Introduction
Regular grooming is an essential part of dog ownership. Not only does it keep your dog looking its best, but it also promotes healthy skin and coat. However, the noise from clippers can cause stress and anxiety in dogs. This is why Quiet Dog Clippers are so important.
Loud clipper noise is frightening and unnatural for dogs. Exposure to sustained loud noise raises cortisol levels and increases heart rate, both symptoms of stress. For grooming to be a relaxing and pleasant experience for your dog, you need Quiet clippers that run silently without sacrificing power.
Thankfully, there are now specialized clippers designed just for dogs that clip quietly and minimize noise. With the latest sound dampening technology, quality QuietDog clippers allow you to groom your dog without adding stress. This provides a calming environment so you can bond with your dog during grooming.
In this guide, we’ll cover the major benefits of Quiet cordless dog clippers, how noise affects dogs, the top quiet clipper models, and provide tips on choosing the right low-noise clippers for you and your dog.
Benefits of Cordless Clippers
One of the biggest benefits of cordless clippers is mobility and ease of use. Unlike corded models that need to stay plugged in, cordless clippers allow you to move around freely without being tethered by a cord. This makes it much easier to maneuver around your dog and reach difficult areas during grooming. No more cord tangling or having to stop frequently to re-position the cord!
Cordless clippers also provide greater flexibility in terms of where you can groom your dog. You aren’t limited to spaces near outlets. You can take them outside, to the park, or anywhere it’s convenient to groom. Their portable nature makes cordless models ideal for grooming multiple dogs or for professional mobile groomers.
In addition to mobility, cordless clippers tend to be lightweight and ergonomic. Less strain on your wrists and hands can translate into a more comfortable and efficient grooming session. Maneuvering a lighter clipper with an easy-grip handle reduces hand fatigue.
Overall, the mobility and user-friendly handling of cordless clippers make dog grooming much less of a hassle. Moving around cord-free allows you to focus on giving your dog a proper haircut.
How Noise Stress Affects Dogs
Dogs have very sensitive hearing and high noise levels can cause them significant stress. Their hearing range is estimated to be around 67-45,000 Hz, compared to a human’s range of 64-23,000 Hz. This means dogs can hear higher frequency sounds that humans can’t detect. Even moderate noise levels that don’t bother us can be uncomfortable or even painful for dogs.
Exposure to loud noises can overstimulate a dog’s nervous system, triggering the “fight or flight” response. Their heart rate and blood pressure increase. They may pant, tremble, whine, hide, or try to escape the noise. Prolonged noise stress takes a physical and emotional toll, leading to anxiety, fear, and problematic behaviors. Dogs may become reactive, destructive, or aggressive when faced with noisy devices like clippers or vacuums.
Noise phobia and sensitivity is common in dogs, especially herding, hunting, and terrier breeds. But any dog can develop anxiety and negative associations with loud noises. The high-pitched motor whine of standard clippers is uncomfortable for dogs and makes grooming stressful. Excessive noise can also damage the sensitive structures of a dog’s inner ear over time, causing hearing impairment or loss.
Using quiet cordless clippers reduces noise stress and creates a more relaxing, positive grooming experience. This makes dogs more cooperative for clipping difficult areas like nails and feet. Less noise anxiety also minimizes the risk of groomer injury from sudden movements or nips from a fearful dog.
What Makes Clippers Quiet
The two main factors that determine how quiet a clipper will be are the motor design and noise dampening features. Modern clippers use rotary motors which tend to operate much more smoothly and quietly than older magnetic motors. High quality rotary motors have more copper wiring which keeps them cooler and quieter. Slower motor speeds, around 2800-3300 RPM, also reduce noise compared to faster speeds.
Noise dampening features help muffle sound generated by the motor and vibration. Clippers with rubberized grips and housing absorb more noise before it reaches your ears. Some models also have sound-dampening pads placed strategically around the motor and blade area. Internal floating heads isolate the blade from the body for less transmitted vibration. Overall, well-balanced clippers with quality construction transmit less noise and vibration during use.
Top Quiet Cordless Models
When shopping for quiet clippers, these top-rated models are worth considering:
Andis ProClip AGC2
The Andis ProClip AGC2 features a powerful rotary motor that runs at 2,400 strokes per minute. It’s designed for all coats and breeds. The quiet operation lets you groom without frightening your dog. It includes a 5-in-1 blade and detaches for easy cleaning.
Wahl Arco SE
With a near-silent motor, the Wahl Arco SE allows you to trim your dog’s hair without stress. It’s lightweight at just 8 ounces yet delivers plenty of power. The kit comes with multiple attachments for custom grooming. It runs up to 80 minutes on a single charge.
Oster Volt
Oster describes the Volt cordless clippers as “whisper quiet.” It uses a quiet, rotary motor and includes a lithium ion battery that allows 2+ hours of run time. The clippers come with #10 blade and 4 guide combs for variable cut lengths from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for quiet dog clippers, there are a few key features to look for:
Noise Level – The most important feature is overall volume level. Look for clippers specifically advertised as quiet, low noise, or silent in product descriptions. Quiet clippers generate around 60 dB or less of sound, compared to a standard 80-85 dB for regular models. Avoid high decibel ratings.
Adjustable Speeds – Multiple speed settings allow you to select a slower speed for quieter clipping. Some quiet models include a silenced or “whisper mode”. Lower speeds also ensure you do not nick your dog’s skin while clipping sensitive areas.
Battery Life – Cordless clippers rely on rechargeable batteries, so make sure the battery life is long enough to finish grooming sessions. Extended runtimes of 2 hours or more are ideal. Quick recharge times of 1-2 hours also minimize downtime between sessions.
Grooming Tips
Proper grooming is key to a smooth clipping experience. Here are some tips:
Prepare the fur – Bathe and completely dry your dog before clipping. Any mats or tangles should be brushed out beforehand. Use a slicker brush and metal comb to lift the coat and remove loose undercoat.
Use guides – Clippers cut hair quickly, so guides help prevent accidental nicks or cuts. Attach a longer guide comb first, then switch to shorter guides as needed. Move the clippers slowly and methodically against the direction of fur growth.
Focus on sensitive areas – Areas like the paws, underarms, and genitals require extra care. Use shorter guide combs and move the clippers carefully around these regions.
Reward good behavior – Give your dog praise and treats during the grooming process. This reinforces their patience and stillness while being groomed.
Regular grooming – Aim to clip your dog once a month to keep the coat neat and prevent matting. Schedule more frequent touch-ups for long or fast growing coats.
Maintenance
Cordless clippers require just a little bit of maintenance to keep them running smoothly and quietly for years. Here are some tips for keeping your clippers in top shape:
Cleaning
It’s important to thoroughly clean the blades after each grooming session to remove any hair, dirt or oil that may have accumulated. First, turn the clippers off and detach the blades. Use a small brush to gently remove debris from the teeth of the blades. You can also use blade wash or clipper cleaning spray. Avoid submerging the motor of the clippers in liquids. Wipe down the plastic housing with a damp cloth. Make sure everything is completely dry before reattaching the blades or storing.
Oiling Blades
Use clipper oil to lubricate the blades regularly. Put a few drops along the teeth of the blades, then turn the clippers on for a few seconds to distribute the oil. This helps the blades glide effortlessly through the coat for a smooth, quiet clip. Oil your blades after each full grooming session. You may need to oil them more frequently if you’re grooming multiple dogs in a row. Proper oiling prevents friction, overheating and excessive vibration which causes noise.
Safety Tips
When grooming your dog at home with clippers, it’s important to keep safety in mind to avoid any injuries. Here are some tips for safely using quiet cordless clippers on your dog:
Avoid nicks and cuts – Go slowly and carefully when clipping close to the skin. Use the right clipper blade size, and don’t apply too much pressure. Start farther away from the skin and work your way closer for a smoother cut. If your dog is fidgety, consider having someone help hold them still.
Check the clippers frequently – Make sure the blades stay cool and stop to clean out hair if they get clogged. Overheated blades can cause irritation or burns. Also ensure the battery doesn’t run too low, as this can impact the blade speed and performance.
Monitor skin reactions – Look for signs of irritation, razor burn or ingrown hairs after grooming. Avoid repeatedly going over the same spot and don’t use clippers on skin that’s injured or infected. Go slowly on sensitive areas prone to irritation, like the belly or groin.
Have styptic powder on hand – Just in case a nick or cut does happen, styptic powder helps stop bleeding quickly. Hold the powder to the wound for a few seconds to allow it to clot.
Taking preventative measures helps keep grooming safe for both you and your dog. Pay close attention during the clipping process and don’t be afraid to stop if your dog seems stressed or in discomfort.
Conclusion
To wrap up, quiet cordless clippers are essential grooming tools for dog owners to minimize noise stress. We covered the main benefits of cordless clippers like portability and flexibility over corded models. The top recommended quiet clipper models based on noise level and quality were the Andis ProClip, Wahl Bravura, and Oster Volt. Key features to look for are a quiet, low vibration motor, quality blades, adjustable speeds, and lithium-ion battery. Proper grooming technique, maintenance, and safety precautions should also be followed.
In summary, investing in a good quality quiet cordless clipper will make grooming less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Look for top brands known for quiet performance. With the right clippers and proper care, you can keep your dog’s coat neatly trimmed for years to come. Just be sure to introduce grooming slowly, give treats, and make it a calm, patient process.
Following the tips in this guide will help you select efficient, low-noise clippers perfect for home pet grooming. With reduced noise and vibration, grooming will be a breeze for your pup.