The Most Common Dog Clippers Mistakes Owners Make
It can be nice and rewarding to groom your own dog. It’s convenient and it will also be a better experience for your dog. The problem arises when you don’t know how to correctly use dog clippers. Using them incorrectly can cause your pet discomfort. I feel like my dog still holds a grudge for the first time I groomed him. But don’t worry, you don’t have to go through the same thing I did, because I’ll teach you all about it. If you visited the pet store and got your clippers, you are ready to begin this journey.
Choosing the Wrong Dog Clippers
The first mistake, and probably the most common one, is choosing the wrong dog clippers. The coats of dogs are very different, from one breed to another and even from one dog to another. So you want to ensure that you are aware of the kind of coat your dog has. If you cannot tell by looking and touching the coat, also search the internet for the dog type of your pet’s breed. The most common dog coats are:
- Smooth coat
- Double coat
- Curly coat
- Wire coat
- Long coat
I know we’re here to talk about dogs, but I just wanted to say how shocked I am to find out that my Norwegian forest cat has a double coat. I later found out that there are dogs with double coats too, like the Siberian husky or the Golden Retriever. So, a different coat type requires different dog clippers. And choosing the right one is essential for the well-being of your pet. Take your dog with you to the pet store, and discuss with the professionals there about it. But as a little tip, do not use human clippers.
Prepare the Coat Before Clipping
It might sound silly to find out that the coat of your pet must be prepared before you start clipping. The first thing you need to do is thoroughly wash the dogs’ fur. Use a shampoo that’s specifically created for dogs, because they are more sensitive than you might think. If there’s dirt and oil in the fur, it will create friction, which will slow down the blades. So, after washing the fur, dry it fully. Do not forget to carefully brush the hair afterward. Not brushing the fur could interfere with the clipper’s movement, but also hurt the dog as the clippers will pull the skin.
If you visit a pet store, they will have all of the things that you need in order to prepare your dog for a haircut. Make sure that the fur is actually dry before you start clipping. Even if this whole process might take a little while, it’s all worth it, because it will make the experience better for you, the dog, and the clippers. The smoother the actual clipping goes, the less time you lose. If you start clipping without preparation, you’ll be hit by mats and tangles, which will make the process slower.
Improper Clipping Technique
You might think that if you prepared the fur and got the correct dog clippers, you are good to go. That’s what I thought, and I messed up my dog’s fur. Don’t worry, it grew back. The most common mistake that owners make is that they press too hard. If you are pressing too firmly against your pet’s skin, it might lead to burns and lots of discomfort. Going too fast is also more common than you would think. But rushing will only lead to your dog’s haircut not looking uniform. Go slowly and make calculated moves.
Pay attention to the temperature of the blades too. If the dog clippers are too hot, it could burn the dog’s skin. So check for that, and stop if the blades get too hot. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and your dog will thank you for not burning its skin. Try to handle all sensitive areas with care. Don’t rush and pay attention to your dog’s behaviour. If something is wrong, they will tell you. If they keep pulling away or are whining, they are probably in pain. Stop for a little while and try again more carefully.
Maintain the Dog Clippers
If you want your clippers to be as efficient as possible, you need to take care of them. One of the things that most dog owners forget to do is to oil de blade. The blades should be oiled every 10-15 minutes. This reduces friction, keeps them cool and it also prevents premature dulling. When the blade is dry, it’s more likely to create friction, which leads to pulling the dog’s hair, or create too much heat. So it’s a matter of comfort as well as of safety.
After you finish using the blade, you will want to clean it. You can find a cleaning brush in a pet store. Do not forget to wash, disinfect and properly dry the blades. It might be shameful, but I wasn’t aware that you needed to disinfect the blade. I thought that the brush and the wash were enough, considering that I was only using them for the same dog every time. Thankfully, someone told me about it before anything bad happened. Don’t make the same mistake, and clean the blade carefully after each use.
Conclusion
If you want to successfully groom your dog at home, you need a little more than just a pair of clippers. The pet store will have everything you need, you just have to go and buy it. But more importantly, you have to be willing to go the extra mile for your pet. Wash and dry your dog before clipping, choose the right clippers, and oil them every 15 minutes. Disinfect the blades after using them. Remember to cut with a lot of care, if you want a nice and clean cut. This process can be a little time-consuming, but it’s all worth it in the end.