While most grooming is best left to the groomers, there is a lot of upkeep that you can do to keep your dog looking and feeling his or her best in between visits to the doggy salon. Dog grooming tools are essential must-haves for every pet-owner’s home.
Most of the home dog grooming tools that you will need are relatively inexpensive and can be found at your local pet store. There is no reason not to keep them on hand.
What Are The Benefits Of Dog Grooming Tools?
Regular home grooming sessions are as much about bonding and trust as they are about keeping your pooch clean. Here are some of the benefits of regular grooming sessions with your pup:
- Keeping them clean and healthy with baths will help remove dirt, dust, bacteria, fungi and viruses your dog collects on their fur as well as remove dead skin cells and hairs from your pet’s coat. Your dog’s coat will also look and smell better.
- Regular brushing helps prevent mats by eradicating small knots before they get out of control. It can also help with excessive shedding and help reduce allergens in homes with allergy sufferers.
- Baths, brushing and other routine grooming activities will create a bond between you and your dog. You will find that brushing may even lull them to sleep. It is a great way to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
- Proper nail trimming will help prevent canine-arthritis and other joint-related diseases.
Summary: Regularly grooming your dog with the right tools is important for your bond as well as your dog’s health and happiness.
What Types Of Dog Grooming Tools Do I Need?
Nail Clippers
Dogs with clipped and trimmed nails are easier on your floors and furniture and often benefit from the shortened nails. There are a few types of dog nail clipper tools to consider:
- Claw-style: cut the nail in a scissor-like manner but has a spring.
- Guillotine: cuts the nail when a spring-loaded handle is pushed down.
- Scissor-like: these do not have springs. They are a good idea for dogs with small, delicate nails.
- Styptic powder: if you inadvertently cut a nail too short, this powder can help to slow down bleeding.
- Filing tools: these tools are designed to grind down the nails slowly.
Brushes
There are as many fur types as there are dogs it seems and that’s why there are so many different types of brushes. You need to decide on a comb or brush that is suited to your pooch’s fur. So, let’s talk brushes:
- Bristle brushes: these types of brushes will have bristles that vary from soft to firm and long to short. Many types of hair will benefit from this type of brush.
- Wire pin brushes: these brushes are designed for pooches with medium to long fur.
- Slicker brushes: These brushes are used on tangles and mats.
- Rakes and mat breakers: these types of brushes are designed for severe tangles
- Shedding tools: these brushes have special teeth that remove extra hair from double-coated breeds in order to decrease shedding.
- Flea combs: these combs are for exactly what you think. They are used to spot fleas.
- Glove brushes: these brushes are gloves that with tiny rubber pegs on the palm and fingers which allow you to stroke your pup while removing dead hair. He won’t even know he is being groomed! They are great for nervous dogs or for young puppies.
Shampoos
Clean fur and skin is the most important part of a hygienic dog’s beauty routine. Let’s go over some types of shampoo:
- Tear-free shampoo: this cleanser – like the ones for human babies – is designed to protect your dog’s eyes from burning.
- Oatmeal shampoo: this type of shampoo is intended to calm mildly irritated skin as well as help with itching.
- Medicated shampoos: these are prescribed by a vet to help dogs with allergies or further skin conditions.
- Conditioners: these are sometimes used after shampoo to help keep your dog’s coat moisturized and shiny. They are not always necessary.
- Fur Whitening Shampoo: these types of shampoos are designed explicitly for dogs with white hair because it can get dingy and yellowish so easily.
Ear Cleaners
Proper ear care for dogs is often ignored, but it is just as vital as upkeep of hair and nails. Talk to a veterinary expert or groomer about the correct methods before you start.
Please note: DO NOT EVER use q-tips or alcohol in your dog’s ears!
Here are some of the tools you will need to keep on hand:
Ear cleansers: these cleansers are specifically designed to help rinse the ear canal.
Cotton balls or pads: these can be used to wipe out debris from the ears.
Ear powder: this powder will help dry the ear canal to prepare it for plucking (this is only necessary for dogs with excess hair or wax.)
Hemostats: these tools are designed to help pluck excess hair but please be sure you know what you are doing before you try.
Ear medications: a veterinarian may prescribe dogs with ear conditions (such as infections or ear mites) medications.
Grooming Wipes
Dogs get muddy, get drooly and get dirty. They just do. When you simply do not have the time or energy for a bath or when the groomer is booked until the next day, what do you do? Keep a pack of pet deodorizing wipes on hand.
Summary: There are many types of tools that can be used to help groom your dog at home but always be sure to speak to a groomer or veterinarian if you have questions or concerns.
Use Your Dog Grooming Tools In Between Salon Visits
Dogs who are well-groomed feel bonded and safe with their owners. Basic everyday care will help keep your pooch happy and healthy as well as strengthen that awesome relationship. However, many grooming tasks are best left to the pros.
Follow Lucky Dawg on Facebook to get updates, news and information about dog health and hygiene. Got questions about dog grooming tools? Call us at the grooming salon: 310-784-0775 or mobile grooming services: 310-784-0566!
