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WHAT IS "CLIPPING"?
Clipping is the process of shortening and shaping the coat using an electric blade clipper. Although hand-scissoring can
always be done, clipping is much quicker than using scissors and ensures an even length to the coat. Your dog or cat's hair
can be cut to any length from a surgical shave to about an 1 ½ inches long.
SHOULD I HAVE MY DOG CLIPPED?
Some breeds, such as poodles and Bichons, have to be clipped, as their hair just keeps growing and does not shed out.
Other breeds, such as terriers, schnauzers and spaniels, are usually clipped to specific longer style. You may like to have
your dog clipped to a particular length, simply because you prefer a shorter hair cut. Clipping a severely matted coat is
kinder than putting a dog through the discomfort of having it brushed out. Otherwise, clipping a breed whose coat is usually
left natural often results in a thick, bushy coat (which is very prone to matting).
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY DOG CLIPPED?
This depends on how fast your dog's hair grows and how neat you like to keep him. The main thing is to keep his coat groomed
properly to avoid matting - he does not necessarily have to be clipped every time Kip visits him.
DOES CLIPPING HURT?
No. It is possible to nick or cut a dog with clippers (especially if he won't keep still) but in many ways they are safer
than scissors as there are no sharp points. "Clipper burn" can also occur - a skin rash where a too-hot blade has
come in contact with the dog's skin, or where a dog is particularly sensitive and has been shaved too close. Care and sensible
use of the clippers will usually ensure these problems don't arise - even if they do, your dog will probably hardly notice.
WILL MY DOG OR CAT'S HAIR GROW BACK?
Unless your pet has a medical problem, his hair will grow back, no matter how short it's cut. How long this takes varies
from pet to pet - anything from a few weeks to a few months is normal.
WILL CLIPPING CHANGE THE COAT'S NATURAL TEXTURE AND COLOR?
There is some debate about color change in clipped dogs, particularly those with harsh, terrier type coats. A dog's coat
color usually comes from the color of the long, course "guard" hairs, the stiff top-coat hairs that protect the
dog from cold, heat and water. Clipping the coat short exposes the light colored undercoat. Because the undercoat grows faster
and is more abundant than the guard hairs, the dog appears to be a lighter color. This does not seem to affect all dogs.
Clipped dogs do generally feel softer because the soft downy undercoat is exposed and it is no longer covered over by
the hard outer coat. These issues affect different dogs in different ways -it's a matter of choice really. Most pet dogs are
clipped because it is quick, easy and usually more pleasant for the dog.
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE OTHER CLIPPING-RELATED QUESTIONS!
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