How do I thin my dogs fur?

[Back40]

I have a mix that has very thick fur. I do not want to shave her but would like to thin her fur during the summer. What should I purchase to thin her fur and what advice can you give on thinning fur?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Luv_Gr00ming]

Hello!
Speaking as a dog groomer you have a few options. But first, can you tell me a little bit more about your dog?

For example, do you know the main breed it is mixed with? This is very important in determining the right technique to use on your dogs coat type.

 

[Back40]

She was a pick up stray so I have not info on her ancestory. Here's a pic of her (she's on the right) and our other dog. http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/Back40_1/?action=view&current=dogs038.jpg

My guess would be golden/chow mix.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Saintgirl]

I am a groomer and I would recommend that you bring her in to have a professional grooming. The groomer will be able to strip the undercoat and this will thin out your dogs coat, help out with shedding, and leaving her feeling great for the warmer weather.

 

[Back40]

Unfortuately, Sophie is extremely afraid of strangers so I am very reluctant to the idea of having a stranger touch her at this point in her rehibilitation. But thanks for your advice.

 

[Luv_Gr00ming]

She was a pick up stray so I have not info on her ancestory. Here's a pic of her (she's on the right) and our other dog. http://s281.photobucket.com/albums/kk215/Back40_1/?action=view&current=dogs038.jpg

My guess would be golden/chow mix.

Thanks for your feedback.

Aww she is beautiful!
You could always bulk thin her.. It would take a loong time.. lol
Even if you used a furminator on her it would get rid of the dead fur underneath.
I would not get her "shaved" beacuse she looks more golden and that could ruin the way her fur grows.

other than that i have no idea... but good luck!

 

[mrandrei]

Get a brush that has thick and pointy bristles.

 

[SisMorphine]

Even if you used a furminator on her it would get rid of the dead fur underneath.

AND would dry out the rest of her coat. STAY AWAY FROM THE FURMINATOR!!!


Do you have a place that allows you to wash your own dog? Would she be okay in a new place if it was only you who was washing her? I say this because the act of bathing a dog will help to loosen up the undercoat (which can be done at home, obviously), but if you have a force dryer that you can take to her it will REALLY loosen it all up for you. But depending on her fear issues this may not be possible.

I would invest in a shedding blade, a slicker brush, a comb, and perhaps a rake (though frankly I find that the other three can usually do the trick). Use the shedding blade first and take off and much fur as you can, but be careful not to continuously go over the same spot as that will cause skin irritation and discomfort. Then use the slicker brush (same rules apply with this also). Then you can use the comb, especially on her "pants" to pull out the rest of that pesky undercoat. Then I usually do a quick pass with the slicker and then the shedding blade again to finish it off. This will take off as much fur as a furmiator, and though it will take more time, you won't end up ruining what remains of your dog's coat.

 

[Back40]

AND would dry out the rest of her coat. STAY AWAY FROM THE FURMINATOR!!!


Do you have a place that allows you to wash your own dog? Would she be okay in a new place if it was only you who was washing her? I say this because the act of bathing a dog will help to loosen up the undercoat (which can be done at home, obviously), but if you have a force dryer that you can take to her it will REALLY loosen it all up for you. But depending on her fear issues this may not be possible.

I or my wife bathe her once 2 weeks and just towel dry. Is a "force dryer" the same as a blow dryer? If so I will give this a try after the next bath

I would invest in a shedding blade, a slicker brush, a comb, and perhaps a rake (though frankly I find that the other three can usually do the trick). Use the shedding blade first and take off and much fur as you can, but be careful not to continuously go over the same spot as that will cause skin irritation and discomfort. Then use the slicker brush (same rules apply with this also). Then you can use the comb, especially on her "pants" to pull out the rest of that pesky undercoat. Then I usually do a quick pass with the slicker and then the shedding blade again to finish it off. This will take off as much fur as a furmiator, and though it will take more time, you won't end up ruining what remains of your dog's coat.

Thanks for the instructions! I purchased a furbuster from Walmart (based on another thread) but could not get it to work very well on her. I will pick the shedding blade and comb this weekend when I get back in town. Already have the slicker brush. Thanks again for your advice!!

 

[sisco16]

No lol not a furbuster its called a furminator theres a difference this is more like a rack type brush it works very well on my siberian, just a side note dont use it to much it can thin the hair out to much and leave bald spots ive found

 

[corgi_love]

I'd consider trimming the fur on her belly and underarms, this way when she can cool down while laying on a cool surface.

Pretty dog, good luck!

 

[rayter]

Use heavy duty curry type comb to think your dog's fur. Be prepared with each and every grooming to find a pile of fur nearly the size of the dog itself. Do it everyday.

 

[doglover83]

Use a fine toothed brush to thin the fur of your dog. Also search for "Razor Comb". There's all kinds of them out there.