It may seem like a sensible idea to save money and groom your pup at home using your hair clippers, but it's NOT recommended to use human clippers on a dog. Although they look similar, they're designed very differently, and using them could lead you to accidentally cause your dog more harm than good.

Can I use a human clipper on a dog?

The short answer is no, you should not use human clippers on dogs. You can however safely use dog clippers on humans. There are a few reasons why...

What's the difference between human clippers and dog clippers?

Human clippers are made especially for humans shaving of hair and have a powerful and durable motor that instantly trims the hair while dog grooming clippers have a much lighter motor used for the best use on pets. As pets tend to get scared of the noise and a powerful motor can be actually harsh on their skin leading ...

Can you shave a dog with clippers?

While many dogs are just fine having their coats cut with electric clippers, there are a few breeds that should only be trimmed using scissors. Some breeds may have issues growing their hair back properly if you use clippers, for these dogs you may want to pick up a de-shedding tool.

Are hair clippers OK for dogs?

“Dogs generally have more hair compared to the hair on our heads, so a human clipper is not designed to handle that,” veterinarian Dr. Amy Fox, DVM, shared with The Spruce Pets. “Human clippers could just glide over the fur and not actually cut the hair or the tool will get clogged too quickly to be effective.”

Is it safe to use human clippers on dogs?

Which direction to shave a dog?

For most dogs, follow the direction of the hair growth with your clippers. This gives a more natural textured look. Depending on the dog's coat direction, for most dogs that means going from the head towards the tail, down the sides, and down the legs.

What not to cut when grooming a dog?

❌ Trimming nails too short is painful and can agitate even the calmest pup. Dogs' nails contain a blood vessel called the “quick.” Cutting into the quick can result in a great deal of bleeding and pain. If you're not sure where the quick is, just cut off the tips of the nails, and do it more frequently.

Can clippers cut dogs skin?

Nicks are small cuts made by scissors or clippers that can happen for a variety of reasons; If a dog is very jumpy or wiggly, if a dog's skin if very thin (senior dogs especially!), if a dog has very tight matting or is pelted, or if there are hidden scabs, moles, or warts.

Do you cut a dog's hair wet or dry?

Also, let your dog fully dry or blow dry his hair before you cut it. Like human hair, dog hair shrinks up when it dries. If you cut your pup's hair while it's wet, you could end up cutting his hair too short, which could leave him exposed to the cold or the sun (or he could end up with an uneven haircut).

What clippers do vets use on dogs?

What Clippers Do Vets Use? Veterinarians typically use A5 clippers to prep animals for medical procedures.

Can you use human thinning shears on dogs?

When choosing scissors for dog grooming, it is important for the dog grooming to consider the specific coat type they will be working with. Scissors designed for human hair are not suitable for cutting a dog's coat, as they are not sharp enough to cut through the coarser hair.

Is there a difference between human clippers and dog clippers?

Essentially, the blades of human clippers are designed to be much finer and shorter than those of dog clippers. The reason behind this is that human clippers are used much closer to the skin. This stands to reason of course given how humans cut hair, which is often very short.

What is an alternative to dog clippers?

You can use a dremel tool or a simple file to get your dog's nails in shape. These alternative ways of cutting your dog's nails may just make the process easier for both you and your dog.

Can you clipper your own dog?

Brush, bathe and thoroughly dry your dog. Using blunt ended (round tip) shears or small clippers with guide combs, trim hair that's covering the eyes, long hair covering private parts and hair between dogs' paw pads, if needed. A number 10 blade may work best in delicate areas.

Can I groom my dog with human clippers?

It may seem like a sensible idea to save money and groom your pup at home using your hair clippers, but it's NOT recommended to use human clippers on a dog. Although they look similar, they're designed very differently, and using them could lead you to accidentally cause your dog more harm than good.

Can I trim my dog's pee pee hair?

The hair is long to help direct the pee to the ground. When you cut this hair off, the pee has a tendency to spray over the dog's stomach instead. This can cause matting and irritated skin if not cleaned daily. Also be aware that if this hair grows back (sometimes it doesn't) it grows back verrrry slowly.

What dog breeds should not be shaved?

Dogs such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies and any dog that seasonally sheds huge clumps of fur (part of its undercoat) should never be shaved.

How to groom your dog at home with clippers?

Start with the shoulders and progress towards the tail. Clip as close to the body as desired, leaving at least a 1/2-inch or more in order to maintain enough protection from the elements. After the body, move on to clip hair around the paws and tail. Inspect the chest to determine if any trimming is needed.

How do you shave a dog that won't let you?

Turn the clippers on if you are using them and let your pup get used to the noise. If you are using shears, hold them up where your pup can see and sniff at them. Once he is used to it, you should be able to finish grooming your pup. Be sure to use plenty of treats and soothing words to try and keep him calm.

Should dogs be shaved in summer?

A summer haircut may help you feel more comfortable during hot, humid summer weather, but it won't have the same effect on your pet. In fact, cutting or shaving your pet's fur can actually compromise your furry friend's ability to remain cool.

What do I do if my dog wont let me cut his hair?

Try turning some soft music on or tune the TV to a fun show. Believe it or not, most dogs will sit and watch TV, there is even a Dog TV channel with programming just for dogs to watch. The best thing you can do to keep Ralphie happy and not thinking about biting is to make the entire process as much fun as you can.

How to make dog clippers cut better?

Spray or dip the blade in blade cleaner. Avoid getting any liquid inside your clipper (tip: tip the blade and clipper downwards when applying cleaner). Run the blade for a few seconds to clear out any remaining stuck coat and wipe the blade clean. Apply oil and keep clipping!

How do you groom a dog that is scared of clippers?

Start out slowly and keep your grooming sessions short for the first few weeks. Your dog will let you know when he has had enough. Be sure to reward him with praise and treats. In time, you should be able to fully groom your pup without any fuss or bother.

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