Can I shave my dog down?

Question

Will me shaving my dog down, cause his hair to grow out funky?

Answer 1

No, though he'll be itchy and in need of a bath afterwards.

Use dog clippers, as people clippers aren't equipped to handle the density of dog hair.

Don't use any sharp blades or untensils that don't have a protective guard on them. That could lead to serious injury for you or your dog.

Stop every so often to oil and clean the clippers, else you're burn up the motor and have quite the funny 'do on your dog.

If you've never done it before, or if your dog has never experienced it before, here's some pointers.

Don't start until you know your dog wil let you finish. Give him time to get used to the sound, and see how he acts when you place the clippers against him. Give lot's of praise and encouragement to help him understand that it isn't scary.

do short strokes against the hair growth. Going with the hair growth leads to uneven and blotchy lengths. Have a comb handy to work out any tangles.

Leave the tender areas alone or switch to a smaller clipper (a trimmer or edger) for the paws and around the head.

Make sure the hair is completely dry before starting.

You may need help to hold him still.

Good luck! And be patient!

Answer 2

Dogs that have an undercoat (such as Golden Retrievers) should never be shaved because the undercoat helps to prevent them from getting all kinds of nasty things like hot spots. You don't want to shave any dog that's going to be exposed to any kind of serious sun, heat, cold, or rain. Also, if you shave your dog down to the skin, you're probably going to face many ingrown hair problems, which can turn into nasty abcesses in no time (very expensive, vet wise). Really, the only reason I can think of for shaving a pet is if it's incredibly, just horribly, matted or there's some substance in the fur (like glue or what have you) that just can't be gotten out. Otherwise, leave the dog with its coat--that fur is there for a reason.

Answer 3

Yes you can shave your dog. I used to shave my dogs every summer to save them from the heat, but it is such a mess. So I take them in and have it done. Shaving off the undercoat does not cause hot spots, I started shaving my dogs to prevent them per my vets recommendation. Call a local pet groomer or petco/petsmart and they charge about 30 to do a "shave down". Each dogs coat is different I'm sure. It takes about 6 months for my dogs coat to come back, just in time for winter.

Answer 4

the only reason for shaving a dog down is because the vet told you to have it done or the coat is so matted that there is no other way. It does not make the dog any cooler to shave the dog down. nor does it help that much with shedding.

Answer 5

umm i wouldnt do that might cause a rash after shaving the hairs under youre dog both legs yo u know what iam tlakin about. maybe you should use just sissors and just carefully trimming some hairs off to make it short lengeth that it .

Answer 6

No. Does trimming your own hair cause your hair to grow out funky?

Answer 7

It may grow back thicker... like when you shave and the hair grows back thick (stubble), plus risk of ingrown hairs, razor burn, itchy skin, etc.

I wouldn't shave him completely down, as hair provides defense against mosquito bites, sun exposure, etc... you can cut the hair short, but not completely shaved.

Answer 8

You can but have you ever done it before? remember that shaving in particular directions alters the look intirely. Be sure that the dog is properly restrained. (you sure that you wouldn't want to contact a groomer?)

Answer 9

No, it will grow back the same ( not thicker!). However, if you shave him up? ( Never mind)

Answer 10

why are you shaving him you shouldn't need to shave a dog just trim his fur