Should you trim your dog's coat? A dog's matted coat traps heat and moisture which causes redness, irritation and odors. To prevent matting and the corresponding skin problems and discomfort, a pet owner must provide complete and frequent brushing . When hair becomes severely matted, it becomes impossible to brush out the mats and a major haircut must be provided to get the mats out.

One of the best strategies is to keep your pet's coat trimmed year round -- unless you are willing to spend time every day brushing and combing. Most dogs need a haircut every six to nine weeks, and dogs with fluffy coats or long straight coats will need to be clipped even more often. Consulting a professional groomer about your particular pet and your expectations is the best way to determine your individual pet's grooming needs.

To find clipping techniques for your particular breed of dog, it is best to search the internet or your local bookstore for books and/or videos. You can start your search here:

Dog Grooming Books and Videos 

Clippers obviously come in many shapes, sizes and price levels. This can be confusing to the "non-professional" dog owner. Remember, you generally get what you pay for. You want to buy your clippers from a well-established company that services the equipment they sell. This will increase your chances of good support and a timely resolution to whatever problem you may have with your clippers.

By the way, human hair clippers will NOT get the job done. Buy dog clippers for your dog and do your research before spending your hard-earned money. The clippers above are of high quality and many come with a PetSmart/PetCo warranty!