Reference

Glossary

Short, plain-English definitions. Each term links to the guides that cover it properly.

A

A5 blade · also A5-style blade, A-5 blade: Shorthand for the detachable-blade style used on Oster's A5-family clippers. Oster says its Turbo A5 takes all Oster A5 detachable blades, including its wider series, and Andis says its AGC2 clipper works with Oster A-5 blades as well as its own UltraEdge, CeramicEdge and ShowEdge blades. Cross-brand fit is a maker-by-maker claim, so check your exact clipper model before buying blades. Read more: A5-style vs 5-in-1 clipper blades, Dog clipper blade sizes explained
AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) · also American Animal Hospital Association: The American Animal Hospital Association. This site cites AAHA's pet-owner guidance on shedding, brushing and bathing, its dental home-care advice, and its dental guidelines, which say teeth should be scaled only by trained veterinary staff on an anesthetized animal, never by groomers. Read more: How to manage seasonal shedding, Dog dental tools: what helps and what doesn't
AKC (American Kennel Club) · also American Kennel Club: A US purebred dog registry that publishes breed pages and grooming advice. Its breed pages tag each breed's coat type (such as Double, Smooth, Silky, Curly or Wiry) and coat length, and rate shedding and grooming frequency on 1-to-5 scales (for grooming, 1 means monthly, 3 weekly and 5 daily). AKC also publishes education standards for professional groomers, which this site cites. Read more: Dog breed grooming finder, How to groom a double-coated dog
Anagen · also growth phase: The growth phase of the hair cycle. AAHA says pets with continuously growing hair, such as poodles and shih tzus, have a hair cycle dominated by anagen, a phase that can last for years, so their hair keeps growing and needs regular grooming. Pets whose cycle is dominated by telogen, the resting phase, shed more frequently. Low shedding does not mean low maintenance. Read more: How to manage seasonal shedding, Dog breed grooming finder
Anesthesia-free dental cleaning · also non-anesthetic dental scaling, anesthesia-free dentistry: Scraping tartar off a pet's teeth without general anesthesia, sometimes offered by groomers. AAHA's dental guidelines say groomers should never scale a pet's teeth, that scaling must be done by trained veterinary staff on an anesthetized animal, and that non-anesthetic scaling is cosmetic and can cause pain, fear, bleeding and infection. AVDC adds that cleaning below the gumline is impossible without anesthesia. Read more: Dog dental tools: what helps and what doesn't, Grooming red flags: when to see a vet
AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) · also American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior: The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. This site cites AVSAB articles for its definitions of desensitization and counter-conditioning, and for its warning that forcibly restraining a pet to finish a handling routine is unsafe for most owners, very stressful for the pet and can easily make things worse. Read more: How to groom an anxious dog

B

Blade number · also blade size, #10 blade, #7 blade: The number on a detachable clipper blade that tells you how much hair it leaves; higher numbers cut shorter. On Andis's chart a #40 leaves about 1/100 in (0.25 mm), #30 1/50 in (0.5 mm), #15 3/64 in (1.2 mm), #10 1/16 in (1.5 mm), #7 1/8 in (3.2 mm), #5 1/4 in (6.3 mm), #4 3/8 in (9.5 mm) and #3-3/4 1/2 in (13 mm). Lengths are approximate, and other brands' charts can differ slightly. Read more: Dog clipper blade sizes explained, Clipper guard combs explained
Blade oil · also clipper oil, blade lube: A light oil that keeps a clipper's cutter moving smoothly. Wahl's routine: after each use, brush out the hair, put 3 drops across the top of the teeth (left, center, right) and 1 drop at the heel on each side, then run the clipper for a few seconds. Andis says to oil before and after use and again if the blade starts to feel warm or dry, and that coolant spray does not replace oil. Read more: How to clean and oil clipper blades, Why clipper blades get hot
Blowing coat · also coat blow, blowing the coat: A stretch of heavy shedding in which a pet releases a large amount of undercoat at once. AAHA says many dogs and cats blow their coat in spring and fall, while indoor pets may shed more consistently year-round. AKC says a double-coated dog in a colder place may shed its undercoat only in spring and fall, but where it is warmer could shed four times a year or all the time. Read more: How to manage seasonal shedding, Undercoat rake vs deshedding tool
Brachycephalic · also flat-faced, short-nosed: Short-nosed and flat-faced, as in Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Boxers. Cornell says these dogs cannot pant as efficiently and are at higher risk in hot or humid weather; excessive panting and drooling, difficulty breathing, weakness or collapse are heatstroke signs that need immediate veterinary care. We apply the same caution to heated dryers and warm bathrooms; that is our inference, not Cornell's. Read more: Can you use a human hair dryer on a dog?, Grooming red flags: when to see a vet
Bristle brush · also short-bristle brush, soft brush: A brush with tufts of natural or synthetic bristles that smooth the coat and lift loose hair and dirt. AKC suggests bristle brushes for short-, medium- and some long-coated breeds, and a medium-bristle brush for weekly brushing of breeds such as the French Bulldog, Beagle and Pug. VCA suggests short-bristle brushes for smooth-coated dogs such as pointers and boxers. Read more: Slicker vs pin brush, Dog breed grooming finder

C

Cage dryer · also crate dryer, box dryer, kennel dryer: A dryer that blows air into a closed crate or kennel while the pet waits inside. AKC tells owners to avoid crate dryers because some dogs find them stressful. Professional standards require close, frequent monitoring: PPGSA says cage dryers must be used safely and humanely, and AKC's groomer standards call for one pet per kennel, with room to sit, stand and turn around, checked every 5-7 minutes. Read more: How to set up a safe home grooming space, Can you use a human hair dryer on a dog?
Carding · also carding knife: A grooming technique for pulling loose undercoat out of the coat with a tool such as a carding knife. AKC's education standards for professional groomers name carding and undercoat raking as ways to remove undercoat, especially on double coats, and AKC lists carding knives and pumice stones among hand-stripping tools. Read more: Undercoat rake vs deshedding tool, Home grooming or a professional groomer?
Ceramic blade · also ceramic cutter: A clipper blade with a ceramic moving cutter instead of a steel one. Andis claims its ceramic cutter stays up to 75% cooler than steel and keeps a long-lasting edge, and says it can be added to any of its UltraEdge blades but not to M-Force blades. These are maker claims without a published test method; a cooler blade can still get hot, so keep checking it. Read more: Why clipper blades get hot
Certification mark · also safety mark, electrical certification mark: A symbol, such as UL, ETL or CSA, showing that an independent body has certified a product to safety standards. Health Canada says not to buy plug-in electrical products without a Canadian certification mark such as CSA, cUL or cETL, and that the mark must be on the product, not just the packaging. A mark in a listing photo is not proof: AliExpress's terms say it does not control, and is not responsible for, product safety. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist, How to set up a safe home grooming space
CFM (cubic feet per minute) · also cubic feet per minute, airflow: A unit of airflow: the volume of air a dryer or vacuum moves each minute. It measures something different from suction pressure (Pa) or electrical power (watts), so compare it only against other CFM figures. MetroVac, for example, lists its Air Force Commander Variable Speed dryer at 126 CFM, 1,200 W, 10 A and 120 V. Read more: Dog dryer vs grooming vacuum, Can you use a human hair dryer on a dog?
Clipper blade · also blade set, cutting head: The cutting part of an electric clipper: a fixed, comb-like blade with a moving cutter that slides back and forth across it. Blades come as detachable blades you swap to change length, or as adjustable blades that click between settings. Keep them clean, oiled and cool: Oster says to remove hair and apply blade lube after each use, and Wahl gives a step-by-step oiling routine. Read more: Dog clipper blade sizes explained, How to clean and oil clipper blades
Clipper burn · also blade burn: Skin irritation or injury caused during clipping, for example by a blade that has heated up. AKC's education standards for professional groomers say to introduce clippers slowly, be aware of clipper sensitivity and burns, and be cautious trimming. Check the blade often: Andis says to add oil if it starts to feel warm or dry, VCA says to watch a pet shaver for overheating, and a hot blade should be cooled or swapped. Read more: Why clipper blades get hot, How to clean and oil clipper blades
Coolant spray · also blade coolant, cooling spray: A spray for cooling a clipper blade during a groom. Some are marketed to do more: Andis sells its Cool Care Plus as a 5-in-1 spray that disinfects, cools, lubricates, cleans and prevents rust. Andis also says the spray does not replace blade oil, so keep oiling the blade as well. Read more: Why clipper blades get hot, How to clean and oil clipper blades
Cooperative care: A way of handling pets in which the animal is taught to take part in care willingly, for example by resting a paw in your hand for a reward, and gets a break when it signals it needs one, instead of being held down. AVSAB warns that forcibly holding a pet still to finish a routine is unsafe for most owners, very stressful for the pet and can easily make things worse. Read more: How to groom an anxious dog, How to trim your cat's nails
Cordless clipper · also battery clipper, rechargeable clipper: A clipper that runs on a rechargeable battery, so you can groom away from an outlet. Runtimes are maker claims: Andis lists up to 2.5 hours for its ProClip 5-in-1, which charges by USB-C, and Wahl says its Motiva2 runs up to three hours cordless and can also be used corded. For lithium-ion devices, Health Canada advises using the charger that came with the device or a certified replacement. Read more: At-home dog grooming kit checklist, A5-style vs 5-in-1 clipper blades
Counter-conditioning · also counterconditioning: Changing how a pet feels about something it fears, usually by pairing it with a high-value food reward, as AVSAB defines it. In grooming, treats arrive with the nail clipper or the dryer's sound, not after a struggle. AVSAB advises pairing handling with positives and rewarding calm tolerance in small steps rather than restraining a frightened pet, and AKC suggests pairing a dryer's noise with rewards. Read more: How to groom an anxious dog, How to trim your dog's nails
CSA mark · also CSA certified: One of the electrical certification marks Health Canada recognizes. Health Canada says not to buy electrical products that plug into an outlet without a Canadian certification mark such as CSA, cUL or cETL, and that the mark must appear on the product, not just the packaging. In the US, CPSC lists CSA alongside UL and ETL as marks from nationally recognized testing laboratories. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist
Curly coat · also curly-coated: A tightly curled coat, as on the Poodle, that keeps growing and sheds little. AKC says a full Poodle coat must be brushed and combed completely to the skin, or it mats near the roots and has to be shaved off; many owners keep a shorter trim with a professional groomer every four to six weeks. AAHA says coats that keep growing need regular grooming. Read more: Dog breed grooming finder, How to line brush a dog

D

De minimis · also de minimis threshold, low-value shipment threshold: The value below which an imported parcel enters without duty. CBP says US duty-free de minimis treatment, formerly for shipments of $800 or less, was suspended for all countries from August 29, 2025, and rules announced in June 2026 suspend it indefinitely, including for international mail, with narrow exceptions such as genuine gifts of $100 or less. In Canada, CBSA lets postal shipments, and courier shipments from outside the US and Mexico, in duty and tax free only at CAD 20 or less. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist
Decibel (dB) · also dB, dBA, dB(A): The unit for sound level. Makers quote grooming-vacuum noise in dB or dBA (A-weighted toward human hearing), and none of the makers we checked publishes a standardized test method. Neakasa's '52 dB' is its quietest eco mode (its spec table says 52-60 dBA), AIRROBO footnotes its 50 dB as measured for the device only in internal testing, and Uproot lists 52-78 dB. A low number does not mean your pet will accept the sound. Read more: Grooming vacuum noise claims, decoded, How to groom an anxious dog
Dematting · also demat, mat removal: Working mats out of a coat, or removing them. Loose tangles can often be teased apart with your fingers and a wide-toothed metal comb, which CFA says helps pick mats apart; AKC advises picking snarls apart rather than pulling. For mats that will not come out, VCA says to use clippers, never scissors, and for cats to see a veterinarian or groomer when mats are large or widespread or the cat will not tolerate removal. Read more: Cat mats: what not to do, How to line brush a dog
Desensitization · also systematic desensitization: A way of easing fear. AVSAB defines it as exposing a pet to the thing it fears at so low an intensity that it stays calm and relaxed, then slowly increasing the intensity. With a dryer or grooming vacuum, that might mean starting with the machine switched off, then running it on low across the room, and moving closer only while your pet stays relaxed. Compare counter-conditioning. Read more: How to groom an anxious dog, Grooming vacuum noise claims, decoded
Deshedding tool · also de-shedding tool, deshedder, shedding tool: A tool, often with a fine-toothed metal edge, designed to pull loose undercoat out of a shedding coat. FURminator says its undercoat tool suits most animals that shed and have an undercoat, but not non-shedding breeds or pets with particularly sensitive skin, and that mats and tangles should be brushed out first. Its suggested routine of 1-2 sessions a week, 10-20 minutes each, applies to its own tool, not to every brand. Read more: Undercoat rake vs deshedding tool, How to manage seasonal shedding
Detachable blade · also snap-on blade: A complete clipper blade that latches on and off a compatible clipper, so you change the cut length by swapping blades rather than adjusting one. Each blade's number gives its cut length: on Andis's chart a #10 leaves about 1/16 in (1.5 mm). Fit depends on the clipper, so check that a blade is documented for your model. Read more: A5-style vs 5-in-1 clipper blades, Dog clipper blade sizes explained
Dewclaw · also dew claw: A nail set higher on the inner side of the leg that does not touch the ground. Because it gets no wear from walking, VCA says it often becomes overgrown and can curve into the paw pad, so it must be trimmed along with the other nails; WSU agrees. Read more: How to trim your dog's nails
Double coat · also two-layer coat: A coat with two layers: an outer topcoat of long, coarse guard hairs over a soft, dense undercoat of shorter hairs. AKC says the topcoat helps repel dirt and water and protects the skin, while the undercoat insulates in colder months. AKC advises against shaving a double coat: shaving does not stop shedding, and because the layers regrow at different rates the coat can grow back uneven. AKC's examples include the Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Bernese Mountain Dog and Pomeranian. Read more: How to groom a double-coated dog, Should you shave a double-coated dog?, Dog breed grooming finder
Dust cup · also dustbin, canister, hair container: The container on a grooming vacuum that collects the hair. Makers' claims for current kits range from about 1 L to 3 L; Neakasa, for example, lists 1 L, 2 L and 3 L cups for its P1 Pro, P2 Pro and S1 Pro. A bigger cup means less emptying during heavy shedding, but there is no right size. Marketplace listings can quote a different capacity from the maker's own page, so check both. Read more: Are dog grooming vacuums worth it?, Home grooming vacuum kits

E

ETL Listed Mark · also ETL, ETL listed, cETL: Intertek's certification mark. Intertek says it shows a product was independently tested and certified by Intertek, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, to applicable safety standards, that it is accepted across the US and Canada, and that it can be checked in Intertek's Directory of Listed Products. Health Canada names cETL as a Canadian certification mark. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist

F

FC blade (Andis label) · also FC, #7FC, #5FC, #4FC: A label Andis puts on some detachable blades, such as #7FC, #5FC, #4FC and #3-3/4FC. Andis's chart lists them separately from skip-tooth blades of the same number and gives each pair the same cut length, for example about 1/8 in (3.2 mm) for the #7 skip-tooth and the #7FC. Andis does not spell out FC on the pages we checked, so we do not guess; the difference Andis describes is that its skip-tooth blades have wider-spaced teeth. Read more: Dog clipper blade sizes explained
FCC equipment authorization · also FCC ID, FCC label: The US approval that radio-frequency devices need before they are marketed or imported, granted through Certification or a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. The FCC says it ensures devices operate without causing harmful interference and meet rules such as RF exposure limits. It is about radio interference, not electrical safety: an FCC label is not a shock or fire safety certification. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist
Fear Free: The name of a certification program for pet professionals, including groomers, that you may see among a groomer's or clinic's credentials. We mention it only so you recognize the name: this site does not cite Fear Free material, and its handling advice comes from veterinary and behavior sources such as AVSAB and VCA. Read more: How to groom an anxious dog
Feathering · also feathers, featherings: Longer, finer hair on the ears, chest, belly, backs of the legs or tail of some breeds whose body coat is shorter. AKC's Brittany page, for example, describes minimal grooming: a soft brush or hound glove plus a comb-through of the featherings. Read more: How to line brush a dog, Dog breed grooming finder
Five-in-one blade · also 5-in-1 blade, adjustable blade: An adjustable clipper blade that clicks between several cutting lengths, so one blade covers what would otherwise take several detachable blades. The Andis ProClip 5-in-1, for example, has five blade stops labeled #9, #10, #15, #30 and #40. Check guard-comb fit before buying: Wahl sells different comb sets for its 5-in-1 and its detachable-blade clippers. Read more: A5-style vs 5-in-1 clipper blades, Clipper guard combs explained
Free Return (AliExpress) · also free returns: An AliExpress service shown on participating listings. Its terms let buyers return a participating item without giving a reason within 15 calendar days of confirmed receipt, if it is unused, undamaged and in its original packaging with seals and labels intact. Prepaid return shipping is limited to three uses a month, and some categories are excluded. Check the badge and terms on each listing, since older announcements described different windows. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist

G

GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) · also ground-fault circuit interrupter, GFI: An outlet or breaker that cuts the power when it detects current leaking where it should not, such as through water or a person. CPSC says GFCIs can prevent electrocutions, recommends them in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where the risk of shock is higher, and advises testing them monthly. CPSC also warns that plugged-in appliances can cause a shock hazard if they fall into water, even when switched off. Read more: How to set up a safe home grooming space, How often should you bathe a dog?
Grooming loop · also grooming noose, table loop: A loop of cord or nylon that goes around a dog's neck and clips to a grooming arm on the table to help keep the dog in position. It is a positioning aid, not a safety device: PPGSA says no pet should be left unsupervised on the grooming table, and AKC's groomer standards say to stay within arm's length. Never step away while a dog is in a loop. Read more: How to set up a safe home grooming space, At-home dog grooming kit checklist
Grooming table: A raised, stable table that puts the pet at a comfortable working height, often with an arm for a grooming loop. PPGSA's standards call for a non-slip table top and say no pet should be left unsupervised on the table; AKC's groomer standards add that someone should stay within arm's length. Read more: How to set up a safe home grooming space, At-home dog grooming kit checklist
Grooming vacuum · also vacuum grooming kit, pet grooming vacuum: A small vacuum with grooming attachments, such as brushes, a deshedding head and a clipper with guard combs, that pulls loose or cut hair into a dust cup as you groom. Makers' claims for current models span about 9,000-15,000 Pa of suction, 1-3 L dust cups and roughly 50-60 dB in the quietest mode. None of the makers we checked publishes a standardized test method, so treat these numbers as claims. Read more: Are dog grooming vacuums worth it?, Grooming vacuum or clipper?, Home grooming vacuum kits
Guard comb · also attachment comb, guide comb, snap-on comb: A plastic or metal comb that clips over a clipper blade so the clipper leaves hair longer than the blade alone. Combs must match the blade: Wahl says its stainless guide combs go on a #10, #15 or #30 blade or setting (best on a #30), with separate sets for detachable and 5-in-1 clippers, and Oster's metal combs fit A5-type #10, #15 and #30 blades. Wide blades need wide combs. Read more: Clipper guard combs explained, Dog clipper blade sizes explained
Guillotine nail clipper · also guillotine clipper: A nail clipper with a ring the nail tip goes through; squeezing the handles slides a blade across the ring to cut. Veterinary advice is mixed: WSU calls it the easiest type to use on dogs, while VCA's behavior authors advise avoiding guillotine clippers with only one sharp blade because they often crush the nail. VCA's nail-trim article says both main styles are effective and owners develop preferences. Read more: Nail grinder vs nail clipper, How to trim your dog's nails

H

Hairball · also furball, trichobezoar: A wad of swallowed hair that a cat brings back up. Cornell says long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons may be at greater risk, and its quoted veterinarian recommends brushing and combing daily. Cornell also says a cat that is lethargic, refuses food for more than a day or two, or keeps retching or vomiting without producing anything should be seen by a veterinarian without delay. Read more: How to groom a long-haired cat, Grooming red flags: when to see a vet
Hand-stripping · also stripping, plucking: Pulling dead hair out of a wire coat, by hand or with small tools, instead of cutting it. AKC describes it as a pain-free process that preserves a wire-haired dog's rugged coat, while clipping eventually softens the coat and affects its color, sheen and texture. Tools include carding knives, pumice stones and rubber thimbles. Not every terrier is stripped, and AKC says most pet Miniature Schnauzers are clipped by a professional instead. Read more: Home grooming or a professional groomer?, Dog breed grooming finder
HEPA filter · also high-efficiency particulate air filter: A high-efficiency particulate air filter: a fine filter for trapping dust. Several grooming vacuums advertise one. Neakasa, for example, says the P2 Pro's three-stage filtration (HEPA filter, metal net and sponge) collects 99.97% of fine dust. That is the maker's claim; a 'HEPA' label on a listing does not tell you which standard, if any, the filter was tested to, and replacement filters must match your exact model. Read more: Are dog grooming vacuums worth it?
High-velocity dryer · also force dryer, forced-air dryer, HV dryer: A grooming dryer that pushes a strong stream of air through a hose to blow water out of the coat. AKC says that with these dryers the airflow, not heat, does the drying, and warns that heat might burn the skin. Keep the airflow away from the face and ears, introduce the noise gradually with rewards, and, as AKC's groomer standards put it, use low heat and keep the airflow moving. Read more: Dog dryer vs grooming vacuum, Can you use a human hair dryer on a dog?, How often should you bathe a dog?
Hound glove · also grooming glove: A glove or mitt you stroke over a short, smooth coat to lift loose hair. AKC suggests a hound glove (or a rubber grooming mitt or a bristle brush) for weekly brushing of breeds such as the French Bulldog, Beagle, Boston Terrier and Pug, and a towel or hound-glove wipe for smooth Dachshunds. VCA says flexible grooming gloves suit smooth-coated dogs such as pointers and boxers. Read more: Dog breed grooming finder, At-home dog grooming kit checklist
Hypoallergenic · also allergy-friendly: A marketing word for breeds or products said to cause fewer allergy symptoms. This site avoids it. AKC's Poodle page makes a narrower statement: the relatively non-shedding coat suits some people with allergies. Low shedding is not low maintenance either: AAHA notes that coats that keep growing, such as the Poodle's, need regular grooming. Read more: Dog breed grooming finder, Home grooming or a professional groomer?

L

Line brushing · also layer brushing, brushing in sections: Brushing a long or thick coat in small sections so the brush reaches the skin instead of skimming the surface. Hold the coat up, part a line, brush the hair below the part down to the skin, then move the part up a little and repeat. AAHA says to part the hair and brush all the way to the skin to reach the undercoat, and AKC's Shih Tzu page describes brushing the long coat in layers to reach the skin. Read more: How to line brush a dog, Slicker vs pin brush
Lithium-ion battery · also Li-ion battery: A common type of rechargeable battery; a cordless tool's manual or label says what it uses. For lithium-ion devices, Health Canada advises using the charger that came with the device or a certified replacement with compatible voltage and current, not using swollen or dented batteries, not charging longer than recommended, and charging at room temperature where you can see it. In the US, PHMSA regulates lithium batteries as hazardous materials in transport. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist, How to set up a safe home grooming space

M

Mat · also matting, tangle: A tight clump of knotted hair, often anchored close to the skin. VCA says long, silky and curly coats need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, and AKC tells Shetland Sheepdog owners to check behind the ears, under the elbows and in the 'pants'. Never cut a mat out with scissors: VCA warns it is easy to cut the skin, and says to use clippers or get help from a groomer or veterinarian. Read more: How to line brush a dog, Cat mats: what not to do, Grooming red flags: when to see a vet
Metal comb · also steel comb, greyhound comb: A straight comb with metal teeth, often with a wide-spaced and a fine-spaced section, used after brushing to find tangles the brush missed. AKC calls a metal comb 'a necessity' for Cocker Spaniels, combed through to the skin, and warns that vigorous combing can pierce the thin skin at the ear edges. CFA says most exhibitors and professional groomers use combs rather than metal brushes on cats. Read more: How to line brush a dog, How to groom a long-haired cat

N

Nail grinder · also rotary nail file, grinding tool: A small rotary tool that files the nail down with a spinning abrasive band or drum instead of cutting it. VCA says grinding leaves a smooth nail end and carries less risk of damaging the quick, but warns that the spinning file can catch long hair, can cause a severe skin burn if it slips, and makes irritating dust (grinding outdoors may be best). VCA's behavior authors say a 1-2 second grind is enough; longer heats the nail. Read more: Nail grinder vs nail clipper, How to trim your dog's nails, Paw and nail trimming tools
NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) · also Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory: A testing organization recognized under OSHA's NRTL program to certify products to safety test standards and authorize a registered certification mark. CPSC refers to NRTL marks 'such as UL, ETL, or CSA', and Intertek, which issues the ETL mark, is an NRTL. On plug-in grooming tools, look for a genuine NRTL mark on the product itself. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist, How to set up a safe home grooming space

P

Paw trimmer · also detail trimmer, pad trimmer: A small, narrow electric trimmer for detail work, such as the hair between and around the paw pads. AKC notes that hair growing between the toes can mat easily and may need a careful trim from a professional. Some grooming-vacuum kits include a paw-trimmer head, according to their makers. Read more: How to trim your dog's paw hair, Paw and nail trimming tools
Pelting · also pelted coat, severe matting: Severe matting in which large areas of coat have knotted into a dense, felt-like layer against the skin. It is a job for a professional: VCA recommends professional care for severe tangles in dogs, and a veterinarian or groomer for cats with large or widespread mats (veterinarians can sedate cats for pain-free removal). If the coat must be shaved, AKC's groomer standards ask groomers to explain the downsides and get written permission first. Read more: Cat mats: what not to do, Home grooming or a professional groomer?, Grooming red flags: when to see a vet
Pin brush: A brush with longer, straight metal pins, often set in a cushioned base, suited to long coats. AKC suggests pin brushes for many longhaired dogs and names one for breeds such as the Pomeranian, Border Collie and Siberian Husky, often alongside a slicker brush or metal comb. Read more: Slicker vs pin brush
Post-clipping alopecia · also post-clipping hair loss: Hair that fails to grow back normally after being clipped close to the skin. A University of Minnesota veterinary dermatology handbook says the coat generally regrows within 3 to 4 months, but complete regrowth takes 12 to 24 months in some dogs. It is seen more often in plush-coated breeds (long, thick coats), the cause is unknown and treatment is usually not needed. Ask a veterinarian about patchy or slow regrowth. Read more: Should you shave a double-coated dog?, Grooming red flags: when to see a vet
PPGSA (Professional Pet Groomers & Stylists Alliance) · also Professional Pet Groomers & Stylists Alliance: The Professional Pet Groomers & Stylists Alliance, which publishes standards of care, safety and sanitation for professional groomers. They say no pet should be left unsupervised on the grooming table or in the tub, call for non-slip table and tub surfaces and safe water temperatures, and require humane restraints and closely monitored cage drying. Read more: How to set up a safe home grooming space
Puppy trim · also puppy cut: A short, even, all-over haircut that keeps a long coat easy to look after, whatever the dog's age. AKC's Shih Tzu page mentions a professional 'puppy trim' as an option; otherwise the long coat needs daily brushing down to the skin. AKC also notes that many Poodle owners keep a shorter trim and use a professional groomer every four to six weeks. Read more: Home grooming or a professional groomer?, Dog breed grooming finder

Q

Quick · also nail quick: The living core of a nail or claw, with blood vessels and nerves; cutting into it causes bleeding and pain. In light nails it shows as pink tissue. VCA suggests cutting about 2-3 mm away from a visible quick and, in dark nails, taking small 1-2 mm slices. WSU says to stop when a gray-to-pink oval appears on the cut surface, because further cutting reaches the quick. Read more: What to do if you cut the quick, How to trim black dog nails, How to trim your dog's nails
Quick recession · also receding the quick, long quick: The idea, common in grooming advice, that frequent small trims let an overgrown quick shorten over time. VCA notes that in some dogs, especially those without regular trims, the quick can grow almost to the end of the nail. The sources we checked do not say how fast, or how reliably, it shortens again, so trim in thin slices and stop at WSU's cue: a gray-to-pink oval on the cut surface. Read more: What to do if you cut the quick, How to trim your dog's nails

R

Rubber curry brush · also curry comb, rubber curry: A flexible rubber brush or mitt with short nubs or ridges that loosen dead hair and dirt from short coats. AKC lists rubber curry combs among basic grooming tools, suggests a rubber curry brush for the Boxer, and suggests using one first on a Bulldog during heavier shedding. CFA suggests a rubber brush for dense plush cat coats such as the British Shorthair. Read more: Dog breed grooming finder, How to manage seasonal shedding

S

Scissor nail clipper · also scissor clipper, plier-style nail clipper: A nail clipper with two curved, opposing blades that close on the nail like scissors or pliers. VCA names guillotine and scissor clippers as the two main styles and says both are effective. WSU says the scissors type is often used for dewclaws. Read more: Nail grinder vs nail clipper, How to trim your dog's nails
Seller claim · also listing claim: A statement in a marketplace listing, such as a spec, a compatibility list or a store name, that comes from the seller rather than the maker. It can differ from the maker's own page: one listing we checked claimed 15,000 Pa with a 1.5 L dust container, while the maker's own 15,000 Pa model lists a 2 L bin. 'Official Store' on AliExpress is AliExpress's own label; the brand sites we checked did not link to those stores, and store names and IDs can change. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist
Shedding season · also deshedding season, seasonal shedding: The times of year when a pet sheds most heavily. AAHA says many dogs and cats blow their coat in spring and fall, and VCA notes that most dogs and cats shed more, not less, in the fall. Brush more often while it lasts: AAHA suggests daily brushing for heavy shedders, and AKC's pages for breeds such as the Bernese Mountain Dog and Miniature American Shepherd move from weekly to daily brushing in shedding season. Read more: How to manage seasonal shedding, Undercoat rake vs deshedding tool
Silky coat · also silky-coated: A long, fine, flowing coat, as on the Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese. AKC says a Yorkie kept in a long coat needs daily brushing, and a Maltese daily gentle brushing and combing down to the skin; VCA says long, silky or curly coats need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. AKC also tags some silky breeds, such as the Havanese, as double-coated. Read more: Dog breed grooming finder, Slicker vs pin brush
Single coat · also single-coated: A coat without a separate dense undercoat. AKC says some single-coated dogs may be clipped occasionally by a professional but should not be shaved to the skin: it advises leaving at least one inch of hair to protect against sunburn, skin cancer and bug bites. Check the breed's coat type before assuming a long coat is single: AKC tags the Shih Tzu and Havanese as double-coated. Read more: Should you shave a double-coated dog?, Dog breed grooming finder
Skip-tooth blade · also skip tooth: A detachable blade with wider-spaced teeth that, Andis says, let more hair flow through, making it suited to quickly removing thick, matted or heavy coats and rough cutting. Andis's #7 skip-tooth leaves about 1/8 in (3.2 mm), similar to its #7FC, and its chart lists skip-tooth and FC versions of each size separately. Read more: Dog clipper blade sizes explained
Slicker brush · also slicker: A brush with many short, fine wire pins, usually bent, set close together on a flat or curved pad. AKC says slickers remove mats and dead hair and are excellent for double-coated breeds. Use a light touch: one maker's directions say to brush gently in the natural direction of the hair, apply no pressure to the skin and let the brush do the work. Read more: Slicker vs pin brush, Slicker brushes for double and curly coats
Smooth coat · also short smooth coat: A short, close-lying coat, as on the Pug, Boxer and French Bulldog. Smooth coats still shed but need simple tools: VCA suggests flexible grooming gloves or short-bristle brushes, and AKC suggests weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, rubber mitt or hound glove for the Pug and French Bulldog. Some breeds AKC tags as smooth, such as the Beagle and Rottweiler, have an undercoat according to their grooming notes. Read more: Dog breed grooming finder, How to manage seasonal shedding
SPM (strokes per minute) · also strokes per minute: How many times per minute a clipper's cutter moves back and forth; Andis defines SPM as a measure of how fast the blade moves. Andis lists its ProClip 5-in-1 at 4,500-6,500 SPM across five speeds and its AGC2 at 2,700 and 3,400 SPM, and Oster says its Turbo A5 runs at over 3,100 SPM. These are maker figures for speed alone. Read more: A5-style vs 5-in-1 clipper blades, At-home dog grooming kit checklist
Stress signals · also signs of stress, fear signs: Body-language signs that a pet is uncomfortable. For dogs during nail trims, VCA lists moving or leaning away, looking away, yawning, shaking off, ears folded back and a tucked tail; trembling, excessive drooling, panting, growling or snapping signal more serious distress. Pause when you see them. VCA says dogs with an existing fear of nail care often need personalized professional help, and some benefit from veterinarian-prescribed medication. Read more: How to groom an anxious dog, Grooming red flags: when to see a vet
Styptic powder: A powder applied to the end of a nail to help stop minor bleeding if you cut the quick. VCA says to apply a small amount, using flour or cornstarch if you have none; WSU says to keep it on hand, because without it bleeding may take about 5 minutes to stop. VCA's behavior authors note the pain is usually brief. Call your veterinarian if bleeding does not stop or you are worried. Read more: What to do if you cut the quick, How to trim your dog's nails
Suction rating (Pa) · also Pa, kPa, pascals: Grooming-vacuum makers state suction as pressure in pascals (Pa) or kilopascals (1 kPa = 1,000 Pa); claims for current kits run from about 9,000 to 15,000 Pa. A pascal measures pressure, not airflow, and no maker we checked publishes its test method. Some brands also quote suction in watts: Neakasa lists both 10,500 Pa and 'Suction Power 35W' for its P2 Pro. The two measure different things, so compare like with like. Read more: Are dog grooming vacuums worth it?

T

Telogen · also resting phase: The resting phase of the hair cycle. AAHA says pets whose hair cycle is dominated by telogen shed more frequently than pets with continuously growing coats. A veterinary dermatology handbook notes that in post-clipping alopecia, when hair is slow to regrow after close clipping, the hairs in the shaved area enter telogen; why that happens is unknown. Read more: How to manage seasonal shedding, Should you shave a double-coated dog?
Topcoat · also guard hairs, guard coat, outer coat, primary hairs: The outer layer of a double coat: longer, coarser hairs, also called guard hairs. AKC says the topcoat helps repel dirt and water and protects the skin. Shaving removes it along with the undercoat, and AKC warns that the undercoat may regrow faster than the topcoat, leaving an uneven coat. Read more: How to groom a double-coated dog, Should you shave a double-coated dog?

U

UL Mark · also UL listed, cUL: A certification mark from UL Solutions. UL says its safety Mark means a product has been certified to meet scientific safety, quality or security standards, and tells shoppers to look for it on the packaging, on the product itself or in the online product details. UL's Product iQ database is used to verify UL certification, and Health Canada lists cUL among Canadian certification marks. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist
Undercoat · also secondary hairs, wool: The soft, dense inner layer of a double coat, made of shorter hairs that AKC says insulate in colder months. It is the layer that sheds heavily in shedding season, and the one undercoat rakes and deshedding tools are meant to reach. AAHA says most loose fur collects in the undercoat, so part the hair and brush all the way to the skin. Read more: How to groom a double-coated dog, Undercoat rake vs deshedding tool, How to manage seasonal shedding
Undercoat rake · also coat rake, rake: A comb-like tool with long, widely spaced teeth, in one or two rows, that reach through the topcoat to pull out loose undercoat. AKC says a coat rake or de-shedding tool can remove large amounts of loose undercoat and should be pulled along the coat in the direction of hair growth. AKC suggests one in shedding season for breeds such as the Australian Shepherd and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Read more: Undercoat rake vs deshedding tool, How to manage seasonal shedding

V

VCA Animal Hospitals · also VCA: A veterinary hospital group that publishes pet-health articles online. This site cites VCA articles by veterinarians and behavior specialists on nail trims and nail-trim stress, nail grinders, dog and cat coat care, mats and seasonal shedding. Read more: How to trim your dog's nails, Cat mats: what not to do
VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) · also VOHC seal, Veterinary Oral Health Council: The Veterinary Oral Health Council, which keeps separate lists of dog and cat products accepted to carry its seal for plaque and/or tartar claims. AAHA suggests choosing chews with the VOHC seal, alongside daily brushing with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste; AAHA warns never to use human toothpaste, which is often toxic to pets. Read more: Dog dental tools: what helps and what doesn't
Voltage variant · also 110 V version, 220 V version, US plug version: A version of an appliance built for a particular mains voltage. Makers sell separate models: MetroVac offers a 220/240 V dryer marked not for use in the US alongside its 120 V models, and Andis rates its US AGC2 clipper at 120 V / 60 Hz. US wall outlets are 120 V, according to the US Energy Information Administration. A plug adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage, so check the rating label before you buy. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist, How to set up a safe home grooming space

W

Wh rating (watt-hours) · also watt-hours, Wh: A battery's energy capacity: its voltage multiplied by its amp-hours. It decides which shipping and travel rules apply. US rules give lithium-ion batteries of up to 100 Wh (with cells up to 20 Wh) certain shipping exceptions, which come with packaging and marking conditions. The FAA allows spare lithium batteries only in carry-on bags and limits spare lithium-ion batteries to 100 Wh each, or up to two of 101-160 Wh with airline approval. Read more: AliExpress pet grooming buyer's checklist
Wide blade · also W blade, wide detachable blade: A detachable blade with a wider cutting edge than the standard size. Andis lists wide versions such as 10W, 30W, 7FW, 5FW and 4FW with the same cut lengths as the standard sizes, and says its wider M-Force blades pair with wide attachment combs. A wide blade needs wide guard combs and a clipper documented to take it; Oster, for example, says its Turbo A5 accepts its wide blade series. Read more: A5-style vs 5-in-1 clipper blades, Clipper guard combs explained
Wire coat · also wiry coat, wirehaired coat: A harsh, wiry outer coat, often over a softer undercoat, as on the Miniature Schnauzer and the wirehaired Dachshund. AKC describes hand-stripping as a way to preserve it, because clipping eventually softens the coat and affects its color, sheen and texture. Clipping is still common for pets: AKC says most pet Miniature Schnauzer owners have the coat trimmed with clippers by a professional every five to eight weeks. Read more: Dog breed grooming finder, Home grooming or a professional groomer?