How to Shave a Medium Haired Dog

Medium
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Month

Introduction

Your dog's coat performs much the same function as your clothes. His coat protects him from the sun's UV rays and the rain. It helps keep him cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not only will shaving your dog's hair down to his skin make it tough for him to stay warm, it will leave his skin vulnerable to sunburn in the summer. Without his coat, your dog will also not be able to stay cool in the summer and he could easily end up with sunstroke or heat exhaustion. Be sure to check with your vet to make sure you really need to shave your pup and for a supply of canine sunblock. 

Dog's Perspective

Your dog needs his coat, but if for any reason you feel the need to shave your pooch, you need to spend some time with him, giving him time to get used to the clippers before you start shaving. The more time you can spend doing this and working to keep him calm, the easier it should go for both of you. 

The Clean Happy Dog Method

Effective
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Shampoo
Scissors
Clipper
Towel
Step
1
A clean dog is a happy dog
Start the process by giving your dog a nice warm bath. Use plenty of dog-safe shampoo and give his coat a good going over. This well help remove anything in his coat that might snag in the clippers. Towel him down and let his coat air dry completely.
Step
2
Brush time
Using a pin brush, go over your pup's coat to remove any tangles and mats. This will also help you determine which direction his hair his growing.
Step
3
From the face
Start out by shaving the hair on your dog's head, staying away from his eyes, but clipping between them and his ears. Shave his muzzle and chin.
Step
4
The small bits
Shave his paws and then up his legs to his body. Then shave his tail all the way to the tip. Trim around private areas.
Step
5
Shave the rest
Following the flow of hair, shave the rest of his body starting with his back and sides. Then have him lie down so you can shave the insides of his legs and his belly to finish up.

The Slicker Brush Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Scissors
Pin Brush
Clipper
Towel
Step
1
Start with a brushing
Start out by using a pin brush or slicker brush to go over your dog's coat. This will remove things like mats, tangles, dead or shedding hair, dirt, and debris. Your pooch should already be looking better, but you are just getting started.
Step
2
Give the pup a hand
With your pup standing in front of you, shave his paws and legs by lifting each one up so you can shave both inside and outside. Use shears to trim around his toes and between his pads.
Step
3
Head and back
Using the clippers, shave the top of your dog's head and his face. Work your way from the top of his head down his neck and chest and then to his back, working from neck to tail.
Step
4
On his side
Have your pup lie down on his side so you can shave his belly.
Step
5
Finish the job
Give your pup a nice cool bath to help soothe his irritated skin. Check for any areas that you missed, trim them and then give your pup a treat to let him know he is a good boy.

Caution & Considerations

  • Be sure the blade on your clippers is nice and sharp.
  • Always use a blade guide, never lay the blade on your pup's skin.
  • Keep the clippers at least one inch away from his eyes.
  • Give your pup plenty of time to get used to the clippers before you use them.
  • Keep in mind the skin in your pup's sensitive areas is very thin, be very gentle while shaving these areas.
  • Rinse the shampoo you use thoroughly off your pup's skin; residue can cause severe skin issues. 

Conclusion

Shaving your dog is a moderately challenging task, not just for you, but for your dog as well. It is not something you should do just because you feel like it. This is because it leaves the skin open to sunburn and your dog without any protection from the heat and cold. If your dog is suffering from parasites or a health condition though, shaving may be a necessary part of treatment.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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