I'm considering clipping my dog...Any advise?

**pollypurebred39** · 03-04-2009, 01:02 AM

She is chow/Keeshound. Long fur thick fur. I know not to cut her undercoat so she remains protected from the elements. She has been clipped before and she looked beautiful. But beauty is not the reason behind the clip, she is suffering from allergies and is just scratching herself crazy. We changed her food but it is going to take a bit for her to heal. I'd like to help her feel better by clipping her fur down and treating the hot spots more effectively.

I would like to find a pair of clippers that were quieter than most, no need to distress her when I'm trying to help her feel better. I know that people clip their dogs all the time and this really is no big deal, but she's my baby and I don't want her upset.

Any ideas or kind suggestions would be most welcome.

**stinkbug** · 03-04-2009, 09:32 AM

If you don't want to pay a groomer, you might consider a do it yourself grooming place. We have several here....I used to do my Shih Tzu and it wasn't bad. They helped me out the first time and gave me help when I needed it. That way....you don't have a mess of hair at your house and you have the proper tools to use!

**Sari** · 03-06-2009, 11:11 AM

Is she an outside dog? If not, then maybe she doesn't need all that undercoat as much as one that is outdoors all the time?

You've probably already considered this, but are you sure it's not fleas? You need to be sure to use a good quality flea preventative (Advantage, Frontline, Revolution, something approved by your vet) because even one flea can make an allergic dog miserable. Sorry, but the former vet tech in me makes me ask.

**Persimmon Lace** · 03-06-2009, 11:15 AM

We always shaved our chow mix in the spring. Not totally down to the skin but pretty close, he would get hot spots. He was an outside dog and he loved not being hot in the summer. We would always get a small dose tranquilizer from the vet. We also shaved our collies, he was a love when it came shearing time.

**say_tay** · 03-06-2009, 11:23 AM

I worked as a vet tech for 5 years, and studied to be a Vet until my son was born deathly allergic to animals.

The clinic that I worked at just used the WAHL clippers you can get at Wal-Mart for about $20. Just one grooming and it pays for itself. Just give your dog a moment to get used to the sound of the clippers. Save the dog hair, and put it in your garden to keep away critters.

I also want to agree with Sari about a good topical flea treatment. I suggest Advantage because it also helps kill fleas in the environment.

**madhen** · 03-06-2009, 11:25 AM

We have mobile dog groomers who will come to your house and clip your dog. Maybe you can see if one is available and have them come over and do it this time. Your dog will be less stressed, because she is in her own environment and you are there. You could watch the grooomer and see how he/she does it, so you can do it yourself the next time.

My Chow goes in about 2x a year for trimming and 4x a year for shampoos. It DOES get expensive!!

**Persimmon Lace** · 03-06-2009, 11:43 AM

I bought very very good clippers for mine. They paid for themselves in the first year as it cost 100.00 a piece for mine and they were traumatized by whoever clipped them. They never went for that again. I asked my vet what he used and I ordered mine from the same company. Good clippers are well worth the money especially for dogs with silky fur over wooly undercoat.