By: Shannon Tupes, Andis Global Educator
The spring rush is upon us and we are seeing not only our regular customers, but also the dogs who haven’t been to the salon in a while. This is the time of year when undercoats are tight and matting and tangles are more abundant. Owners want their pets to receive a spring refresh in time for the warmer months ahead. Along with Andis clippers, these grooming tools will effectively and efficiently help you get through this busy time of year. A few of my must-have Andis tools are the fine-toothed rake, dematting tool, flea comb, slicker brush, and 10-inch stainless steel comb.
Unmolding
Hair loss is a natural process that cannot be stopped, but anti-hair loss treatment will help speed up the shedding process to help the skin breathe and reduce the amount of hair that falls out naturally. The Andis Fine Tooth Dematting Rake is a great choice to help remove excess coat during a detangling treatment. This rake works great with cut burrows, clips and strips. When used correctly, it helps maintain the integrity of the coat’s color and texture.
Detangling
With an abundance of hair arriving at the salon in the spring, more and more dogs are also arriving with matted coats. This is because coats become denser during the winter months to help provide warmth. The denser the coat, the more likely it is to become tangled. The Andis Dematting Tool breaks up knots and tangles, making it much easier to get through the coat. It is very important to break up these mats because if you leave them in the coat they will make it more difficult for the skin to breathe, increasing the risk of the dog developing skin problems. After using the detangling tool, I always go back with the Andis slicker brush and a 10-inch stainless steel comb. I use this slicker brush and comb on every dog that is on my table. It separates and divides the coat to properly prepare it for grooming.
Flea comb
During this spring rush, don’t forget to keep a few Andis flea combs on hand. They easily remove dirt, debris and parasites that enter the coat. They are also a great way to eliminate any excess eye discharge when the dog is lathered and soaked in the tub. You can also put a dab of your favorite shampoo on the flea comb and gently comb the corners of the eye. This is a great way to ensure that every pet that leaves the salon is exceptionally clean.
Cleaned and ready to clip
You will know the coat is properly cleaned and prepared when a comb can easily glide over the entire coat. At this point, it’s time to grab your favorite Andis corded or cordless trimmer and let your passion and creativity help you create your path. Happy grooming!
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