a slicker brush for long fur and a bristle brush for shorter fur.

Step

Comb

Use a comb to detangle any knots.

Step

Scissors

Lift the tail and trim the underside of the tail close to his bottom. Keeping the hair here short will help to keep his bottom clean and will keep poop from sticking to the tail fur.

Step

Arc

After the underside is done, hold the tail out and cut the fur in an arc to the length you’d like.

Step

Brush again

Once you are finished cutting to length, brush the tail again and let it loose. Look for any stray hair that needs cutting.

The Pretty Cut Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Scissors

Comb

Towel

Step

Wash

Give your dog a bath and condition the tail to make it softer. This will especially help with long fluffy tails. After your dog’s bath, apply some detangling spray or conditioner to soften the fur and help detangle.

Step

Brush

After drying your pup after his bath, brush out his fur including his tail. Be sure to brush out any tangles.

Step

Tail base

Lift the tail and trim the fur under the base of the tail. This is a good time to clean up the potty area as well.

Step

Tail length

Still holding the tail, cut the hair hanging down to the length you’d like your dog’s tail to have.

Step

Tail tip

Be sure to cut the fur to the tip for a natural look. Hold the tip of the tail so you do not snip the skin.

Step

Comb

Once you are done cutting, comb through the tail to remove any tangles and give it a finished appearance. You may need to trim more fur after combing.

Caution & Considerations

Many owners ignore the tail with their regular grooming procedures.
Your pup’s tail is a great communicator. He uses it often, so be sure to care for it.
Research your dog’s breed to see what his tail should look like for breed standards.
Trimming at an arc will keep the underside of the tail trimmed while keeping the rest fluffy and beautiful.
Always brush your dog’s tail before cutting to remove tangles.
Be sure to include brushing the tail with your daily grooming as well.
Keeping up with tail maintenance will help keep it free of bothersome knots and tangles.
The tailbone can be sensitive and easily injured. Be cautious of bending the tail while grooming.
When cutting the length of the fur at your pup’s tail tip, but sure to find the tip of the bone and skin so you know where to stop cutting.
Be sure when cutting the fur on your dog’s tail to keep your scissors pointed away from his body and parallel to his skin.

Conclusion

The tail goes left unattended for so many dogs. Remember your pup can look furtastically amazing with a groomed tail. Brush it and cut it to your liking for a beautiful dog from head to tail.

How to Cut a Dog's Tail Hair

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Tidy Trim Method

The Pretty Cut Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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