Having the right dog grooming supplies makes it easy to care for your pet at home. Find out more about the types of dog grooming products that help you make your dog look and feel great.
Types of dog grooming tools
There are multiple types of tools available that help you groom your furry friend at home, saving you money from having to pay for an expensive trip to the pet salon.
Dog brushes and combs: Slicker brushes, shedding blades and undercoat rakes all help to remove hair and combat tangled and matted fur on dogs with short to medium coats. Pin brushes are better suited for dogs with longer and thicker coats.
Dog shampoo: Conditioning shampoo and oatmeal shampoo products are available for alleviating dryness and irritation, while removing dirt and oil that can make your dog uncomfortable. For more severe skin conditions, allergies or fleas, medicated shampoos are available to target these specific problems.
Dog nail clippers: Heavier spring-loaded nail trimmers like the guillotine and claw-style trimmers are powerful and precise, making them perfect for medium to large dogs. Lighter clippers like scissor trimmers are perfect for small dogs. It's worth investing in a quality pair of nail clippers. Keep clotting powder on hand to help stop bleeding if you accidently cut too close to the quick.
Dog grooming scissors: For dogs that need to have their hair cut regularly, grooming scissors are great for trims and touch-ups to keep your dog's coat tidy.
Electric clippers: Electric clippers are great for dogs that are regularly or occasionally sheered. They provide a consistent, uniform cut. Electromagnetic motor clippers and pivot motor clippers are best for shorter and lighter coats, while rotary motor clippers tend to be more powerful and well-suited to heavier coats.
Ear care products: Although often overlooked, quality ear cleanser can prevent irritation, infection and other conditions. This is an especially important grooming step for dogs with floppy ears. Cotton balls make it easier to clear your pet's ear before applying cleanser or powder.
Dog grooming tips
- De-shedding: Use tools designed specifically to clean out and remove undercoat hair, such as shedding blades, for dogs that constantly shed
- Hair trimming: Not all dogs need to get their hair cut, but many will benefit from regular trimmings. Poodles, for example, should by trimmed regularly.
- Treats: Keeping the treats handy during a nail clipping or bath can make grooming more fun for you and your pet.
- Start early: Start grooming your pet from a young age to let your dog get comfortable with the process. Many dogs will grow to love their grooming time, making the process easier.
Proper dog grooming tools and techniques go a long way in making your pet happy and healthy. Know which tools are best for your dog's needs to make grooming your pet at home easy and affordable.
