Are Dog Thinning Shears The Same As Human? (Complete Guide)
Written by Tim de Jong
Dog and human thinning shears work the same way and look very similar, but they aren’t quite the same. Dog thinning shears are usually longer, built to handle thicker and coarser fur, and often have rounded safety tips, while human shears are made for fine human hair. You can use human thinning shears on a dog for small touch-ups, but dog-specific shears are easier and safer for regular grooming.
In this guide we’ll cover what makes both types unique, which is best for certain cases, and how to use them safely. Keep reading to make sure you’re getting the most out of grooming products that will keep your pup looking—and feeling—their absolute best!
What is the difference between Human and dog thinning shears?
When comparing dog thinning shears and human shears, there are both similarities and differences. Both have one straight blade and one toothed blade, which cuts only some of the hairs with each snip to remove bulk and blend lines.
The differences are mostly in size and build. Dog thinning shears are often longer (around 6.5 to 8 inches) so you can work over larger areas of a body, they’re made to cope with thick double coats and coarse fur, and many have rounded tips to reduce the risk of poking your dog. Many canine-specific tools also feature an ergonomic design to prevent hand fatigue during long grooming sessions.
Tooth count matters on both types: shears with more, finer teeth remove less hair per cut for subtle blending, while shears with fewer, wider teeth (often called chunkers) remove more hair and work well on thick coats.
Can You Use Human Thinning Shears On Dogs?
While there are various canine-specific grooming products on the market, some may ask the question: can you use human thinning shears on dogs?
If you’re considering using human grooming tools instead of specialized ones for dogs, thinning shears can be an option – but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, human shears usually have pointed tips, so be extra cautious when trimming around your pup’s face, ears, paws and other areas where the skin is thin and wiggly. Secondly, thick or dirty dog fur dulls fine human shears quickly, so only use them on a clean coat, and don’t use the same pair on your own hair afterwards.
It is possible to use typical thinning shears on Fido for small touch-ups, yet it’s usually better (and safer) to opt for products made for dog grooming!
What Are Thinning Shears Used for?
Thinning shears are specially crafted for thinning hair and feature a toothed blade that removes bulk from your dog’s coat and softens harsh lines left by regular scissors or clippers. For dogs, they work best on a clean, completely dry and brushed-out coat. Wet fur clumps together and hangs differently, which makes it easy to take off too much or end up with an uneven result.
When utilizing the tool to achieve an even look, it’s essential to start small with strategic snips instead of cutting off too much at once – this will help you dodge any unsightly unevenness! Proper use of these shears results in a polished style every time.
How To Use Thinning Shears On Dogs?
If you’ve decided to use thinning shears on your pup’s fur, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration.
First and foremost, make sure your shears are sharp and clean, as dull blades pull at the fur. Additionally, always keep an eye on how close the blades are to the skin, and never point the tips toward your dog’s eyes or face.
With these two precautions held firmly in mind, follow the steps below for safe and successful grooming:
How To Use Thinning Shears On Dogs?
- Start with a clean coat: bathe your dog and let the fur dry completely, then brush out any tangles. Dirt dulls the blades, and damp fur is hard to cut evenly.
- Select a small section of hair and comb it out. Hold the shears in line with the direction the hair grows.
- Snip partway down the hair shaft rather than right at the skin, taking one cut at a time.
- Comb out the cut hair after every few snips and check the result before cutting more. It’s easy to remove hair, but you can’t put it back.
- Repeat this process until you have thinned out all of the desired sections of fur.
- Finish by brushing your dog's fur to smooth out any unevenness.
Work in short sessions with treats and breaks if your dog is wiggly. If you do nick the skin, clean the cut, and call your vet if it is deep or keeps bleeding.
Choosing The Best Thinning Shears For Dogs
When looking for the best thinning shears for your dog, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure the shears are the right size for your dog. Smaller shears are best suited for small dogs, medium-sized shears are recommended for medium-sized dogs, and large shears should be used on large dogs.
Next, consider the type of coat your dog has. Shears designed specifically for short or long coats can provide better results than regular shears.
Last but not least, decide which style of shears works best for your needs—straight or curved. Straight shears tend to work well for all types of general trimming needs and curved shears work well in hard-to-reach areas.
Taking into account all of these factors can help ensure that you find the best thinning shears possible for your pup!
Here are some recommendations:
- For medium and large dogs
- 7″ thinning shears
- 50 teeth for a detailed touch
- Extra durability
- Comfortable grip
- Hand-forged
- Great for smaller dogs
- 6 inch
- 28 teeth
- Comfortable grip
Conclusion
Dog and human thinning shears are very similar, and it is quite possible to safely touch up your pup with human thinning shears, though there are a few essential points to remember. Firstly, only cut a clean, dry and brushed coat. Secondly, take care not to inadvertently clip your dog’s delicate skin, especially with pointed human shears.
We still recommend purchasing a pair of shears made specifically for your pup’s breed and coat type. They are usually more precise, come equipped with extra features, and can be easier to use than regular thinning shears.
