How to Shave Your Labrador Retrevier

You should never shave or clip your Labrador to help it escape the heat -- a Lab's undercoat actually helps keep it cool. The only time shaving is advisable in this breed is when your Labrador has an injury or hot spot that needs to be treated. If your dog has an injury that needs surgery, you should let the vet shave the area. A hot spot is a bacterial infection that sometimes requires shaving to keep it from spreading. Here are some tips for shaving your Lab in this situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog clippers
  • Brush or fine-toothed comb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the area to be shaved. You can give your dog a complete bath, or you can just focus on the hot spot. A rinse of one part apple cider vinegar and one part water will help soothe your dog's skin and disinfect the area.

    • 2

      Brush the area. This will keep the clippers from overheating and help them move smoothly over the area. Be careful not to brush too hard, since hot spots are often sensitive. If your Lab has very long hair or a think undercoat, it could be helpful to use a fine-toothed comb.

    • 3

      Use dog clippers to shave the area, not human ones -- human clippers won't be able to handle a Labrador's thick fur. Pick a clipper blade that will shave the hair as close as possible. The location of the hot spot makes a difference -- if it's near a sensitive area like the groin or eyes, be more cautious. A size 10 blade should work for most areas.

    • 4

      Shave in the direction of the Labrador's fur. Use smooth, even strokes, and be careful not to press too hard -- this can cause clipper burn that will aggravate your dog's skin even more. Shave only the hot spot and the area around it.

    • 5

      Treat the shaved area with aloe vera or an antiseptic cream.