Ahh, Dog Clipper Burn, or you might even know them as Dog Razor Burns. Those pesky little patches of skin irritation that hurt our beloved pets. Dog clipper burns are skin irritation that happens when a dog clipper blade becomes too hot during use. This leads to increased friction against the skin, ultimately resulting in irritation, damage, or even removal of the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). Dog Razor Burns are most common where either the clipper blades are dull or not properly maintained or if the grooming session goes on for too long without breaks.
Luckily, however, there are quite a few easy precautions that can be taken to prevent dog clipper burn. A couple of tips and tricks can also provide relief and treat burns in if your dog gets them. Stick around to find out what these are and how you can better help prevent, provide relief, and treat dog clipper burn to your pet.
Usual Causes and Preventive Measures Against Dog Clipper Burn
As a dog owner, it’s inevitable, you are going to have to groom your dog at some point to prevent matted hair and all the issues that come with it. You might also, at some point, need to shave your dog, usually for medical reasons, including medical imaging. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) appointment at the vet, an Ultrasound scan, or maybe even a CT.
With these in mind, it is critical to understand the causes of dog clipper burn in order to work toward preventing it and better managing it. Some of the usual causes and possible preventive measures include:
- Sensitive Skin
Certain dog breeds (for example, pit bulls, bulldogs, and labradors ) generally have sensitive or thinner skins, making their skin more vulnerable to razor burns. Also, areas with less fur (such as underarms, belly, and groin) are usually more sensitive and prone to burns. It is a great idea to use special clippers designed for sensitive skin and light pressure when grooming or shaving to reduce the risk of burns to your dog.
- Pre-existing Conditions
Certain pre-existing skin conditions (eczema, hot spots, etc.) may cause your dog to already have compromised skin or matted fur. These increase the risk of dog razor burns. Environmental or food allergens and irritants can also cause your dog’s skin to be more prone to clipper burns. Inform the dog groomer or whoever is shaving the hair about these to enable them to take precautions.
- Dull or Poorly Maintained Blades
Dull or poorly maintained blades will struggle to cut through your dog’s fur, causing way more friction than necessary. It will also produce heat that is likely to burn your dog’s skin when in contact for too long. New and sharp blades are always your best friend when it comes to avoiding dog razor burn. If you must reuse blades, please maintain them well by cleaning and oiling them and throwing them out when needed.
- Overheating Razors
When clippers don’t properly cool, they can for sure cause dog razor burns. I mean, think about it, a clipper is a mechanical machine that generates a lot of friction. Naturally, it would generate quite some heat. As it gets hotter, the heat transfers to your dog’s skin and causes burns. A good way to prevent this is to get a razor coolant. These things work like magic, instantly making the razors almost Ice-cold and soothing to your beloved pet’s skin. An alternative would be turning off the clipper for a minute or two. This allows it to cool before continuing with the grooming or shaving of your furry partner.
- Long Grooming Sessions
As I hinted earlier, operating a clipper for long would cause it to become hot enough to burn your dog. Furthermore, longer grooming sessions can easily cause fatigue. This increases your chances of using improper techniques and overlooking signs that the clippers are overheating. A good rule is to take a break every 15 – 20 minutes to allow the razor to cool. Also, keep an eye on the temperature of the clippers when in use. This will eliminate burns to your dog’s skin from overheating.
Tips to Provide Relief to Your Dog and Possible Treatments for Dog Clipper Burn.
So, as a pet owner, you have noticed a couple of razor burns on your dog’s skin. Maybe your dog is itching a lot and being aggressive, probably after you got it back from the groomer. Maybe you can spot red patches on its skin after a scan appointment at the vet. Please don’t panic. Here are a few things you can do:
- Keep The Affected Areas Clean and Apply a Cool Compress
A very effective first aid for dog clipper burns is keeping the affected area clean and cool to reduce irritation and inflammation. This can be done with either wipes, mild antiseptic, or some cool water.
- Try Some Home Remedies to soothe The Burn.
Apply Aloe vera gel, Vitamin E oil, Petroleum Gelly, or Coconut Oil, to the affected area. This will soothe the skin and lock in moisture to allow healing. Some of these home remedies have anti-inflammatory properties, making them even more effective. An oatmeal bath can also soothe and help reduce the discomfort from the burn.
- Over the counter Remedies
Over-the-counter topical remedies can relieve our furry friends and prevent clipper burn from worsening. Creams that contain hydrocortisone (a corticosteroid) are a great and effective example of these.
- Prevent Further Irritation
Licking, scratching, or picking at the affected area can further irritate the affected skin and increase the chances of infection. A good way to prevent this would be to put a dog donut or elizabethan collar on your dog. This discourages further irritation of the skin. Harsh chemicals and products with fragrances should also be avoided when the skin is healing.
- Contact Your Veterinarian if The Burn Gets Worse
Razor burns usually clear up within days. If you don’t see an improvement after a few days of managing it, or the burn seems to be getting worse, contact your veterinarian.
There are also a few other things that can help, such as taking your dog back to or giving feedback to your groomer or dog shaver that your dog developed razor burns after the grooming session or appointment. This usually informs them of what could have gone wrong so they can watch out for it in further grooming sessions. Aware of this, groomers would even advise of possible risks and aftercare measures
A couple of dog groomers have said that when you take your dog back, the dog groomer would be able to assist in soothing your dog and advising on remedies. Also, In cases where going to the veterinarian is needed, the groomer might even cover the cost (usually because they have some sort of insurance for cases like this).
Keeping Your Pet Comfortable, Healthy, and Free of Dog Clipper Burn
As a pet owner, it is vital to prioritize your dog’s health, comfort, and well-being. Taking precautions to prevent clipper burns is a huge part of that. Another crucial element to this is staying informed regarding your dog’s skin and health conditions, possible allergens and irritants. Being in constant communication with your groomer, and understanding what to do if a razor burn does happen to your dog also helps.
If you are ever in doubt regarding what to do if a burn gets worse, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your professional groomer or veterinarian. With the proper precautions and expert advice, you can help your dog stay free from discomfort and injury.
