Does it seem daunting to cut your dog’s hair? A basic knowledge will empower you to start grooming and clipping your dog, in no time. Pretty soon, you’ll get your dog looking show ready in no time.
Art Of Clipping
Grooming and clipping your dog is less a science and more of an art. Although some dog owners would like to boil the whole thing down to a phrase as simple as “a few clips here and a few clips there”, clipping should not be regarded as simple or formulaic.
The person doing the clipping needs to adapt to any given situation and take great care not to injure the dog’s skin or nails. They need to immediately respond to a dog’s sudden movements and console the dog when needed.
Importance Of Grooming
Without a proper clipping, dust and other irritants may find its way into the dog’s coat and lead to skin diseases. Proper grooming is essential to maintaining your dog’s health and appearance.
Clipping and general grooming is an effective way to prevent or take care of parasites. Clipping can also help expose parasites which may be lurking within your dog’s furry coat. Habitual grooming can make it easier to monitor your dog for tics and lice. Unfortunately, dogs are not known to be great at expressing their grievances, so we often need to rely on methods like grooming to keep an eye out for possible parasites.
If you do not want to deal with the hassle, there are plenty of pet parlors who can competently groom your pet.
Sharp Clippers Are A Must
Do not use dull clippers. Dull clippers can possibly lead to injury due to excessive tugging and pinching of skin caused by repeated failed attempts to cut hair. Also, grooming can be tiring enough already; you do not need to further exacerbate the situation with a dull pair of clippers.
Winter Coats In Cold
If you live in a place where it can get cold, avoid closely cutting your dog’s hair in the winter. Imagine if you had to go outside without even a shirt and some pants in the freezing cold; that’s how Fido feels when you give him a buzz cut in the winter. Give your dog at least some protection from the elements. You do not need poor fido returning home with frostbite.
Cutting Nails
Do not cut your dog’s nails or hair too closely. Unlike your own nails, it may be difficult to discern where your dog’s nail bed starts. You should not risk hurting your dog. Cutting hair too closely can also lead to injury since there is less leeway between the skin and wherever you are cutting. The breed of the dog is also a factor when clipping the coat. When your dog is not healthy, avoid clipping their hair and nails. Do not stress out your already sick dog. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Good Tools
Tools for clipping your dog’s hair and nails should be available at your nearest pet shop. Do not cheap out when purchasing clippers unless you are fine with struggling to cut your dog’s hair and nails or returning for new clippers soon after your original purchase. Just remember, your dog deserves the best.
