Shaving a dog?

Question

I need to shave the hair off of my parent’s dog. Her hair has become severely matted and no one ever brushes her. The vet suggested that we shave her to take care of it. She is a mixed breed; chow/shepherd mix. I used a pair of human clippers on her and it took almost an hour to clip a 6 sq inch section. Her undercoat is very thick and she is getting mats. I am experienced in clipping dogs, but I’ve never seen fur that is so thick it causes clippers to over heat! What are some good HEAVY DUTY clippers to use that will cost less than the $100 I've been quoted for grooming?

For everyone that suggets I have been cruel to this dog, please understand that I AM TAKING this dog away from someone who did not care for it properly. This was not my dog but I am making it my responsibility.

Answer 1

Good for you for trying to take care of the dog! The best thing to do is to take her to a groomer. For a good set of clippers that will do the job you're looking at around $130 plus $20 each for good blades and you would need several for a big job like that. The reason you would need several blades is so that when one blade gets warm you can take it off and put on a cool blade. A hot blade will cause clipper burn which is painful and irritating to the dogs skin. Spray on lubes don't work that well to cool the blades. Please do NOT try to scissor out the mats. If they are too close to the skin you can accidentally cut the dog. Also shop around for groomers. Beware of a groomer that will not allow you to stay.

Answer 2

It's going to take a good clipper and sharp blade to get through a dirty, matted coat. Don't wash the dog to clean the coat though, you'll only make the mats tighter and harder to remove. Your only choices are to take the dog to a groomer or buy a decent one. I recommend the Oster Golden A5, they used to be around $100...but it's been a few years since I've bought them. It's possible they're under that now, I just don't know. I'm glad you're trying to help the dog. I hope the owners take better care of her from now on. Mats are painful, can leave sores, attract flies/maggots, etc...not good at all. (BTW, be sure to spray the blade often w/Kool-Lube to keep the blade cutting/cooler. If the blade is still hot, take a break and let it cool. I also don't recommend scissors if the mats are to the skin. In areas that bad, use a #10, #15, #30 or even #40/surgical blade...better than cutting skin!)

Answer 3

A dog that is that severely matted. You just have to sit down in front of the TV with the dog on a sheet. (or outside) and cut the matts out with a (prefer new) pair of scissors. Once you get all the big matts cut out you can then use the clippers. Give him a bath after the hair cut.

Also have iodine to wash any sores you may find. As dogs with horribly matted fur develop sores and will also get maggots under all that matting.

Don't worry about looks right now it is about getting the fur off. He will feel much better.

Answer 4

have teh dog groomed the good clippers cost nearly $200 or over.
plus if it's really matted as you say teh skin cn easily be cut.
before you go to the groomer call teh vet and see how much they would charge.
Good luck but I will say that if it's a chow mix this is common and they are not easy to do htat's the reason for the cost the hair is hard on the blade and even if you can get teh really expensive clippers you would need clipper blade cooler and problably at least one extra blade and they alone are about $30

Answer 5

I once had a poodle cross brought to me for clipping that had mats that were so bad, the poor dog's hair was like felt. My clippers couldn't begin to go through it, not to mention that you wouldn't be able to help giving the dog clipper burn at some point. I ended up scissoring the dog, it was the only way I could do it. It took a long time, but he could actually walk again. You might have to try that.

Answer 6

take her to a groomer and have them do it. they may charge a little for it, but it will save your dog the agony of having her hair pulled and tugged at. Its not her fault that she wasnt brushed and so its only fair to take her to a professional that can do it with minimal discomfort to her.

please, spend the money and do it for the dogs sake - poor animal.

then i suggest since no body will brush her, then keep her hair shaved - in cold weather it can grow out a little or just put a doggie coat on her and she will be easier to maintain

Answer 7

Do you realize that is a form of cruelty,take the poor thing to the vets to get shaved.I have never heard of a shepherd that needed shaving,the vet will do it for less than $100.00 and if you cannot afford it give the dog to someone who gives a SHITE.

Answer 8

u should take her to the groomer it will be easier