How to Shave a Dog with Matted Fur

Hard
30 - 60
12 Month

Introduction

There are several reasons why a dog's hair can become matted such as a lack of grooming, playing in water, and occasionally as just part of life. Some breeds are more likely than others to become matted. Common areas that tend to get the most mats are under your dog's ears and at the joints of their legs. If you let the mats get too bad, they can reach all the way down to skin level. If the mats have become too severe to brush them out, you may have to take the next step and shave your pup. 

Dog's Perspective

Your dog probably doesn't even realize their coat is full of mats, unless they have become so big that they form balls of hair. These can make sleeping very uncomfortable for your dog and can in time start to pull on his skin, causing pain and irritation. At this point, you need to do your dog a favor and shave them down to skin level. Then you can start over with better grooming habits. 

The Don’t Be Nervous Method

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Shampoo
Clipper
Towel
Step
1
Don't be nervous
The most important thing to remember is that Fido can sense your nervousness. If you are nervous, he will be too. Stay calm and he will relax, making it much easier for you to do your job.
Step
2
On the table
Place Fido on the grooming table and attach the restraining lead. If your dog is too big for a grooming table, leave him on the floor and secure his leash to a table leg. This will keep him in place while you work on his coat.
Step
3
Prepare the clippers
Your clippers need to have a very short clipper blade on them. This blade is designed to let you trim the dog's hair right at skin level. Turn on the clippers and let your buddy get used to the noise.
Step
4
Start at the beginning
Start out shaving the head, taking care around the eyes and ears. Follow this by shaving his underarms and under his tail. Be sure to keep the clipper comb flat on his skin.
Step
5
Work the body
Shave from his head to his tail. If the mats are at skin level, you should use a No. 10 blade. Shave his legs and sides. You may find that if the mats are too severe, his coat is going to come off in one huge piece.
Step
6
Belly last
Finish up by shaving the belly. Once you are done, go ahead and give Fido a nice cool bath to relieve any irritation and ease itching.
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The Prepared Place Method

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Shampoo
Clipper
Towel
Step
1
Choose your location
Choose a room to shave your dog, preferably a smaller room with an easy to clean floor. For smaller dogs, you might want to invest in a grooming table with a restraint system. For bigger dogs, you just need a room with an easy to clean floor and a way to secure one end of a leash.
Step
2
Acquire the help of an assistant
This may be one project you shouldn't try to do by yourself. Having an assistant to help keep poor Fido still while you are working will make things safer and go faster.
Step
3
Start at the top
Start by shaving his head, this is probably one his most sensitive areas. Getting it overwith first might help keep your dog calm while you drop down and shave under his legs and tail.
Step
4
Hi, I'm back
Time to shave his back. Use a No. 10 blade and work from his neck to his tail and then down both sides. Go slowly and be very gentle, the last thing you want is to get the clippers jammed in a mat. This could be very painful.
Step
5
Legs, belly, and a bath
Shave Fido's legs following their natural contour. Finally, it's time to finish up by shaving his belly. Be VERY careful here as his belly skin is very thin and easily injured. The last step is to give your pup a nice cool bath.
Recommend grooming method?

Caution & Considerations

  • Use a number 10 blade as this will cut your dog's hair right at skin level.
  • Check the temperature of the clipper blades frequently they can get hot enough to burn your dog.
  • Use plenty of lubricant on the clipper blades to help keep them cool.
  • Take your time and go slowly, this will help reduce the risk of injuring your dog.
  • Never get any closer to your dog's eyes with the clippers than one inch.

Conclusion

Having seen how much work it is to shave your dog because of matted hair, it is easy to see why regular grooming is so important. Be sure you take your time and let the clippers do the work. Your pup will appreciate your care and patience and will come out feeling healthier while he waits for his new coat to grow. Don't forget the sunblock in the meantime! 

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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