Introduction
Whether you have a Golden Retriever, a Siberian Husky or any other thick-coated breed, grooming them at home can be a challenge. Their dense undercoat sheds heavily and requires more maintenance than short haired dogs. Using the right tools is key to making the grooming process easier and more effective.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of using quiet clippers designed for thick coats. We’ll go over the must-have features to look for, provide our top recommended models, and share tips on how to use clippers properly on a heavy coat. Our goal is to help you choose the best quiet clippers for grooming dogs with thick hair at home.
Challenges of Grooming Thick Coated Dogs
Owners of thick coated dog breeds face some unique grooming challenges. The dense, long fur of these dogs can easily become tangled and matted near the skin. This matting pulls and binds the hair, which is very uncomfortable for the dog. Severe matting can also trap moisture near the skin, leading to fungus or infection.
Thick coats also cause dogs to overheat more easily. Without proper grooming to thin the coat, air cannot effectively circulate to the skin to cool the dog. Overheating can cause lethargy, panting, and other signs of heat stress.
Finally, the thick fur makes it hard to properly reach the dog’s skin during grooming. Clipper blades struggle to penetrate down to the skin. This can result in an uneven cut or having to go over the same area multiple times. For proper skin and coat health, it’s important to reach the skin and avoid having clumps of trapped old hair.
Benefits of Quiet Clippers
Using quiet clippers offers some key benefits for both dogs and their owners/groomers. For dogs, quiet clippers mean less stress and fear during the grooming process. The loud buzz of traditional clippers can be alarming and unsettling for many dogs. Quiet clippers help create a calmer, more relaxing environment that is less likely to cause anxiety or fear. This is especially important for timid dogs or those who are new to clipping. The lower noise levels help put dogs at ease.
For pet owners and professional groomers, quiet clippers protect hearing health. Exposure to loud clipper noise for extended periods can cause significant hearing damage over time. Quiet clippers operate at noise levels well below the threshold for hearing risk, allowing groomers to work safely without ear protection. The reduced noise is also much more pleasant to work with day after day. Overall, the quiet operation of these special clippers makes grooming dogs less stressful for both pets and their owners.
Key Features of Good Clippers for Thick Coats
When shopping for clippers to use on dogs with thick coats, there are a few key features to look for:
Powerful Motor
A powerful motor is essential for getting through a dense coat. Look for clippers with a motor that provides at least 3,000 to 4,000 strokes per minute. This high speed allows the blades to cut through thick hair smoothly.
Adjustable Blade Lengths
Being able to adjust the blade length is crucial for thinning and tapering coats. Clippers with adjustable blades allow you to customize the cut to the specific needs of the dog. Options with multiple included combs/guides provide flexibility.
Cooling System
Cutting thick hair generates a lot of heat. Choose clippers with a cooling system to prevent overheating. Advanced cooling technologies like air vents or cooling fans keep the motor and blades from getting too hot during longer grooming sessions.
Our Top 5 Picks
Here are our top recommendations for the best quiet clippers for dogs with thick coats:
1. Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
The Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed clipper is a top choice for grooming dogs with thick hair. It has a powerful rotary motor that delivers 14,000 strokes per minute on the high speed setting. The detachable blade design makes it easy to swap out blades for different coat types. It comes with a size 10 blade for clipping thicker coats. The quiet operation and cool running smart design make this clipper comfortable for long grooming sessions. It’s lightweight, durable, and designed for heavy duty use.
2. Wahl Professional Animal Bravura Clipper
The Wahl Bravura is specially designed for clipping pet hair. It has a very quiet, low vibration motor that won’t scare noise-sensitive pets. The lightweight ergonomic design provides excellent control when trimming thick hair in hard to reach spots. It comes with snap-on guide combs for custom lengths. The constant speed control maintains cutting power as the battery loses charge. It runs cool and is ideal for extended grooming.
3. Oster Volt Cordless Clippers
The Oster Volt offers the freedom of cordless grooming with ample power for thick coats. It has a lithium ion battery that delivers 2 hours of run time on one charge. The detachable blades make it easy to switch out to the right coat length. It comes with a size 10 cryogenX blade that’s ideal for clipping thick hair. The quiet motor won’t disturb your dog during grooming. It has a textured handgrip that provides a secure hold when trimming wriggly pups.
4. Oneisall Dog Shaver
For a budget-friendly option, the Oneisall dog shaver delivers surprisingly robust clipping power. It has titanium acute-angle blades that cut through matted, thick fur with ease. The adjustable guard combs allow you to customize the length from 0.8mm to 2mm. It’s designed to be low noise and low vibration. The rechargeable battery provides up to 70 minutes of cordless runtime. Best of all, it comes at a very affordable price point.
5. Bousnic 2-Speed Cordless Dog Clippers
The Bousnic 2-Speed clipper is designed for heavy duty dog grooming. It has a patented mute clipper head that keeps noise levels down. There are two speed settings – low for sensitive areas and high for thick coats. The titanium ceramic blades remain sharp for superior cutting. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. The 2200mAh battery provides up to 4 hours of runtime. This is a great heavy duty cordless clipper at a reasonable price.
How to Use Clippers on a Thick Coated Dog
Trimming a thick double coat properly requires some special techniques to avoid overheating the clippers, manage mats and tangles, and get an even cut. Here are some tips for success:
Clipping Technique Tips
Always start by combing out the coat thoroughly first to remove any tangles or dead undercoat. Lift the hair up and clip against the direction it grows. Go slowly and be sure to get down to the skin level for an even cut. Take extra care around bony protrusions like hips and elbows where the skin is thinner.
For legs, clip against the grain starting from the feet upwards. Use your non-dominant hand to stretch and smooth the skin while clipping for maximum closeness. Clip over any single area multiple times from different angles to catch all the thick hairs.
Managing Matts
Never attempt to clip directly over a tightly matted area, as this can pull the skin painfully. Instead, gently work apart the mat with your fingers or a de-tangling rake first. For large mats, you may need to carefully snip into them with scissors and tease apart little by little to avoid hurting the dog.
Prevent matts from forming by regular, thorough brushing. Try to clip dogs prone to matting every 4-6 weeks to keep the coat manageable.
Keeping Clippers Cool
The motor inside clippers generates heat from friction. Go slowly and allow the blades to fully stop between strokes. If they become uncomfortably warm, put clippers down for 5-10 minutes to cool off.
Spray cooling lubricant on the blades to help prevent overheating. Clean the blades after each use to avoid fur buildup restricting air flow. Purchase clippers with adjustable blade temperatures if your dog is especially thick coated.
Aftercare Tips
Grooming can be stressful for dogs with thick coats, so it’s important to focus on calming your pup and preventing skin irritation after clipping.
Try giving your dog a soothing massage or brushing their coat after clipping to help them relax. You can also give them a special treat or set aside some time for play and affection. For anxious pups, consider using calming supplements or pheromone diffusers to ease their nerves.
To prevent skin irritation, apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer or conditioner formulated for dogs after shaving. This helps soothe the skin and prevent razor bumps. You’ll also want to disinfect your clippers after each use and store them properly to avoid bacterial growth.
It’s normal for some redness and irritation immediately after clipping. But if it persists for more than a day or you notice signs of infection, contact your veterinarian. With proper aftercare, you can keep your thick coated pup comfortable after their grooming session.
Do’s and Don’ts
When using clippers on dogs with thick coats, there are some best practices you’ll want to keep in mind:
Do’s
Do use cooling spray – Using a cooling spray designed for pet grooming can help prevent clipper burn on thick coats. The spray helps cool the skin and makes the hair easier to cut through. Apply it liberally before and during the grooming session.
Don’ts
Don’t use dull blades – Dull clipper blades can pull and snag on thick hair, causing discomfort for your dog. Make sure to use sharp, high-quality blades specifically designed for thick coats. Replace the blades as soon as they start to dull for the most comfortable grooming experience.
FAQs
Is it okay to shave my thick coated dog?
Shaving a thick coated dog down to the skin is generally not recommended. Their coat helps insulate them from heat and cold. It’s better to use clippers with a longer attachment comb to trim the hair to a manageable length without removing it completely.
How often should I groom my thick coated dog?
Most thick coated breeds need grooming every 4-8 weeks. During shedding seasons, they may need more frequent grooming like every 2-4 weeks to help remove loose undercoat and prevent matting.
What clipper speed is best?
For thick coats, a clipper speed between 3000-5000 strokes per minute is usually ideal. Lower speeds may struggle and get bogged down in dense hair while higher speeds can create friction, noise and heat.
Should I bathe my dog before or after clipping?
It’s generally best to bathe and thoroughly dry your dog’s coat before clipping. This allows you to see the underlying skin and avoids clipping a dirty coat. The clean hair also feeds through the blades easier.
How do I prevent clipper irritation?
Use sharp, well-oiled blades. Never go over the same spot repeatedly. Use the right speed for the coat type. Ensure the clippers don’t get too hot. Go with the grain of the hair. Use a lightweight, ergonomic clipper. Take breaks if needed.
Conclusion
Grooming a dog with a thick coat can be challenging but having the right clipper makes all the difference. In this guide we covered the main benefits of quiet clippers for thick coats like noise reduction and powerful motors. We looked at key features to look for like adjustable blades, cordless operation, and cooling fans. Our top recommendations were the Andis ProClip Excel 5-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper for its premium power and quiet operation, the Wahl Bravura Lithium Clipper for its lightweight cordless convenience, and the Oster Volt Cordless Pet Clippers for its flexibility. Whichever model you choose, look for adjustable speeds, sharp detachable blades and quiet yet powerful motors. Take your time grooming, using the right techniques like working against the grain. Proper clipping will keep your dog’s coat healthy and manageable. With the right quiet clipper, you can give your thick-coated dog a comfortable grooming experience.