Hand Stripping is a method of grooming that removes the damaged hairs from the coat without using clippers. It helps to boost hair growth and keep the coat clean. Hand stripping can minimize the risk of shedding and make your dog comfy. This technique reduces the chance of infection and improves the blood flow.
Hand stripping should be done when the coat enters the resting phase (Telogen Phase). In this phase, the hair stops growing and can be stripped smoothly. Hand stripping is a manual process of removing the topcoat, which prevents shedding.
Which Breed Needs Hand Stripping?
Some dog breeds require periodic hand stripping, depending on the thickness of their coat. Below you can find a list of a few breeds that need hand stripping:
- Wolf Hounds
- Norwich Terrier
- Border Terrier
- Wire-haired pointers
- Airedale Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Glen
- Brussels Griffon
Is Hand Stripping Necessary For My Dog?
Hand stripping is not only for grooming, but also plays a crucial role in keeping them healthy. It allows the new hair to grow with the same texture and color of the coat. Hand stripping is necessary to maintain the unique texture, shine, and color of the coat.
How Hand Stripping Can be Done?
Here is a step-by-step procedure that can assist you in understanding the stripping:
Remove the tangles from the coat: Before starting hand stripping, detangle the hair to make the process smooth.
Give a bath to your dog: Scrub down your dog and use a dog shampoo to remove dirt from the coat.
Stripping a small amount of hair: Identify the dead hair, then gently place the fingers and thumb to grab the small section. Strip the hair out by focusing on its direction of growth. It is a painless process for your dog.
Benefits of Hand Stripping
Promotes Blood Circulation
Stripping the dead hair from the root can be effective for improving blood circulation. It boosts the development of thicker and stronger hair.
Reduce Hairfall
Coat shedding can be allergic and can attract fleas. Performing the hand stripping regularly can prevent a coat from shedding and matting.
Preventing Skin Infections
Some of us prefer to do trimming or cutting the dull hair, but are unaware of the outcomes that can lead to skin infection. Hand stripping prevents the coat from skin issues and fungal infections.
Provide Comfort to Dogs
A dirty coat can be uncomfortable for your dog and can affect their overall physical appearance. Our furry buddies can feel more comfortable if we groom them regularly.
Good for Dog’s Health
Hand stripping can keep a dog active and less irritated. As we know, an infected and flea-filled coat makes your dog more disturbed.
Which Risks Are Involved with the Hand Stripping Method?
There are some risks associated with hand stripping if it is not done correctly. These risks include:
Choosing a non-professional groomer
If you are choosing a non-professional groomer for your dog, then it can make the procedure lengthy and uncomfortable. Wrong techniques can lead to serious consequences, and the dog can even bite the groomer.
Using Improper techniques
Use of dirty tools and improper methods may allow the entry of bacteria. Infected coats can disturb your dog’s health. Plucking the hair can open the follicles, so it is crucial to use sanitized tools.
Over-plucking the hair
Hand stripping works for pulling out the damaged hair, but over-plucking can cause skin infection. It can be more painful and uncomfortable for the dogs.
Avoiding aftercare
Regular brushing, bathing and grooming should be done after hand stripping. If you are not providing aftercare, then it can disturb the original texture of the coat and skin.
Does Hand Stripping Hurt the Dog?
Pulling out the hair from the roots sounds weird and painful. Hand stripping is not a painful procedure, but you can make it worse by selecting non-professional groomers. Wire-haired dogs can feel more comfortable and relaxed because their hair is already in the exogen phase. Extracting the dead hair and pulling it out in small sections makes the process less painful.Why is Hand Stripping Considered More Preferable?
Choosing the proper method is necessary to protect your dog’s coat from infection and bacteria. Hand Stripping and Clipping are two grooming methods to maintain the coat. Hand stripping removes the loose hair from the coat by hand, while clipping is used to clip the coat. It can be used to trim the coat to a desired length. Hand stripping is the most preferred method that maintains the dog’s health and appearance. It encourages hair growth without any infection or fleas.Hand Stripping VS Clipping
| Hand Stripping | Clipping |
|---|---|
| It is the process of hand-plucking dead hair from the coat. | It uses clippers to cut or trim the hair of wire-haired dogs. |
| It helps to boost the blood flow and improve coat texture. | It manages the hair length to achieve a unique style. |
| It prevents bacteria from entering the follicles. | It can increase the risk of skin infection. |
| It works deeper in the skin to make hair shiny. | It removes the hair from the outer layer. |
