Everything you need to know about clipping/grooming your pet!

 

Choosing the Right Clippers for Your Dog

Choosing a set of clippers can seem daunting – corded or cordless, single or variable speed, quiet or powerful? Then there’s the blade size to consider. This guide will walk you through everything you need to choose the best clipper for your dog and grooming routine.

Keep in mind that cheaper doesn't always mean better. Consider how often you groom, the number of dogs, and their coat types. If your dog is noise-sensitive or if you don't have a power outlet nearby, these factors should guide your decision.

At The Vet Shed, we can help you find a clipper suited to your needs. Grooming at home can save time, money, and reduce the stress many pets experience at the groomer.

 

Recommended Brands

We recommend Wahl and Oster – both industry leaders since the early 1900s. They offer clippers to suit everyone from beginners to professionals, backed by warranties and known for their quality.

 

Single vs Variable Speed Clippers

Clipper speed refers to how fast the motor moves the blade. Here’s a breakdown of what each type means:

Single Speed Clippers

Single speed clippers are ideal for beginners and light grooming on regularly brushed dogs with no undercoat or matting. They’re affordable and often come as a complete kit.

Examples: Oster Golden A5, Wahl KM-SS, Wahl Show Pro.

Variable Speed Clippers

Variable speed clippers are better for dogs with thicker coats, undercoats, or mats. They're more versatile, allowing you to switch speeds for sensitive areas, bulk removal, or detail work. Many are also quieter, making them perfect for noise-sensitive dogs.

Examples: Wahl KM-5, Oster A6, Wahl KM-10 Brushless.

 

Why Do My Clippers Heat Up?

One of the most common complaints about clippers is that they get too hot. A common cause for this is lack of maintenance - especially not oiling the blades.

• Without oil, the friction between the blades increases, creating excess heat.
• Most modern clippers run at very high speeds (often over 3000–5000 RPM), so friction builds up quickly if not properly lubricated.
• Try rubbing your hands together quickly for 30 seconds - you’ll feel the heat. Now imagine that speed multiplied by a motor. That’s why blade oil is essential!

Now apply some lotion to your hands and rub again - it’s cooler. That’s the same principle. Blade oil reduces friction and heat.

 

How to Tell if It’s the Blade or the Clipper Motor

• Remove the blade and run the clipper for 10–30 minutes. If the unit itself gets hot, it may have a fault and should be serviced by an authorised agent.
• If the clipper body stays cool, the heat is coming from the blade and transferring into the housing. This is normal and manageable with proper maintenance.

 

How to Keep Clippers and Blades Cool

• Use cooling sprays like Oster Kool Lube or Wahl Blade Ice during grooming. These help manage blade temperature but don’t replace oiling.
• Treat your blades like mini engines - without oil, they’ll overheat and wear out faster. Regular oiling reduces sharpening needs and extends lifespan.
• Switch between multiple blades during long grooming sessions to keep one cooling while another is in use.
• Place hot blades on a marble tile or cold surface to speed up cooling.

For ongoing maintenance, make sure you have a supply of clipper oil on hand, such as: Wahl Clipper Oil or Oster Oil.

 

Oiling Your Clippers

Blades should be oiled before, during, and after every groom. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce heat, preserve blade sharpness, and maintain your clippers for long-term performance.

• Blades that aren’t oiled regularly will dull faster and lose performance.
• Oiling before and after use helps your clippers run cooler, faster, and smoother.
• Without oil, blades can rust and wear down quickly.
• Oiling should be part of your regular maintenance routine, just like brushing your pet.
• Make sure oil is applied along the blade teeth while the clipper is running, then wipe away any excess with a lint-free cloth.

All clippers come with a small bottle of clipper oil, but you’ll want to keep a good supply on hand for regular use. We recommend:

• Wahl Clipper Oil
• Oster Oil

By using oil every time you groom, you’ll keep your blades in top condition and avoid overheating. A little oil goes a long way.

 

How Often Should I Clean My Blades?

Blades should be cleaned after every use. This keeps them sharp, prevents overheating, and extends their life. Dirty blades can clog quickly, especially with thicker or oily coats.

• Use the brush provided with your clipper to remove hair after each use. A clean toothbrush also works well for this.
• How often you clean depends on how often you groom - but visible dirt or hair means it's time to clean immediately.
• For some brands, new blades may have a protective coating that needs to be removed using blade wash before first use.

We recommend: Oster Blade Wash and Wahl Blade-X Blade Wash to easily remove built-up debris between the blades.

 

How to Use Blade Wash

• Fill a shallow dish with enough blade wash to cover the blade teeth.
• Turn the clipper on and place the blade in the solution. Let it run for several seconds until the sound evens out.
• Remove the blade, turn off the clipper, and dry the blade with a lint-free cloth.
• Make sure no wash remains on the blade - excess liquid can attract dirt and slow down performance.

 

What Blade Do I Choose to Clip My Dog?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Blade choice depends on your personal grooming preference and the style or length you want your dog’s coat to be.

Thankfully, selecting the right blade is simple. Blades are numbered to show the length of hair they leave behind. For example, a #10 blade typically leaves around 1/16" of coat.

• The higher the blade number, the shorter the cut.
• A #5 blade leaves more hair than a #10, while a #15 will leave less than a #10.
• Each manufacturer provides blade length charts so you can choose based on your pet’s coat type and your ideal grooming length.

Wahl and Oster clippers that come with detachable blades allow for cross-compatibility between brands, giving you flexibility and more options.

 

What Are Attachment Combs Used For?

Attachment combs give you the flexibility to cut at longer lengths - up to 2 inches in some cases. They're a great choice when you want to leave more coat on your pet without switching blades.

They’re especially useful for beginner groomers who may feel nervous using a naked blade. The combs provide a layer of protection and help guide the clipper through the coat evenly.

Freehand clipping on a fidgety dog is tough - even for professionals. Clipper combs take the fear and risk out of the process, giving you more confidence and better results.

Most combs easily attach to Wahl or Oster detachable blades. They glide smoothly through clean, tangle-free coats and leave a soft, natural finish.

• Each comb corresponds to a specific length, just like clipper blades.
• They're safe, beginner-friendly, and ideal for achieving uniform cuts at longer lengths.
• Use them with standard #10 or #30 blades for best results.

 

Trimmers

If you're looking to tidy up around your dog’s face, paws, or sanitary areas between full clips, trimmers are a great option. They're small, easy to handle, and designed for quick, precise touch-ups.

Trimmers are especially useful for nervous dogs or sensitive spots that require extra care. You’ll find both battery-operated and rechargeable options to suit your needs.

Some trimmers are palm-sized for extra control, while others offer adjustable blades for more flexibility. They're ideal for maintaining your dog’s grooming in between professional or full home sessions.

 

Trimmer Comparison Table

Important Tips

• Clean your clipper blades after every use using a blade brush or soft toothbrush to remove built-up hair and debris.
• The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you groom. Visibly dirty blades should always be cleaned before reuse.
• Some brands recommend using blade wash even on brand new blades to remove protective coating. For example, Oster requires new blades to be run in blade wash to clean off rust-proof coating.
• We recommend: Oster Blade Wash and Wahl Blade-X Blade Wash to remove trapped debris between cutting blades.
• When using blade wash, fill a shallow dish just deep enough to cover the blade. With the clipper running, submerge the blade until the motor sound levels out.
• After cleaning, dry blades with a lint-free cloth. Do not leave cleaning fluid on blades, as this can attract more hair and slow blade performance.

 

Blade Types and Finishing Options

• Finishing blade: Has even teeth and provides a smooth, uniform finish. Ideal for final touch-ups or full-body grooming.
• Skip tooth blade: Used for rough cutting or shaving through matted coats. The uneven teeth help guide hair into the cutting surface. Caution is needed as skin can be caught in the gaps if used improperly.
• Wide blade: Covers more surface area and is great for larger dogs. Be sure to check if your clipper model supports wide blades.

 

General Clipper Care Reminders

• Only clip clean, dry coats. Clipping dirty or wet fur can dull blades quickly.
• Disinfect blades regularly, especially after use on sanitary areas. Use sprays like Oster 5-in-1 Spray.
• Store blades in a dry, clean place to prevent rust and contamination.
• Register your clippers with the manufacturer to activate warranty protection.
• Always read the instruction manual that comes with your clippers and follow the maintenance schedule.
• Look after your blades and clippers — they're an investment. Proper care ensures long-term performance.