Pet Hair Clipping Tips

Grooming your pet at home saves you money and allows you to clip your pet's hair when it's convenient. Learning to clip your pet's hair safely and effectively is important to keep both of you safe and to earn his trust so you can continue to clip his hair.

  1. Electric Trimmer

    • Use an electric trimmer with a guard comb to ensure an even cut. Clipping your entire pet with scissors is time-consuming and can result in unevenness. Choose a quiet trimmer to avoid scaring your pet.

    Go with the Grain

    • Trim in the direction of your pet's hair growth. Trimming against the grain pulls at the hair, irritates the skin, and often results in unevenness.

    Eliminate Tangles and Knots

    • Before you run an electric trimmer through your pet's coat, get rid of any tangles, matted areas, or knots to avoid pulling them and hurting your pet. Brush your pet first to get rid of the tangles. Cut out any knots or mats with clean, sharp scissors by separating the entire knot or matted area from the nonmatted hair beneath it, closer to the skin. Cutting through the knot only dulls your scissors and pulls on your pet's skin. Knots and mats are common near the ears, tail, abdomen, and leg joints.

    Use Sharp Blades

    • Use only sharp blades for a cleaner cut when trimming your pet's hair. Dull blades pull at the hair more than do sharp blades, resulting in discomfort for your pet.

    Clip Regularly

    • Clip your pet's hair regularly to ensure that he stays groomed and understands that trimmings will be a regular practice. With regular clipping, your pet will get used to it, cooperate, and be easier to work with in the future.