Vets and Vaccinations: What You Need to Know

If you have a dog, you're going to need to invest in a quality pair of scissors to use on your pet. But don't just use any old scissors, as some are specifically made for dogs and will work better than others. To make sure your scissors are in perfect shape, here are four things you should keep in mind. 

1. How to clean them 

When you've finished grooming your dog, there are a few things you should do to make sure the scissors retain their sharpness. First, remember to rinse them off with warm water to get rid of any excess residue. Then, if they're stainless steel, hand dry them and put them on a flat surface until they're completely dry. Keep in mind that storing them too tightly will cause the blades to rust.

This is one of the most important points, as it's not only about making sure your scissors are clean but also about properly cleaning them. There are a lot of ways to keep them clean and while you can buy special products for it, you can also use common cleaning agents. Just make sure that you don't overdo it because your dog's probably not going to like any harsh residue.

2. How to store them 

Another important thing is not keeping your scissors where it's too hot or humid. While the former will dull the blades faster, it's the latter that can cause the scissors to rust. So, try to keep them in a dry place with proper ventilation. It's also important to keep them away from substances that can corrode the blades, like chlorinated water or detergents.

3. How often to sharpen

The keyword here is "when necessary," as over-sharpening can cause the blades to crack. Make sure that you're using an appropriate sharpener or blade guard as well. You should hone your scissors after a few minutes of use, but it's better if you take care of this before you start working on your pet because they're sharper when they're just out of the package and before they've dulled from use.

4. How to keep them sharp 

You may have noticed that using a pair of scissors for long periods without the proper attention can cause their blades to dull. For this reason, it's best if you are working with a sharpener or guard at all times so you can keep the scissors in top shape even when you're not using them. Another good tip is to periodically run down the blades with a wet towel or cloth to remove grime and debris and also prevent any additional damage from occurring.

Reach out to a dog grooming professional for more ideas.