How to Clip a Dog's Coat
A well-groomed dog coat leads to a happier pet. With regular trimming, your dog will have healthier skin and is less likely to harbor fleas, mites and ticks. The favorite home grooming tool of pet owners worldwide is the dog clipper. Dog clippers are safe and simple to operate, effortlessly clipping the fur to a uniform length via the snap-on attachments. Even if you have never given your dog a haircut before, the use of clippers can help you achieve professional looking results from the start. To properly clip your dog's coat follow a few simple steps. You'll have your pooch looking like a superstar in no time, and that fussy poodle across the street may suddenly see just what she has been missing!
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Instructions
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Inspect the dog's fur for any signs of matting. Matted portions can be easily removed with scissors prior to clipping.
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Give the dog a thorough brushing to remove any tangles in the fur and ease the passage of the clippers.
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Select the trimming attachment recommended in the clipper instruction manual for your breed of dog. If you're not sure, choose the middle setting. You can always go shorter if you'd like; if you do cut it too short, it won't take very long to grow back out.
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Turn the clippers on. Hold the clipper head level against the dog's coat and slowly move the clippers in the direction the hair grows. There is no set pattern for trimming; it is a matter of choice or preference. However, many people start near the base of the neck and move toward the hind legs, leaving the tail and ears for last.
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Hold the ear flat on the palm of your hand when you reach the head, and gently move the clippers away from the body of the dog. By holding the ear flat, you lessen the risk of nicking the edge of the ear by accident.
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Use the scissors to even up any rough patches or to trim any sensitive areas, such as the anal region, near the eyes and around the mouth.
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Give your dog a good brushing all over. This helps to remove any loose or trimmed hairs. Finish with a gentle combing to stimulate the skin and a treat or small reward for your favorite pooch.
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Tips & Warnings
Groom your dog every 6 to 8 weeks during warm weather. This will keep the dog's coat from getting too out of control and your dog will enjoy the extra attention.
Be careful not to cut too close to the skin or you could accidentally give your dog "clipper rash." Should your dog's skin show any signs of irritation after trimming, apply talcum powder, tea tree oil or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. Check the blades of the clippers periodically while in use as they can become quite hot. If the clipper becomes overly warm, turn it off and allow it to cool, otherwise you might accidentally burn your dog's skin.
Resources
- Photo Credit wikimedia commons
