Pets have been a staple in the average household for centuries. For many people, these doe-eyed creatures are just as much a part of the family as mum or dad, and they are valued and cherished for their staunch loyalty and loving companionship. Furry friends come in many forms – everything from cats and dogs to birds and gerbils.
Regardless of what little creature you have in your care, one thing that you will always need to consider is the exact means through which you care for them. As an additional member of the family, you will need to provide your furry friend with a warm, safe place to rest their head for the night, as well as supply them with the sustenance they need to stay healthy and live a long, happy life.
These two considerations are fairly surface-level and every pet owner worth their salt should at least be able to provide food and shelter. However, one thing that many pet owners often overlook is grooming. While it can be convenient to simply drop your pet off at a professional groomer for the day, this can be quite costly and your furry friend would probably feel a lot more comfortable with you at their side.
With that being said, let us take a look at two of the most common dog-grooming instruments, settle their differences, and discuss the best ways to use them.
What is a Dog Clipper?
Dog clippers are essentially the same as human hair clippers. They are used to shear the dog’s hair to a uniform length in bulk and are an essential component in any dog groomer’s toolset. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most people use the standardized blade (referred to as “A5 style”).
The teeth on a clipper blade are typically deep and widely-spaced, allowing for large areas of hair to be cut quickly and efficiently. Most modern dog clippers are cordless with Lithium-ion batteries, but corded models are still sometimes used, typically by professional dog groomers.
What is a Dog Trimmer?
Dog hair trimmers are similar in function to clippers but have a wider range of applications thanks to their detachable blades. They are also almost always battery-powered, as cords can easily get in the way while trying to reach some tricky spots on the dog’s body.
The blades of a trimmer vary in length and size, and most trimmer kits will feature five standard sizes ranging from 0.5 mm to 2 mm in length. Trimmers are most commonly used to cut the hair in delicate or otherwise smaller areas of fur.
What is the Difference Between The Two?
Besides their physical characteristics (clippers are generally bigger than trimmers), the primary difference between dog hair trimmers and clippers is their application. In broad terms, clippers are generally better suited to cutting large areas of fur down to size, while trimmers are far more specialized and can reach areas that clippers cannot.
As such, trimmers are typically smaller than clippers and feature blades with fine, tightly-spaced teeth that are perfect for trimming areas such as the face, ears, pads, and between the toes.
How to Use Dog Hair Clippers and Trimmers
Dog grooming can be a deceptively challenging endeavor. While it may seem as simple as shearing all of your dog’s fur down to a respectable length, there are plenty of things to consider that you may not have already thought of. Getting to grips with both clippers and trimmers can be demanding, but with this brief guide, you should have all the knowledge you need to give your furry friend the makeover he or she deserves.
What You Will Need
As well as the aforementioned clipper and trimmer, you will also need a suitable comb to keep your dog’s fur neat, as well as a slicker brush for larger areas of fur that cannot be addressed with a comb alone. There are many options available, but to avoid any confusion on your part, we would recommend consulting with your local professional dog groomer to get a clear idea of what you need.
Keep Things Quiet to Start Off
Grooming can be a very invasive and uncomfortable experience. To avoid any further stress, we recommend that you find the right clippers that make the least amount of noise possible. After all, loud noises can be incredibly frightening for the little fellows.
Keep Your Blades Sharp
Pulling on your dog’s hair can easily scare them off and end the whole process just as it is about to begin. To avoid this, you will need to ensure that your blades are sharp enough to slice through any hair effortlessly and at no additional discomfort to your furry friend.
Go Slow
There is no need to rush through the process of cutting your dog’s hair. This can cause irritation and discomfort. Keep things moving along at a moderate pace and praise your pet generously along the way.
Go in the Right Direction
Dog hair growth can be tough to predict and the direction in which it grows can be equally unpredictable. It can even change with different parts of the body. For a smooth, natural-looking coat, pay attention to the direction your dog’s hair is growing in.
Avoid Overheating
Both dog trimmers and clippers have the potential to overheat after long periods of use. Get into the habit of turning them off regularly to test the temperature of the blade before moving on, changing it out if necessary.
Final Thoughts
The primary difference between dog hair trimmers and clippers comes down to the areas in which they best excel. Both are crucial components for grooming, however, and having the right ones can make the whole process much easier, not to mention much less uncomfortable for your furry friend. It is best to start early while they are a puppy in order for them to adjust to the experience naturally, and to save yourself plenty of gray hairs further down the line.