How to Shave a Dog’s Paws

1.1 Introduction

There are some good reasons why you should keep the hair on your dog’s paws shaved. First, doing so will make it easier for you to spot any injuries on your dog. If you live in a place where it snows, a short coat will eliminate the risk of ice on her paws. When you trim the hair between her pads, you reduce the risk of build-up between the pads that would otherwise be painful for her to walk. Because if you don’t groom your dog’s paws and pads properly, something can get caught in the paws or in the pads.

1.2 Dog’s Perspective

You need to remember that dogs’ paws are very sensitive and they will not like having their paws handled, trimmed or shaved. You need to take your time and give her time to get used to the clippers. The more time you take and the more you talk to her, the more relaxed you will be and the easier it will be to get the job done.

1.3 The Sit in Front of You Method

1.3.1 Collect your tools

The first step is to collect together the tools you need: a brush, a pair of shears, and clippers. You should also keep a few treats on hand to reward your dog for good behavior.

1.3.2  Call in your customer

Call your pup over and have her sit in front of you. Tell her to stay and then give her a treat. Let her get comfortable and relaxed.

1.3.3 Choose your starting paw

Starting with one front paw, lift and gently place the paw, being careful not to apply any pressure at the joint. Doing so may cause serious injury. If your dog feels this uncomfortable, you can also have him lie down on one side and then the other.

1.3.4 Top first

Use clippers to shave the tops of her paws and then shave the hair between her toes. Care must always be taken to avoid pricking or cutting her toes or the delicate webbing between them.

1.3.5 Bottom next

Turn your dog’s paws over and use clippers or a sharp pair of shears to trim the hair between his pads. This is the best time to thoroughly check his paws for signs of injury. If you find serious damage, you may need to take your dog to the vet.

1.3.6 About those nails

While you are shaving your puppy, it is a good time to trim his nails with clippers or cutters. Make sure you have some cornstarch or hemostat on hand in case you cut into them and they bleed. Just take your time and don’t be in a hurry.

2.1 The Methods of using groom table

2.1.1 Purchase a grooming table

If your dog is a small to medium breed, you will find grooming her much easier on a grooming table that puts her at a comfortable working height. If she is a bigger breed, you can work on the floor. Hook her up to the restraint on the table or a leash attached to a table leg, depending on where you’re working.

2.1.2 Starting from the back end

Lift one of his hind paws and turn it back up so you can use clippers or shears to trim the hair between his mats.

2.1.3 Check for damage

While you are there, be sure to check his mats and between his mats for dirt and debris from impacts or any signs of injury.

2.1.4 Shave the top

Using a pair of clippers, shave the top of its paws against the direction of hair growth. Then trim the hair between the toes, taking care not to cut or scratch his toes or the webbing between his toes.

2.1.5 Repeat three times

Do the exact same thing for each of the remaining paws. You should check her weekly for signs of injury and trim the hair on her paws as needed. But never let her go more than a month without trimming her paws.

2.1.6 Cautions and Notes

Be slow and gentle when moving your dog’s paws, otherwise it is easy to overstretch the joints and cause serious injury. Use sharp safety shears to help avoid the risk of injury.

Use a sharp blade on the clippers to avoid the risk of tearing the hair off the paws.

And take the time to examine each paw thoroughly and, if necessary, take your puppy to the vet if you find any serious damage.

Be very careful about using clippers or shears around her paws, and be sure to give your dog plenty of time to adjust to the tools you intend to use when shaving her paws.

3.1 Conclusion

While it might seem to be a bit daunting at first, this is a task both you and your dog must master. The last thing she wants is to be walking around in pain because her paws have matted hair between the pads or she has ice balls stuck in the hair on top of them. It only has to take a few minutes a month to get the job done, but she is sure to appreciate it.