How to Shave a Dog's Stomach

It is harder for dogs to cool themselves during hot summer months when they have hair on their stomachs. With a shaved stomach, a dog can cool itself against a cold floor or the grass. Stomach hair is also susceptible to matting, picking up dirt and debris, and attracting ticks and fleas since the hair is close to the ground.

Things You'll Need

  • Clipper disinfectant
  • Towel
  • Clippers
  • Blade coolant or lubricant
  • Brush
  • Table or raised surface
  • Leash
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Instructions

  1. Shaving a Dog's Stomach

    • 1

      Rub clipper disinfectant on the clipper blades you will be using with a clean, dry towel.

    • 2

      Hold the clippers in a downward position. Turn on the clippers and apply two to four drops of clipper coolant or lubricant on the blade. Turn off the clippers and wipe away any excess oil with a dry towel to prevent oil from seeping on the clipper motor. This will prevent the blade from getting too warm and burning or irritating your dog's stomach.

    • 3

      Brush your dog's stomach hair, attacking any tangles or mats within the hair.

    • 4

      Stand the dog up on all fours on a raised surface such as a table. Encourage your dog to stand still. Leash your dog if it will not stand still.

    • 5

      Place the clippers in your hand. Position yourself so you can view the dog's belly.

    • 6

      Pull the dog's belly skin taut.

    • 7

      Shave the dog's belly all the way up to its collar. Be aware of the nipples and genitalia, and shave around them. Move the clippers away from your hand. Do not bend your wrist backward with the clippers, only forward.

    • 8

      Stop shaving the dog after a few minutes and touch the blades to check for heat. If the blade is hot, allow it to cool down before continuing.