Introduction
It can be frustrating when you go to clip your dog’s hair and find that your clippers simply won’t cut through their coat. There are several common reasons why a pair of clippers might fail to properly trim a dog’s fur.
Clipper blades may become blunt, dirty, or overheated with extended use, reducing their cutting efficiency. Certain coat types like thick undercoats or matted fur can also pose challenges for clippers. Additionally, some dogs may have skin conditions or dull, sparse coats that make trimming difficult.
Understanding the various causes of clipper problems can help dog owners identify solutions. This article provides an overview of the most common reasons clippers fail to cut dog hair, along with tips to restore clipper performance or determine if professional grooming is needed.
Blunt Blades
One of the most common reasons clippers won’t cut a dog’s hair is because the blades have become blunt. Blunt blades occur after repeated use and fail to cut the hair cleanly. According to Clipit Grooming, a good rule of thumb is that dog clipper blades will last 10-12 weeks when used on about 5 dogs per week before becoming blunt.
Signs that your clipper blades are blunt include tugging, pulling, or ripping of the hair rather than cutting it cleanly. You may notice more irritation on your dog’s skin as well. Dull blades require more pressure to cut the hair, leading to an uncomfortable grooming experience.
Clipper blades become blunt from repeated grinding against the coat over time. Grit, dirt, and debris can accelerate the blunting process. Failing to properly clean, oil, and maintain the blades also contributes to faster wear and tear.
Solutions for dealing with blunt blades include getting them professionally sharpened or replaced. Sharpening removes a small amount of metal to restore the sharp cutting edges. Make sure to get clipper blades sharpened before they become completely blunt, as less metal will need to be removed. Regular cleaning, oiling, and maintenance can also prolong the life of your blades.
Sources:
https://www.clipit-grooming.com/post/how-to-tell-when-your-clipper-blade-is-blunt
https://allgroom.co.nz/blogs/blades/how-do-i-keep-my-blades-from-going-dull-or-blunt
Dirty Blades
If you notice your clipper blades aren’t cutting your dog’s hair properly, dirty blades could be the culprit. Clipper blades can collect dirt, hair, and grime during the grooming process. This buildup can prevent the blades from closing properly, making it difficult to get a clean cut.
Some ways clipper blades get dirty include:
- Hair, dander, and skin cells accumulating between the blades
- Clipping dirty or matted fur
- Using clippers on multiple dogs without cleaning
- Not cleaning the blades after use
To keep your clipper blades clean:
- Brush hair out from between the blades frequently while grooming
- Use blade wash or clipper cleaning spray after each use
- Remove built up grime with isopropyl alcohol
- Rinse blades under running water
- Dry thoroughly before storing or using again
Keeping your clipper blades clean is crucial for efficient grooming. Dirty blades don’t cut well and can pull or tug on your dog’s hair. Proper cleaning removes hair, dirt, and oil that prevent the blades from operating smoothly. Clean blades lead to a more comfortable grooming experience for your dog and higher quality haircuts.
Hot Blades
One of the most common reasons clippers may fail to cut a dog’s hair properly is overheating of the blades. This can happen for a few reasons:
The blades may be dull or blunt from frequent use, causing more friction and heat while cutting fur. According to this source, a dull blade will heat up faster when in use.
Built up hair, dirt, and oil on the blades can also cause them to overheat from lack of cooling and ventilation. Cleaning and lubricating the blades regularly can help prevent this.
Using excessive pressure while cutting can lead to more friction and quicker heating of the metal. Letting the clippers glide lightly through the fur may help avoid overheating issues.
There are a few solutions for dealing with hot blades. First, the blades likely need to be sharpened by a professional or replaced if overly worn. Allowing the blades to fully cool down between uses and having a second set on hand can help manage heat buildup. Finally, using blade cooling sprays or dips like Kool Lube can aid cooling during use.
Thick Undercoat
Certain breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, Collies, and Shepherds have thick double coats with a dense underlayer that can be difficult to cut through. The undercoat helps insulate them in cold weather. Trying to cut through this thick hair can cause clippers to clog and overheat.
Use an undercoat rake first to remove loose hairs before clipping. This will thin out the coat and allow the clippers to work better. Attachments like a longer comb can help lift the hair and prevent clogging. Go slowly and carefully, doing several passes if needed. Avoid pushing too hard, which can jam the blades.
If using electric clippers, choose a powerful, cool-running pair made for thick coats. Detachable blade clippers may work better than guards. Check the blades often and spray cooling lubricant when needed. A sharp, well-oiled set of clippers is essential for heavy coats. See sources like this guide for more tips.
Matted Fur
Matted fur occurs when knots and tangles develop in a dog’s coat and are left untreated. This causes clumps of hair to form together into painful mats that pull on the skin. There are several potential causes of matted fur in dogs:
- Not brushing regularly enough – Dogs with long hair or thick undercoats require frequent brushing to prevent mats from forming.
- Neglect – If a dog’s coat is not properly maintained, mats can quickly develop.
- Medical conditions – Skin conditions or arthritis can cause a dog to stop grooming itself, leading to mats.
- Age – Older dogs may struggle to groom themselves and develop mats more easily.
To remove mats, it’s important not to just cut through them with scissors as this can injure the skin. Mats should be patiently worked apart and detangled with your fingers or a slicker brush. Apply detangling spray to help loosen and soften the mat. For severely matted coats, it may be necessary to carefully shave over the mats with clippers. Take extra care around sensitive areas like the armpits, behind ears and sanitary regions.
Shaving a dog with matted fur can be done safely by starting at the head and carefully working your way down the body with clippers. However, frequent brushing and preventative deshedding treatments are ideal for keeping your dog’s coat mat-free.
Dull Coat
A dull, brittle coat on a dog can make it difficult for clippers to cut through the hair smoothly. There are several potential causes for a dog to develop an unhealthy dull coat.
Nutritionally, a lack of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, zinc, or protein in a dog’s diet can lead to dry, brittle fur [1]. Adding salmon oil, sardines, eggs, or a fatty acid supplement can help improve coat health.
Vitamin deficiencies are another common cause of dull fur. Supplementing with a multivitamin or specific vitamins like biotin and vitamin E may also help [2].
In some cases, an underlying health condition like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease could be causing poor coat quality. Consulting with a veterinarian to rule out medical causes is advised.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause issues with hair regrowth after clipping. Some common medical culprits include:
Hypothyroidism – An underactive thyroid gland results in low levels of thyroid hormones, which can lead to hair loss and poor regrowth after clipping. Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, including the hair growth cycle. Treatment involves thyroid hormone replacement medication to restore normal levels.
Cushing’s Disease – This endocrine disorder causes overproduction of cortisol. The excess cortisol interrupts the hair growth cycle, often leading to symmetrical hair loss. Cushing’s is treated through medication or surgery to regulate cortisol production.
Allergies – Both food and environmental allergies can trigger inflammation and hair loss in dogs. Allergic reactions shift resources away from nonessential processes like hair regrowth. Controlling allergies through diet, medications or immunotherapy may be needed.
If an underlying medical condition is suspected, veterinary examination and testing can determine the cause. Treating the condition often allows new hair growth to return to normal.
Preventative Care
Proper grooming tool maintenance is important for getting a smooth cut on your dog’s coat. Make sure to frequently oil and lubricate the blades, as well as disinfect and clean them after each use (1). Letting dirt, hair, and debris build up will cause friction and resistance, leading to poor cutting ability. You can sharpen and reset the blade teeth as needed to restore a precise edge.
Also pay attention to your dog’s coat health between professional groomings. Brush frequently to prevent matting and use a conditioning spray if the fur is dry or brittle. Providing a nutritious diet with omega fatty acids will improve coat texture and shine (2). Some veterinarians may recommend supplements for coat health if your dog has chronic dullness or shedding.
With routine blade care, conditioning, and a healthy diet, your clippers will glide smoothly through your dog’s coat for a tidy haircut.
(1) https://leadingedgesharpening.ca/why-clipper-blades-wont-cut/
(2) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/natural-foods-for-dogs-skin-coat-health/
When to Seek Help
There are certain signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional help from a qualified dog groomer. Some signs include:
– Excessive shedding and hair buildup in the home[1]
– Strong odor coming from your dog’s coat
– Flaking skin or evidence of parasites
– Matted fur that is tangled and difficult to brush out
– Overgrown nails that are clicking loudly on floors
When you notice these signs, it’s a good indication that your dog needs the services of a professional groomer. Look for an experienced groomer that comes highly reviewed and has extensive experience working with dogs. Some things to look for include:[2]
– A grooming certification and several years of experience
– A clean, calm environment at their facility
– Great at handling dogs of all temperaments
– Offers your desired services at reasonable prices
With a qualified dog groomer, you can ensure your dog receives the proper care and maintenance for their coat and nails.