Pitbulls have thin coats, and many owners often think about whether or not they need a shave. Grooming a pitbull is no easy task unless you are professional because you can easily damage the skin.
Pitbulls can shed a lot in shedding season, but it does not warrant a shave for thay reason.
Can You Shave a Pit Bull?
Technically you can shave your pit bull, but that does not mean you should. Pitbulls have a short coat that is very thin and close to the skin.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there is a clear warning about shaving a dog’s hair. The AKC states that should dog’s hair should not be cut shorter than one inch if it’s long, and a short-coated dog’s hair should only be brushed and washed.
This is because the coat serves as a sun protection layer and prevents bug bites. So instead of shaving a pitbull’s hair, you should groom it, wash it and brush it regularly to avoid excessive hair fall. A better-brushed coat also helps regulate airflow to maintain body temperature.
But suppose you still want to shave your Pitbull because you are stuck on it and believe it will help the dog; then, what is the best way to shave a pit bull?
Tips for shaving your Pitbull
Here are some tips to help you shave a pitbull easily and without harming it.
Bathe the dog
First, bathe your pitbull to clean its coat of dirt and germs. Bathing will also soften and loosen the hair for a better shave.
You want to avoid skin injury since there isn’t much leeway between a pitbull’s coat and skin. Use dog-friendly shampoo and pat the pitbull dry thoroughly before cutting the hair.
You want to avoid going over the same spot more than once, so it’s best if the hair is smooth and loose.
Consider Hiring a Professional
Let’s face it, none of us are born professional dog groomers, and it would take time to learn that skill. Unless you are professional or experienced, you should avoid grooming a pitbull by yourself.
Pitbulls have sensitive skin, and only professionals know how to handle them. I know it may become costly, but it is best to ensure your dog’s safety.
Choose Suitable Types of Equipment
Ok, if you will do it yourself and not hire a professional, you should know an ordinary household knife won’t do it. Even trimmers made for humans or other equipment made for humans cannot be used for this purpose.
Any human equipment used on a pitbull’s skin risks injury, and you want to avoid that at all costs. Only use dog trimmers and clippers to shave a pitbull.
Read the packaging instructions carefully and completely before using the devices or tools. Doing so will ensure safety and efficiency.
Shave Towards the Direction of Hair Growth
Many immature and unprofessional groomers will not notice this, but you should always shave toward the hair growth when shaving your pitbull. The hair point in different directions in different parts of the skin.
You need to remain alert to avoid this mistake. Doing so will also help avoid any injury to the skin.
Going in the opposite direction of the hair will also irritate the dog, and it can make sudden movements. This can result in a long and dangerous shaving session.
Avoid Close Shaves
Pitbulls already have a short coat, and you are trimming it. It can become difficult to leave some hair on the coat. You should not even try to shave a pitbull in the first place, but if you do, make sure to leave some hair behind.
By leaving some amount of hair behind, you allow the dog to keep the minimum insulation. Avoiding close shaves also avoids causing skin injury as well.
Be Careful and Go Slow
You need to shave the hair off in one try to avoid being tedious and slow, but you still need to be slow. I know this is confusing, but you need to do this to avoid any sort of injury and uneven trim.
To do this, you should follow the above steps carefully but go slowly. If you are careful and efficient, you can be slow yet smooth, and the dog won’t know anything.
Calm the Dog
This is important as you cannot start shaving a dog already moving around. To make the process go smoother, you must first calm the dog.
Make sure it is comfortable, and listen to what you are saying. You don’t need to tie it down; only a collar will do fine if the dog is calm.
If the pitbull does not enjoy shaving, it can also develop a fear of grooming, which can be a headache when bathing it.
Alternate to Shaving a Pitbull in Summer
People shave their dogs in summer to help keep them cool but fail to realize they are exposing them to the sun. Dogs’ coats are naturally insulating, which helps keep them cold in summer and hot in winter.
You don’t need to shave their coat. All you have to do is take care of their coat, and you will be good to go.
Here are some alternatives you can try to help it cool down instead:
- Brush your dog regularly to remove dead hair, reduce matting and improve airflow in the dog’s coat.
- Ensure the dog is constantly close to cold water and a cool place with pleasant shade.
- Give the pitbull a cold bath on extremely hot summer days to keep it cold.
- Don’t go for walks during the daytime; if necessary, you should take the car.
- Feed your pitbull some frozen treats such as frozen vegetables or meat.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Shave a Pit Bull?
Pitbulls have very short coat, and shaving them exposes their skin to outside elements without protection. You need to avoid that, so shaving your pitbull is not the best idea. If you must shave a pitbull, only do it if it’s a medical condition.
Should Pit Bulls Get Haircuts?
Pitbulls do not need brushing daily because they have a short coats and shed seasonally. They also do not need a haircut because of their short hair, which can save a lot of money.
How Do You Get Rid of Pit Bull Hair?
Pitbulls shed only during shedding season, and cleaning them is very easy. Simply brush them regularly to avoid any irritation.
For brushing them, first, brush the coat in the opposite direction of the coat to loosen any dead hair. Afterward, go with the hair growth direction to remove and smoothen the coat.
Conclusion
When shaving a pitbull, safety should be the first concern. It is best to avoid shaving your pitbull altogether. But if it becomes necessary, take precautions and seek help from a professional.
Pitbulls cannot speak when they feel; they can only show it. It is best to avoid any injury or harm to dog skin.
