Help with grooming chow/husky mix

[luvmybella]

I have a chow/husky mix. She has very fluffy but very thick fur. In the summer we have to shave her down because she gets too hot. We cannot take her to a groomers because she is very timid around people she does not know and may bite. She also gets very nervous when strangers touch her, her blood bressure sky rockets. We bought Andis clippers from Petsmart for about $30 and they woud not even cut her fur. We tryed to adjust them and everything. I really need to find some good clippers to do her. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Please I really don't want to have to trim her by hand, I t takes 5 hours!!!!! HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

[akzz]

Hmmm...

Do you have a titanium blade with the clippers? I know you can purchase a grooming pack with quiet clippers(with the blade) and then combing and brushing equipment.

[KTS CAVIES]

What about asking the vet to groom her? How far down are you planning on shaving? I wouldn't take off more then an inch. Short haired dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke then longer haired dogs. The long hair keeps the heat out during the warmer months, and the heat in during the winter..like a thermos. As long as she isn't matted, I wouldn't worry about it.

If you must do it, and the vet doesn't offer shave down services ask if they can give you a doggie downer of some sort (one that will just calm her down, not knock her out!) in order to take her to a groomer. Give her one before going, have them use a muzzle and she'll be fine.

[lneill84]

Try getting some heavy duty clippers and blades. My body clippers for the horses worked well. Just make sure you keep them sharp and well oiled. Don't shave too close.

[brandy pup]

It is actaully better not to shave her but rather do a real good brushout and get all the coat brushed out. The fur acts as an insulater to keep her cool also. Touch a short coat dog that has been sitting in the sun, it's warm to hot. Now dig your hands into the fur to touch the skin of a dog with a thick coat, it's much cooler.

That said I do knwo many people who shave their big coated dogs without problem. Just remember the sunscreen.

Good luck with the clippers, maybe the vat has a groomer. You can always muzzel the dog for the clipping.