Can You Use Human Clippers on Your Dog? (Is It Safe)

Dogs need haircuts just like humans do, and most people don’t know if it’s safe to use human clippers on their dogs.

So can you use human clippers on dogs?

In general, it is safe to use human clippers on your dog as long as you are gentle and take your time. Make sure the blades are sharp and always have a good grip on your pet to avoid any accidents. However, it is not a recommended solution.

There are some breeds you should only use dog clippers on, such as Poodles and Bichons, because their hair is very delicate.

If you’re not sure whether or not human clippers are right for your dog’s breed and coat type, read our guide to learn everything you need to know.

Can You Cut Dogs Hair With Human Clippers?

It’s always best if you groom your dog using dog clippers.

However, if you’re desperate, human clippers may be utilized – as long as you exercise caution.

Dogs with fine, single coats can tolerate human shears since dog fur is very similar to human hair. Dogs with double coats should never be trimmed using human clippers.

It’s important not to use too much force since you don’t want the dog to become scared. If possible, put the clippers on the lowest setting and take frequent breaks.

Huskies, Poodles, and other breeds with double coats should only be trimmed using dog clippers designed for such a coat type.

Dog Breeds that You Can Use Human Clippers on –

Some breeds can be trimmed using human clippers – as long as you’re careful. Take a look at our single-coated breeds:

• Beagle
• Bichon Frise
• Boston Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Chinese Crested
• Cocker Spaniel
• Dachshund
• English Toy Spaniel
• Greyhound
• Italian Greyhound
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Japanese Chin
• Lhasa Apso
• Maltese
• Miniature Pinscher
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Norfolk Terrier
• Norwich Terrier
• Papillon
• Pekingese
• Pharaoh Hound
• Portuguese Water Dog

Dog Breeds You Can Only Use Dog Clippers on –

Here is our list of breeds that you should never use human clippers, including dogs that have an undercoat or long, thick fur that could get stuck in the clippers:

• Poodles
• Bichons
• Huskies
• Pomeranians
• Schnauzers
• Shih Tzus
• Lhasa Apsos
• Yorkshire Terriers

Since these breeds have delicate coats, it’s best to only use dog clippers designed specifically for their coat type.

Poodles, for example, have a very curly coat that is easily damaged. The best way to groom a Poodle is to use dog clippers that are designed for their coat type.

Similarly, Huskies have a thick double coat that needs to be trimmed with dog clippers designed for such a coat type.

Check out our ultimate guide on which is the best professional dog clippers to use on your dogs to make sure you groom like a pro.

Dog Hair Vs Human Hair – What’s The Difference?

Human hair and your dog’s hair are both made of keratin. However, there are some key differences between the two.

For one, human hair is much finer than dog hair. Dog hair is also coarser and thicker.

Another difference is that human hair grows in a continuous cycle, while dog hair goes through a growth cycle that is broken up into three phases – growth, rest, and shedding.

Finally, human hair follicles are smooth, while dog hair follicles are spiral in shape.

The bottom line is that human hair and your dog’s hair are different in a number of ways. As such, it’s best to use dog clippers on dogs and human clippers on humans.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and use dog clippers on your dog. That way, you can avoid any potential accidents or injuries.

Dog Clipper vs Human Clipper – What’s The Difference?

There are a few key differences between dog clippers and human clippers. Let’s take a look:

The Speed

The blades of pet clippers are typically faster. In order to go through thick fur without clogging the blade, they must have more strokes per minute.

A variety of speeds is available on some dog clippers. Slower speeds are ideal for precise dog grooming in sensitive regions such as the face.

The Motor

The motors in pet clippers are also made to be more powerful. The higher the quality of the clipper, the more power it has.

This is so that it can go through thick fur without clogging or becoming overheated.

The Blades

Pet clippers also have different types of blades. The most common is the snap-on blades, which are easy to change and come in a variety of sizes.

There are also detachable blades, which offer more precision but can be more expensive.

Size

Human clippers are designed for use on humans, so they are typically smaller in size. This can make them more difficult to use on dogs, particularly large dogs.

Dog clippers, on the other hand, are designed specifically for use on dogs. They are often larger in size, which makes them easier to handle when grooming.

Fine-tooth Blades

Some professional dog clippers have fine-tooth blades, which can be used on dogs. These types of blades are ideal for precision dog grooming, such as trimming around the eyes or mouth.

However, they can also be more difficult to use and may not be suitable for all breeds.

Skip-tooth Blades

Skip-tooth blades are another type of blade from pet clippers that can be used on dogs. These blades have wider teeth, which makes them ideal for thicker coats.

However, they can also be more difficult to use and may not be suitable for all breeds.

Blade Numbers

Human clippers typically have two blades – a top blade and a bottom blade.

Dog clippers, on the other hand, often have more than two blades. This is because they need to be able to handle thicker fur.

The more blades a dog clipper has, the easier it will be to use on your dog.

Usually, the numbers range from 3 to 5, with the higher numbers being better for thick coats.

5-in-1 Blades

5-in-1 blades are a type of blade from pet clippers that can be used on dogs. These blades have five different blade sizes, which makes them ideal for use on a variety of breeds.

They are also easy to use and can be a good choice for beginner groomers.

7-in-1 Blades

7-in-1 blades are another type of blade from pet clippers that can be used on dogs. These blades have seven different blade sizes, which makes them ideal for use on a variety of breeds.

They are also easy to use and can be a good choice for beginner groomers.

9-in-1 Blades

9-in-1 blades are the last type of blade from pet clippers that can be used on dogs. These blades have nine different blade sizes, which makes them ideal for use on a variety of breeds.

They are also easy to use and can be a good choice for thicker coats.

Grooming Combs

Dog grooming combs are attachments that can be used with pet clippers. They fit onto the blade of the clipper and help to comb the fur while you are grooming your dog.

This can make it easier to get a neat, even trim.

There are a variety of different combs available, including wide-tooth combs and fine-tooth combs.

You should choose a comb that is suitable for your dog’s fur type.

Cord or Cordless

Human clippers are typically corded, which can make them more difficult to use on dogs.

Dog clippers, on the other hand, are usually cordless. This makes them much easier to use and gives you more freedom of movement when you are grooming your dog.

Cordless dog clippers are also more convenient as you don’t have to worry about cords getting in the way or tangled up.

Battery Life

Cordless dog clippers usually have a battery life of around two hours. This is usually long enough for one grooming session.

However, if you are using them for a longer period of time, or if you have a large dog, you may need to get a cordless clipper with longer battery life.

Dog Clippers vs Human Clippers: Which is Better?

Dog clippers are designed specifically for dog hair, which means they’re less likely to cause damage to your pet’s coat.

They also have features that make them easier to use, such as adjustable speed settings and detachable blades.

Human clippers, on the other hand, are designed for human hair and may be too powerful for your dog’s coat.

They also don’t have some of the features that make dog clippers easier to use, such as adjustable speed settings and detachable blades.

So, if you’re not sure whether or not to use human clippers on your dog, our advice is to stick with dog clippers.

Ensure You Have The Right Blades

If you do decide to use human hair clippers on your dog, it’s important to make sure you have the right human clipper blades.

The most important thing is to get a blade that is sharp enough to cut through your dog’s fur without pulling or tugging.

You should also get a blade that is the right size for your dog’s breed and coat type.

For example, if you have a small dog with a thin coat, you’ll need a smaller blade than if you have a large dog with a thick coat.

If you’re not sure which blade to get, ask your dog groomer or veterinarian for advice.

Be Careful Not To Cut Your Dog

One of the most important things to remember when using human clippers on your dog is to be careful not to cut your pet.

To avoid accidentally cutting your dog, take your time and be gentle with the clippers. It’s also a good idea to have someone else help you hold your pet while you’re clipping their fur.

This is especially important if your dog is anxious or moving around a lot. Start by clipping a small section of fur and work your way up to larger sections.

If you accidentally cut your dog’s skin, stop clipping and consult your veterinarian for advice.

Human clippers can be used on your dog, as long as you take your time, are gentle, and have the right blades (dull blades can cause tugging and damage to your dog’s fur).

How to Shave a Dog at Home 

It won’t take you long to master the fine art of shaving your dog.

Here are the grooming tools you’ll need:

• A set of clippers (either human or dog)
• A pair of scissors
• Dog shampoo
• A comb
• A towel
• An assistant (optional)

Step 1: Brush your dog’s fur and remove any knots or tangles.

Step 2: Clip the fur around your dog’s eyes, ears, and muzzle with scissors. It’s important to keep your dog’s hair trimmed around the face.

Step 3: Comb the fur on your dog’s back and sides in the direction it grows. If your dog has matted fur then you may need to use a de-matting comb.

Step 4:Start clipping the fur using the clippers on the lowest setting.

Step 5: Move the clippers in the direction of your dog’s fur growth.

Step 6: Be extra careful around your dog’s legs, belly, and groin.

Step 7: Comb your dog’s fur again and trim any uneven spots.

Step 8: Give your dog a treat and praise them for being a good sport!

Check out our video on how to shave a small breed dog, this video will help to guide you through the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can use human clippers on your dog as long as you are gentle and take your time. Make sure the blades are sharp and always have a good grip on your pet to avoid any accidents.

There are some breeds you should only use dog clippers on, such as Poodles, Shih Tzu and Bichons, because their hair is very delicate.

Hopefully, our guide has helped to clear up any confusion on the matter!