Introduction
A common question among dog owners is if they can trim their dog’s fur with hair clippers instead of taking their dogs to the groomer. It is possible to use human hair clippers on dogs. Still, there are some factors that should be taken into consideration before using them.
What You Need to Know Before Using Human Hair Clippers on Dogs
Blade Size and Adjustability
Human hair clippers are generally known to possess shorter and finer blades compared to professional dog grooming clippers. This can make it easier to get tangled in the thick or wiry fur of some dogs, and therefore, it may be a tad challenging to shave it off. If you are using professional dog clippers, the blades are adjustable so that you can vary the length of cut over the different parts of your dog’s body. Most clippers used to cut human hair do not offer this sort of flexibility.
Noise Level
The motors in human hair clippers are not manufactured to handle cutting through thicker hair. Therefore, the clippers may cause more noise when cutting a dog’s hair, something that can scare anxious pets. Professional clippers used in grooming dogs have more powerful motors designed for use when grooming dogs with thick fur.
Overheating
Since human hair clippers are not typically used to trim the thick fur of dogs, they are more likely to heat up after being used for a long time. This could lead to the dog getting burnt on his/her skin or, in the worst-case scenario, causing damage to the clipper motor. Professional clippers of better quality are supposed to be used for longer durations without the risk of overheating.
Blade Maintenance
Dog hair and fur are rougher than human hair and can cause the human hair clipper blades to become dull faster. It may also require frequent replacement or sharpening of the blades, making it expensive in the long run. Thick dog blades are designed to cut fur and are more robust than thin blades, which are usually lighter and more challenging to sharpen.
Probability of Injuries Such as Cuts and Scrapes
It is more challenging for an inexperienced person to groom animals without accidents using human hair clippers, especially when the animals are fidgety or aggressive. The short and thin blades are more inclined to cut the skin or rub against the dog’s body when using it. The specific clippers designed for professional dog grooming are much safer for amateur users.
When Can Human Hair Clippers Be Used on Dogs?
Light Trimming
Human hair clippers can trim short fur around the eyes, feet, and other sensitive areas. The only drawback is that the shorter blades are a little sharper; therefore, it is important to be extra careful especially around the sensitive areas. Light trimming can be done to ensure that the dog is presentable in between grooming sessions.
Minor or Short-coated Dog Breeds
Full grooming may be okay using human hair clippers if using them for smaller dogs or short-haired breeds such as chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, or dachshunds. Their fine hair demands less power and so it is unlikely to damage most human hair clippers. It is advisable to first try it on a small part of the dog’s body each time you intend to use the clippers.
Finishing Touch-Ups
As with many dog grooming tools, human hair clippers can help neaten up areas that the professional groomer might have missed or left slightly uneven. It is easier on the blades and the motor if you focus on small specific areas that need a touch-up than it is if you try to do the whole body.
If you are a dog groomer who wants to use human hair clippers on your canine clients, there are unique tips that you need to know.
– Buy pet clipper blades designed just for human clippers to get the best of both worlds.
– Initially, wash, shampoo, and adequately go through the dog’s fur.
– Stretch the skin and make it as flat as possible as you trim it. This must be done carefully.
– If the clippers are warm, then pause and allow them to cool down to avoid causing discomfort on the skin.
– Check the blade’s temperature by placing it against your wrist occasionally.
– Treat the dog well and calm him/her down so he/she won’t fidget.
When to Know Whether to Invest in Professional Dog Clippers
If you notice any of the issues below when using human hair clippers on your dog, it would be best to upgrade to professional dog grooming clippers:
– Frequent overheating, which leads to more extended breaks
– Inflammation such as rashes, rawness, or abrasion of the skin of a dog
– The dog is frightened by the noises of the human hair clippers
– Inability to trim some areas because the blades cannot be adjusted
– The blades require replacement much more often than initially anticipated
The Bottom Line
It is certainly possible to use a human hair clipper to trim and do touch-ups on some dogs, but these cannot be used instead of professional grooming clippers. It should be expected that most medium or large dogs that have thick coats of fur will not be adequately shaved by the motors and blades of human hair clippers. Replacing faulty, low-quality dog grooming clippers with sturdier adjustable ones is the most effective way to groom your furry companion safely. It is advisable to use professional groomers when in doubt.
