What is Hand Stripping for Dogs?
Hand stripping a dog is removing dead hair from a dog’s coat using a stripping knife or stone, wet or dry. It keeps the coat tidy and healthy. The process plucks the hairs in the direction of growth and will not hurt the dog when done by a trained groomer. Some areas might be more sensitive like the tummy or ears.
Benefits of Hand Stripping
- Purpose is maintaining texture, color, and appearance by removing dead hairs.
- Revitalizes the coat, encouraging new growth.
- Preserves water and dirt resistance essential for working breeds.
- Prevents matts and tangles which can be uncomfortable.
How to Hand Strip a Dog
- Plucking uses fingers, stripping uses a stripping knife tool.
- Assess coat and physical ability to decide which method.
- Start with bathing and drying.
- Dead hair removed by hands in the direction of growth.
- Avoid pulling hair by root to prevent uneven regrowth.
- Time-consuming but the only way to maintain coat appearance.
Breeds that may require Hand Stripping
- Wiry coats routinely stripped stay coarse, weather-resistant, vibrant and rich in color.
- Airedale Terriers, Irish Wolfhounds, and Cairn Terriers should be stripped as needed.
- Crossbreeds may require stripping if they have a rough, wiry coat.
Hand Stripping vs. Cutting Hair
- Stripping is not cutting hair with clippers but removing dead hair by hand or tool.
- Stimulates follicles for regrowth maintaining structure and color.
- Beneficial, painless, and helps the dog.