Grooming Your Dog at Home: How to Use Andis Comb Attachments

Quick answer

Fit an Andis comb attachment over a clean, cool blade, match the comb size to the coat length you want to leave, and clip with the lay of the coat in smooth, overlapping passes. Start one or two sizes longer than your target, then go shorter only after the coat looks even.

Andis comb attachments let you groom your dog at home without swapping blades for every length change. They snap over the clipper blade and lift the cut, leaving more coat than the blade would on its own. That makes them useful for tidying up between professional grooms, blending legs and furnishings, or giving a short-coated dog a neat once-over.

The catch is that comb attachments only work when the coat is clean, dry, and completely mat-free. If you run a comb through a tangle, it will snag, pull, and leave a choppy finish. This dog grooming guide walks through the setup, the cutting order, and the checkpoints that keep the job comfortable for both of you.

Before you clip: coat condition and setup

Wash and dry your dog first, then brush or comb the entire coat to the skin. A clean coat lets the comb attachment glide and gives you a truer read on length. Work in a well-lit area with the dog standing on a non-slip surface, and keep the clipper cord or battery clear of the legs so it does not drag.

Set out your comb attachments in order from longest to shortest, plus a slicker brush or metal comb, clipper oil, and a towel. If your dog is anxious about the sound, run the clipper near them for a minute before it touches the coat. A calm start prevents most of the jerking that causes uneven lines.

• Never clip a matted coat with a comb attachment; the comb will catch and pull.
• Check the blade is cool before attaching the comb, and oil the blade as the manufacturer instructs.

Choosing comb attachment sizes

Comb attachment sizes are labeled by the length of coat they leave behind, not by the blade number underneath. As a rule, a longer comb leaves more hair, so choose one size longer than your goal for the first pass. You can always take more off; you cannot put it back.

For a tidy pet trim, many owners use a longer comb on the body and a shorter comb on the belly, sanitary area, and under the tail. Keep the same comb on for the whole body section so the finish stays consistent. If you switch sizes mid-body, the change will show as a visible step in the coat.

• Label or line up combs before you start so you are not guessing mid-groom.
• If you are unsure, clip one small test patch on the shoulder and check the length in daylight.

How to clip with an Andis comb attachment

Hold the clipper flat against the skin and move with the direction the coat grows. Let the comb do the work; pressing down does not cut closer, it just heats the blade and irritates the skin. Use long, overlapping strokes and keep the clipper moving at a steady speed.

Clip the body first, then the legs, then the head and face with the appropriate comb or scissors. Around the ears, throat, and genitals, slow down and use a lighter touch or a smaller comb. Stop every few minutes to brush the loose hair away and check your lines from a distance.

• Change direction only when the coat changes direction, such as on the neck or hindquarters.
• If the comb starts to drag, stop and check for mats or a warm blade rather than pushing harder.

Finishing, cleanup, and coat care

Once the body is even, go over the legs and feet with a longer comb to blend the transitions. Brush the coat out again to lift any trapped hair, then look at the dog from the side and front to spot missed patches. Trim nails and clean ears if they are part of your routine.

Clean hair out of the comb attachment and blade, oil the blade, and store the combs where they will not be knocked around. A detangling or conditioning spray can help the coat lie flat and make the next brushing session easier, especially on longer or drop-coated breeds.

• Do not bathe immediately after clipping; wait a day so any clipper irritation can settle.
• Book a professional groom if you find mats you cannot comb out safely.

At-home grooming steps with Andis comb attachments

1. Bathe, dry, and comb the coat: Wash and fully dry your dog, then comb to the skin to find mats before you clip. Checkpoint: if the comb catches, stop and detangle before attaching any clipper comb.
2. Fit the comb attachment to a cool blade: Snap the comb over the blade with the clipper off, then oil the blade as directed. Common mistake: forcing a warm or dirty blade makes the comb sit crooked and cut unevenly.
3. Start one size longer than your target: Clip the body with the lay of the coat in overlapping strokes, keeping the comb flat to the skin. Checkpoint: brush out and check length before switching to a shorter comb.
4. Blend legs, face, and sanitary areas: Use a longer comb on the legs and a lighter touch or smaller comb around the ears, throat, and rear. Common mistake: pressing hard does not cut closer; it heats the blade and irritates skin.
5. Finish, clean, and store: Brush the coat out, spot-check for missed patches, then clean hair from the comb and blade and oil the blade. Next step: book a professional groom if you find mats you cannot safely remove.

Products that support at-home grooming

• Skout’s Honor® Lavender Probiotic Detangler: Hydrating probiotic detangler spray that softens coats, reduces tangles, and supports healthy skin. Lavender Scent – 8 oz Spraying and combing this through before clipping helps the comb attachment glide and reduces snagging on longer coats.
• Furminator deShedding Tool for Cats – Short Hair: Reduce shedding and keep your cat’s coat healthy with the FURminator® for short-haired cats—removes loose undercoat safely without damaging the topcoat. A dedicated deShedding tool removes loose undercoat before you clip, so comb attachments cut evenly instead of riding over dead hair.
• Tropiclean Instant Mint Foam Teeth Cleaner 4.5 oz: Freshen your pet’s breath in seconds with the TropiClean Instant Mint Foam Teeth Cleaner 4.5 oz. This easy-to-use foam formula helps clean teeth, freshen breath, and support daily oral health for dogs and cats without brushing. Grooming sessions are a natural time to check the mouth, and this foam lets you freshen breath without adding a brushing step.

Comb attachments turn one clipper into several length options, which is why they are the simplest way to keep a dog tidy between full grooms. Keep the coat clean and mat-free, start longer than you think you need, and let the comb do the cutting. With a little practice, at-home grooming becomes faster and far less stressful for both of you.