Keeping Dogs Safe During Any Grooming Session

The safety of any subject is naturally the most important topic when using hair shears for any purpose, and this concept extends beyond the human realm as well. Those performing dog grooming on a regular basis need to know how to maintain safety for the animals that are under their care, and there are several different important topics to cover here. 

At Scissor Mall, we're happy to offer a huge range of dog grooming shears for any need, from chunker options like the Dirty Doge Rose 23 to numerous other styles and options. What are some of the most important safety concepts for anyone using these shears or other dog grooming products? Here are several to keep in mind.

Purchasing and Using the Right Tools

One of the first and most important concepts to consider is the right choice of products. Look for quality shears that are designed specifically for dog grooming, as these will be more likely to provide the best results with minimal risk of injury. Make sure all parts of the shears are in good condition and properly oiled (or replace them if necessary).

Carefully check their sharpness before any cuts; if the blades appear dull, they may need to be replaced or sharpened. In addition, make sure that any electric clippers used are in proper working condition and have fresh blades installed.

Picking the Right Blade

Down similar lines, it's important to select the right blade for any given situation. For instance, a curved blade is best for cutting hair around the eyes and ears, while a straight blade may be more appropriate for trimming along the back and tail.

This is also one area where you may want to ask the dog's owner about their past grooming experiences. If they have had any issues with cut hair getting tangled or sticking up, this can be an indication of a blade that is too sharp or not suitable for the task at hand.

Ensure Proper Level of Moisture

When cutting the fur of a dog, it's important to have the correct level of moisture. If the coat is too dry, this can result in dull and broken blades. On the other hand, if it's too wet, cuts may not be clean or even and there is an increased risk of skin irritation.

It's also recommended that any clippers used have a cooling system in place. This will help to reduce the risk of overheating and subsequent skin damage, which can be especially important when trimming matted or tangled fur.

Moving Slowly

Especially for any dogs who are new to the grooming process, it's important to take things slow. Move through each area of their coat in a methodical way and ensure that every section is completely groomed before moving on to the next one. Don't rush through any part of the process; this increases the risk of accidentally causing cuts or other injuries.

One related safety tip is to watch the pet's posture and body language; if they appear distressed, stop what you're doing and give them a break.

Don't Pull Their Hair

Just because a dog can't verbally ask you not to do something doesn't give you permission to pull their fur or skin. Even if there is a large tangle, combing through it slowly and patiently is the best way to break it apart without causing any pain.

If at any point during the grooming process the pet seems to be in discomfort, stop right away and look for a better solution.

Maintaining Hygiene

It's a mistake to assume that just because dogs are a bit less hygienic overall than humans on average, they don't need to be handled with a certain level of cleanliness. Make sure that all tools, including your hands if you plan on using them, are adequately washed before and after the grooming session.

In addition, it's important to use the right type of shampoo for any bathing that is included in the grooming process. This will depend on the breed and skin condition of the dog in question; if you're unsure, err on the side of gentler options.

Cutting in the Right Direction

Another key concept for dog grooming is always cutting in the natural direction of the fur. Going against the grain may look better temporarily, but it can cause discomfort and even skin irritation if not done properly.

If you are unsure how to tell which direction the fur is going, use a comb to first separate out each section and then carefully trim it. This will make sure that you are always cutting with the grain and thus avoid causing any unnecessary discomfort or injury.

Be Cognizant of the Animal

As we've alluded to a couple times here in this blog, dogs can't communicate in the same basic ways as humans regarding things like comfort, pain, or fear. It's your responsibility as a groomer to recognize the signs and adjust your approach accordingly.

If you are patient, mindful of their needs and safety, and use the right tools in the right way, there's no reason why every grooming session can't be a pleasant experience for both you and the animal.

As you can see, there are many different aspects to consider when it comes to the safety of using hair shears and other tools for dog grooming, but following these tips should help ensure that you can complete the job with minimal risk. And remember, if you ever feel like something isn't quite right during the process, it's better to stop and take a break than continue.

For more here, or to learn about any of our grooming shears or various hair shears for stylists, speak to our team at Scissor Mall today.