Dogs require coats to shield them from the environment, both cold and hot. Their coats must be washed, well-conditioned, mat-free, well-brushed and combed, and de-shed regularly. The fur on their body protects them from both heat and cold. It keeps them dry and protects their vital organs and the skin from harsh weather conditions.
Even though you could trim a dog’s hair without causing irreversible harm, grooming doesn’t make them cooler; in fact, it can induce sun damage and cause skin injuries in the summer. The dog’s hair is normal to them, and it is one of the most lovable components of the pets that we adore. Styling your pet on your own can be daunting, particularly if this is your first time.
You could manage things at home if you’re using a good pair of grooming accessories and practice cautiously. Scissors get the added advantage of being silent, which aids in keeping your dog relaxed and calm as you perform. Initiate by snipping fur from the side and legs with smooth and angled shears, then conclude with circular safety scissors on places such as the face and tails.
If there are dense spots or tangled fields, use thinning blades to remove them. The job becomes a little unchallenging when you give the dog some toys and affirmation.
Why Does One Need to Cut Their Dog’s Hair?
The two most popular reasons for removing a dog’s fur is temperature and matting.
Furs play a significant role in keeping pets safe and healthy, so they are designed to keep them protected from the weather. As a result, the smaller coat can withstand higher temperatures, while long hair is for cooler environments.
Another explanation is that some dogs are more vulnerable to mats than others. Since many owners cannot groom their pets for extended periods, they prefer just to have their pets’ fur-trimmed more petite or entirely shaved.
Few people choose to keep their dogs trimmed or groomed for aesthetic reasons. It shouldn’t affect or hurt them if the dog doesn’t mind standing still; depending on the breed, it will need to have its fur cut daily (for example, poodles) to avoid matting.
However, not all species will need their fur to be shaved. If you attempt to shave any breeds, you can reduce the consistency of their coat and aggravate any existing problems like shedding and other skin problems.
Before you groom your dog on your own, you must consult a licensed groomer or do an extensive study into whether it is safe or not. If your breed does not like being shaved, it is advised that you purchase a shedding rake tool to manage regular grooming more easily.
What are the Right Tools to Cut Dog’s Hair?
Maintaining your dog well involves more than just providing them high-quality food, vaccinating them daily, walking and playing with them, and enjoying them. It also includes proper grooming. Some people believe that shaving is just an exercise that enhances the dog’s aesthetic and cosmetic characteristics, but this is only one side of the equation. The second and most significant aspect of grooming is to keep your dog happy and in good health.
Since most people hear the term grooming, they think of grooming clips or a brush. Whenever it applies to grooming equipment, this is the easiest to use, so it makes sense, to begin with, it. They come in various forms, sizes, and styles, making the decision process a little more complicated, but don’t worry; we’ll assist you in making the right pick.
Preferably, you’d like a comb that sits comfortably in your palm but doesn’t slide around and feel comfortable when you use it. It must also be long-lasting and dependable; you don’t want it to crack during a grooming session. Most critically, the claws must be able to stretch down to the bottom of the coat.
Clippers must have their blades removed anytime they want because having two separate ones just because you have two dogs of different coat styles isn’t realistic. Using a single model of detachable blades allows you to quickly switch them out depending on your needs.
It should also not be an inexpensive model because you need a durable product that can last for several years, so don’t concentrate on saving money while selecting the best clippers for your dog. Further, the clippers should not become too hot, or you may unintentionally burn your puppy.
How to Cut Dog’s Hair Using Clippers?
You might already be aware that high decibel sounds can surprise or even upset your dog. Try out different clippers to find the one that makes the least amount of noise; it will make the process more seamless for both of you.
It is essential to keep any outside threats to a minimum when brushing, such as keeping someone away from your dog, whether they be other humans or other animals.
Hairstyling dog clippers must always be sharp. A sharper blade will quickly cut through hair without creating pulling or pain to your dog’s skin. They must be so sharp that you can smoothly cut with the top of the clippers in some difficult-to-reach regions, such as around the head and ears.
When trimming your dog’s fur, do not thrust the clipper too fast; it tends to leave lines. Multiple blades perform well on various types of coats and produce different results, so research what works best. You can also use snap-on combs for denser fur.
Long-haired dogs can require the use of several blades and comb accessories to achieve the desired cut. That being said, if you have a shorter-haired puppy, a singular blade would usually suffice.
The sooner you will get your dog accustomed to the procedure, the better trained they will be, allowing you to prevent errors and accidents. It will not only help you avoid mistakes, but it will also show you how to groom your dog better.
If you brush your dog from the beginning, you will have a greater understanding of its hair, how it prefers to be trimmed, and what kind of clippers work the best.
How to Cut Dog’s Hair Using Scissors?
You can also trim dog’s coat with the help of a scissor. However, if it is your first time, then it can be a bit unnerving. Always use a set of professional dog scissors. Using your domestic scissors may be very dangerous depending on the breed and the form and quality of the coat.
Big scissors intended for removing things like paperwork and such would be unable to break through into the mats on the dog’s body. You run the risk of injuring your hands as well as your puppy.
If you’re willing to spend money on grooming shears, plan to pay between $35 and $400. Please remember that lower-priced shears will not do as well as higher-quality shears, which will be super sharp to start with.
So, for the general benefit of you and your dog, it is recommended that you choose not to groove your dog with a pair of scissors and instead use clippers or hire a professional groomer to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Precautions while Cutting Dog’s Hair
You must be able to see how you’re doing, and you must also have a safe, nonslip base to prevent your beloved furry friends from slipping and falling. Tethering pets during grooming will result in disastrous accidents.
Of course, if they like being washed, brush them whenever and wherever you may—it can be a wonderful bonding moment. Amidst the best attempts and positive thoughts, your dog can still fail to keep relaxed and stay still while grooming.
When that occurs, recommend enlisting a trustworthy friend’s assistance throughout grooming or consulting your veterinarian for stress reduction supplements.
When it comes to shaving, are you using the proper brush? A specific brush may be needed depending on the dog’s hair and skin texture. Look online or ask a doctor what kind of brush is best for dog’s coat. Similarly, be sure that the scissors, trimmer, and so on are of good quality and suitable for your puppy.
Conclusion
While many pet parents successfully groom their dogs at home, it can take more time and work to get your dog used to an at-home grooming regimen, which will also minimize sweating while also deepening the bond with your dog.
“Your puppy trusts you with all of her life’s major decisions. However, she does have views on a few minor issues, which must be addressed,” stated Dr. Neil Marrinan of Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital. Before attempting to groom the dog at home, he recommends building a solid base of confidence.
Getting your dog accustomed to becoming handled at a young age will render brushing better for the remainder of his or her life. Each dog breed has distinct grooming requirements, and knowing these requirements is critical to preserving your dog’s safe coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut a dog’s hair with human clippers?
Since human hair safety razor blades are not quite as sharp as dog safety razor blades, they can get trapped or drag on a dog’s fur. This can cause a lot of pain throughout the grooming sessions.
Should you wash or cut your dog’s hair first?
Ideally, you should wash your dog’s fur first and soften it up and then move forward with trimming. Once you are done cutting, proceed to rewash the pet to remove the leftover bits of hair.
Do dogs feel better after grooming?
It can dissolve mats and knots in your pet’s fur that can irritate the scalp. Many people are unaware that tangles in your pet’s coat will make them irritated and, in some cases, stress them out. Grooming them is a safe way to search for fleas and ticks, which may cause disease and sickness, as well as helps to keep an eye out for any lumps or other complications. Grooming your dog not only makes them look good but also keeps them happy and allows them to enjoy a long life.