Hair Trimming Tools for Dogs

Whether for shows, work or just for company around the home, dogs have been domesticated pets for centuries. Today, 77.5 million dogs are owned and cared for by families and individuals in the United States. From terriers and poodles to spaniels and schnauzers, some breeds have more peculiar grooming needs than others and require frequent trimming.

  1. Blades

    • Blades are attached to clippers, and used to trim hair in various styles and patterns. They often are sold according to a numbering system. In this system, blades with higher numbers trim the fur much more closely. To keep blades functioning properly, they are often checked for dullness and rusting. These can affect the cut of the dogs hair and can cause irritation if not addressed.

    Clippers

    • Clippers often are sold with snap-on blades. These tools can be used to give a dog a very low trim. Clippers often are powered by electricity and, thus, can heat up after prolonged use. This heat can cause what is known as clipper burn and can damage the dog's skin. To avoid clipper burn, frequent lubrication of the clipper blades is necessary. This lubrication not only cools the blade, but assures that it glides smoothly back and forth, and over the dog's skin.

    Scissors and Shears

    • Though other tools are more time efficient when trimming larger dogs or areas on a dog with lots of fur, clippers are not recommended for use very near to the eyes, mouth and nose of the dog. To maximize precision when trimming these areas, scissors should be used. Scissors, especially blunted scissors, can be curved or straight bladed. They make it easier for groomers to trim close to the dog's face without causing injury. Thinning shears are used to reduce the thickness of hair and to give the coat a blended look. Straight shears make it easier to trim the cut to the correct length and curved shears often are used for trimming topknots on dogs, like poodles.

    Combs

    • Various types of combs can be used when trimming dogs. A hand comb can be used to detangle and groom fur before the trimming process begins, which generally makes for an easier, cleaner trimming process. Fine, medium and coarse combs are used for pets with different types of coats. Another type of comb is an attachment for a clipper. These attachments reduce trimming time while still giving the dog's coat a long but well-groomed appearance. Other small combs can be used to groom near sensitive areas, like the eyes, nose, mouth and toes.