Dog looking at weiner

Can I Cut the Hair on My Dogs Willy? Explained

You don’t have to trim your dog’s hair. However, the experts say cutting the fur around your dog’s genitals is important for health reasons. That’s because this area accumulates the most dirt, including urine, leaving your dog at risk of infection.

By learning how to cut the hair on your dog’s willy (or more specifically, the prepuce, aka the skin covering his penis) you’ll keep him cleaner, free from possible infection, and you’ll save a ton of money on professional grooming.

In this article, I’m going to explain in a little more detail why you can cut the hair on your dog’s genitals, and how to do it the safest, most effective way possible.

Long-Haired Dogs Need it Most

Furry dogs are great. Affordable and snuggly, they’re the best for keeping you warm at night. But there is a downside to having a long haired dog — they need regular grooming.

Some owners book regular appointments with a professional groomer to take care of their dog’s hygienic needs. However, this can quickly become costly if the breed of your dog has a lot of fast-growing hair. I know some dog owners who visit the groomer every two to three weeks. Crazy, I know! I honestly don’t know how they find the time — or afford it!

Learning to perfect a couple of grooming tasks at home can save you a lot of money, while ensuring your dog stays healthy, fresh, and comfortable.

The Area You’ll Want to Focus on is the “Potty Patch”

The number one grooming skill you’ll want to master as a pet owner is trimming the “potty patch.” What’s that? As its name suggests, it’s the area you pooch uses to go potty. Or to put it more scientifically, the hair around the penis.

I know it can seem a little gross and maybe a little too intimate, but neglecting this area can lead to urinary tract infections and severe matting.

How to Cut the Hair on Your Dog’s Willy

Before beginning the at-home grooming routine, make sure your dog is healthy and free from tangles. The last thing you want to do if he’s sick is cause him more stress. It’s stressful enough for the poor guy — don’t make it any worse.

One thing I recommend before attempting DIY dog grooming is to study your dog’s coat straight after a professional groom. This way, you’ll be able to examine where they’ve cut and how short the potty area hairs have been trimmed. You can use that as inspiration for your grooming session.

Invest in a Professional Pair of Grooming Scissors or Clippers

To simplify the grooming process, make sure you’re using the best quality hair cutting tools you can find. You don’t want to cause your dog any pain by accidentally nicking his skin. Unfortunately, that can happen if you’re using incorrect or poor quality tools. If you’re unsure, ask a professional veterinarian or groomer for advice.

Get Your Dog Prepared

Next, place a large towel on a table or the ground (depending on his size) and place your dog on the towel on his side with his belly facing you so you can clearly see his prepuce. It might be worth asking a friend or family member to help hold him during the trimming — just to make things easier (and safer!).

Begin Trimming

Place your hand directly in front of his prepuce and begin trimming the hair without touching the skin. Avoid cutting the hair too short as this can make it itchy and irritated for your pooch. Plus, it can increase his chances of getting an infection. The idea is to trim the area to keep it short and aesthetically pleasing, but not too short.

Clean the Area

Once you’re finished trimming, clean the area around his willy with organic baby wipes or wipes made for dogs to keep the area clean and free from infection. And that’s all there is to it! You’re done!

If your dog has matting, irritation, or signs of an infection, avoid grooming him altogether. Instead, take him to your veterinarian to assess the problem and carry out a hygienic trim if needed.