Ever look at your pup and get into one of those DIY modes? Like one of those times when you’ve been putting off an appointment at the local dog salon all week, and suddenly you get a surge of determination to groom the little one all by yourself?
But you don’t have a proper dog clipper, so you wonder, “can you use human clippers on dogs?”
Not to worry, because here are all the answers you need for your very own at-home grooming session:
Can You Cut Dog Hair With Human Clippers?
Attempting to groom a canine for the first time is always a risky task. Out of all the questions that come to a pet owner’s mind, the most frequent is, “can you use human clippers on dogs?”
The answer might be yes, as well as no.
If the end goal is a neat trim around the edges of the ears or a more refined fur, a human clipper could be a suitable tool. Alternately, if you plan on going into full “hair-dresser” mode on your dog, you might want to reconsider using that pair of human clippers in your drawer.
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Is there any difference between dog hair and human hair?
The texture of human hair and dog fur may appear the same to you. Therefore, in that case, it is super convenient and sensible for pet owners to use the hair clippers available at home.
Well, there are only some types of dogs that have similar hair to humans. The dogs don’t have an undercoat and only have a single outer coat. Such dogs are famous as ‘Single coated .’Thus, it is easy to remove by using the clippers available. So, before making a choice for the best suitable clipper for your dog, research the type of breed you have. You can also consult the vet to get the best advice.
Jack Russell Terrier, Greyhounds, Dalmatians, Poodles, Maltese, etc are typical examples of single-coated dogs.
Furthermore, there are many dogs who don’t have fine hair like humans. They have a double coat of fur, the outer coarse outer coat, and a deep, soft, and thick undercoat. Therefore, you cannot use the hair clippers that are available. Consequently, you will need an exclusive set of clippers.
Some common examples of breeds with a double coat are Siberian Husky, Chow Chow, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian.
The Difference between Human Clippers and Pet Clippers
The two clipping machines might look similar with their cylindrical bodies and zig-zag blades, but that’s not the case. Some key factors such as the user’s hair type and the amount of hair subjected to trimming create the difference between dog clippers and human clippers.
If you’re still considering “can I use human clippers on dogs,” you might want to look into the compatibility of the two clippers with your pet’s locks.
Using human clippers on a canine is not an impossible task, but it has its difficulties. Primarily you will be spending much longer on your pet’s grooming than is necessary, to the point where mid-way, you might prefer going to the store to buy the proper tools.
Additionally, you’ll have to be more cautious than usual. Human clippers aren’t the safest option for a pet, especially if you plan on an in-depth grooming procedure. Dog clippers are compatible with animal fur. If you compare the two, you’ll notice a smoother approach from the dog clippers vs. the human clippers.
It’s not just the dog that will feel more comfortable with its designated clipper, but you’ll also find it much more convenient to handle the machine. What makes actual dog clippers the more efficient option is the variety of blades they come equipped with. Your average human clipper might not be able to achieve the most delicate trim considering the lack of the aforementioned specialized blades.
Looking into the more detailed differences, you’ll observe variations in the following.
Blades
Canines are mostly hairy creatures compared to us homo sapiens. The manes are thick and furry to regulate temperatures as opposed to our light and smooth hair. This calls for a slightly different blade for the little woofers.
If you look closely at your human clipper blade, you’ll notice the edges are tucked closer, which is not the case for your resident canine. Dog clippers are designed to protect your pet against cuts and abrasion for a painless experience.
Grooming combs
Grooming combs are attachable accessories that you can fit over the clipper blade. It enables the user to adjust the length according to the need. However, human combs cut the hair by 1 inch or less, which is very short. In comparison, pet combs are longer in length, making them efficient for cutting deep hair safely.
Motors
For optimum results, pets need to be acclimatized to their environment to prevent harsh reactions from them. This might include loud noises which might scare the furry little ones. Keeping this in mind, dog clippers are designed with minimal sounds since the motors are lighter than those in human clippers.
Pets tend to feel safe with such tools and are prone to be more cooperative with the grooming procedure.
Considering the amount of hair on a pet, human clippers might not be apt. Since they are constructed to trim a smaller area, you might risk overheating your machine in a makeshift attempt at DIY pet grooming. Also, keep in mind that you might be running your device for a longer time on an animal than on a human head. So the human clipper motor might burn, or you might have to deal with the discomfort of holding the hot machine while you work.
Clipper kits
What’s common ( but not similar) among the two clippers is the accessory kits that come along. Each accessory kit has individualized blades for different types of haircuts. Even though your improvised human clipper may be helpful to a certain extent, there will be limitations. Especially if you’ve got a canine from the Bichon family or another similar thick-furred dog, a human clipper might not be able to keep up.
A very predictable outcome might be your clipper getting stuck into the fur ball’s hair and causing an otherwise avoidable hassle. In addition to the inconvenience, it will be painful for the pet.
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Can you cut dog hair with human clippers?
Considering the reasoning mentioned earlier, it is relatively easy to answer the ultimate question, “Can you use human clippers on dogs?”
The verdict would be yes, but it is unnecessary and comes with inherent risks and discomfort on both the pet’s and the owner’s ends.
Dogs, in general, require consistent upkeep, which can be done at home. Provided that you use the proper tools instead of make-do experiments.
So, can you cut dog hair with human clippers? Yes
Is it advised? Absolutely not.
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What to look for in a dog hair clipper?
Now that we’ve established that dog clippers are the optimum choice for grooming your canine, we need to get to the perfect clipper’s specifications. A clipper should generally be selected by keeping in mind efficiency as well as comfort. Remember, not even the best blade can be used on an uncomfortable or scared animal.
Comb guides
The combs used in dog grooming are mainly for brushing off the excess trimmed hair. This prevents them from clogging up the trimmer and aids in a smooth trim. The combs may also be used to refine a haircut. They are your allies for a professional look for your pet.
You’ll probably get a comb set along with the accessories in your kit. Alternately if you decide to buy them separately, make sure their attachments are compatible with your device.
Blade Material
When it comes to choosing a clipper, the blade is the star of the show. It all comes down to the type of blade you’re using for your dog’s trimming. Blades are made in either ceramic or stainless steel materials. Recent blades incorporate various additional materials, each bringing its benefits to the table; silver tends to provide antimicrobial characteristics, titanium keeps a long-lasting sharp blade, and chrome protects against rusting.
Type of blade
It is essential to choose the right type of blade for your dog. Dog’s clippers are available in two different types. Therefore, choosing the right blade for your dog’s grooming will create a clear difference.
Fine-tooth blades
Fine tooth blades feature more space between teeth than human clippers. However, the distance between teeth is less when compared with skip-tooth blades. All the teeth are of a similar length, giving a smooth and subtle finish to the trimming.
These blades are perfect for single-coated breeds. However, they are not suitable for double-coated fur and dirty hair.
There is a label on the blade with an “F” or “FC.” For instance, a fine-tooth 6 blade has the label #6F
Skip-tooth blades
Skip-tooth blades feature gaps in between to facilitate the thick fur. These are best for double-coated dogs. The length of the blades will enable it to groom without pulling. If you are doing the grooming for the first time, use it with great caution as it can cause injury to your pet.
These blades have labels in numerical order, such as 5, 6,7, and no alphabetical initial is there on the label. You can use these blades to remove long fur and dirt before bathing and enhance grooming.
Blade sharpening
To avoid a rookie and untidy look on your dog, make sure to use a sharpened blade. You’ll need a sharpening stone according to the type of blade you have. Unscrew the blade and run it over an appropriate sharpening stone. Once it’s done, screw it back incorrectly, and you’re good to go.
Corded or Cordless
Cordless trimmers are always convenient to handle and hassle-free. But that’s not the case when you’re shaving a whole canine. Pet grooming takes longer, and cordless trimmers aren’t equipped with batteries that last so long. Additionally, corded trimmers let off considerably fewer emissions, hence protecting the pet’s health and the owner.
So corded trimmers are the better option for grooming a canine.
Noise and speed
Pets tend to get anxious in the presence of sounds and vibrations. This, in turn, makes it challenging to keep them still. By using a noisy human clipper, you might scare your pet even before the procedure starts. There is also the increased risk of sudden movements on the animal’s part.
This is a primary difference between dog clippers and human clippers.
Dog clippers have the added benefit of swift functioning to prevent the animal from getting restless or tiring it out.
Other aspects to consider when buying a dog clipper
Some of the various factors to keep in mind are your convenience when using a specific clipper, the ease of availability of spare parts, and the expenses related to each clipper.
Specific devices may also prove to be more high maintenance than others. It all depends on what suits an individual and their pet best.
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Juboo Dog Clippers Low Noise Professional Rechargeable Cordless Quiet Dog Grooming Kit for Cats Pets | $17.99 | Check Price |
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Hansprou Dog Clippers, High Power Dog Clippers for Thick Heavy Coats Corded Pet Trimmer Professional Grooming Clippers with Guard Combs Brush for Dogs Cats | $51.85 | Check Price |
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Steps to groom dogs with dog clippers
Once you have the right tools, the rest is relatively easy. Unless your pet is energetic, your experience will be smooth. Make sure you wash your pet before attempting to cut down the fur. Because any dirt stuck in it will clog your trimmer and make the job harder than it has to be.
The various points to be mindful of include:
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Use the right tools
Using the right tools is vital to getting the desired results. Make-shift tools might result in a half-assed haircut, which might discourage any future grooming endeavors at home. Make sure to have the apt clipper and ancillary supplies.
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Use tools that are quiet
Quiet tools will result in a more compliant pet. The unnecessary anxious movements and accidental cuts can be avoided if your trimmer doesn’t make that buzzing sound.
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Keep the blades sharp
Your blade will last longer if the trimmer is for domestic use rather than commercial use. Since the grooming sessions are less frequent at home than at a salon, you can trust your blade to last you some time. But in any case, keep a blade-sharpening stone with you at all times. Blunt blades will produce an uneven cut and a rusty-looking dog.
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Clip slowly
Slow and steady wins the race. Keep this in mind and take your time with your dog. Let your pet get used to the machine, and don’t scare it with haste—the more detailed the session, the more refined the results. There’s no point in a disappointing half-assed job. You’d instead leave the long manes on than ruin your dog’s appearance.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
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Go in the right direction
Always start at the top and work slowly towards the lower parts of the body. Make your way down the pup’s head and face towards the front legs, paws, and stomach. Carry on towards its chest and armpits. Once you’re satisfied with the trim, move to its hindquarters and work your way through those.
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Make sure the clippers don’t get hot
Be careful not to overwork your clippers and take enough brakes. Corded clippers are more suitable for this. Also, look for clippers with a lighter motor that doesn’t heat up too efficiently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grooming your pup isn’t too hard a task, given the proper tools and ancillary supplies. Be careful while you’re at it, and you’ll be good to go.
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Related Questions:
Can Human Clippers be Used on Dogs?
If you’re still wondering, “are dog clippers the same as human clippers’ ‘, then we must say no. Human clippers could be an improvisation, but they won’t take you very far.
If all you need is a temporary fix, you could go for a human clipper, but a dog clipper is a suitable option for optimum results.
How do You Shave a Dog With Human Clippers?
If you have no other option than to use a human clipper on your canine, then the best option is to work slowly and carefully. Make sure to work in the direction of hair rather than against it.
What are the Possible Risks of Using Human Clippers on Pets?
Some of the human clippers may work for you and your dog, but there is always some risk in using human clippers on pets that you cannot ignore. I have enlisted a few here for you!
- There is a high chance that the hair of the dog will get into the clipper’s teeth.
- When you pull the clipper to release the trapped hair, it will cause discomfort for the dog.
- Discomfort can make your dog jerk or move away from the clippers, resulting in injury.
- Hot blades or overheated motors can cause burning on the skin of your pet which may lead to infections.
- Dull blades can cause irritation to your pet’s skin, making it uncomfortable.
