Grooming must haves for all dog owners

Dogs are the furriest members of the family, and with all that cuteness comes lots of hair! Regular grooming will keep your dog’s shedding in check, keep them looking great and also help to keep them healthy.

Many people prefer to take their pooch to a professional groomer, and this can be a great choice for your dog when it comes to bath time, haircuts, nail clipping or if you have a particularly anxious dog.

However, at home grooming and up keep is still a necessity in between professional grooms. You’ll want to brush regularly, take care of their paw health and brush their teeth. Many pet parents find they can do most of their dog’s grooming at home, which might save you some money at the groomer!

No matter your grooming preference, here is a list of grooming must-haves for all dog parents.

Grooming at home schedule

Setting a regular grooming schedule is important for both you and your dog. Whether you write a reminder in your diary or phone, grooming your pooch often will help with avoiding health problems such as excessive shedding, skin ailments, mats in the fur, paw deformities, overgrown nails and teeth, ear and eye problems.

After a few regular sessions, your dog will become use to the grooming and it should be easier to complete (especially with the odd healthy treat).

Products for cleaning and bath time

Depending on your dog’s breed and coat, baths should be given every 4-8 weeks. Regular bathing will not only keep them looking and smelling great, but it will also keep your home and furniture clean. Here’s what you’ll need:

A pet shampoo and conditioner

Don’t use human shampoo on your dog as it can irritate their skin. Make sure you get a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically formulated for your dog's breed and coat. If your dog has sensitive skin, you may wish to get a sensitive skin shampoo. There are also several natural shampoo and conditioner options such as the WashBar range. Got a puppy? Try a special puppy shampoo, these are designed to be extra sensitive on their delicate coats.

Tear stain remover

Some breeds may require more frequent washing of their face area to remove any tear stains. Use a tear stain removal  product to control tear staining, which will also soothe eyes made sore by wind, dust and sand.

Fragrance spritz

Want your pooch to smell even more amazing after bath time, or need a way to keep them smelling fresh in-between? Use a deodorising spray or wipes on their coat and give them a quick brush, this will moisturise their coat and keep them smelling great.

Cleaning wipes

Pet wipes are the perfect solution for messes on the go, or to clean small spots that may have gotten dirty. Petkin Pet Wipes have an entire range of super handy cleaning wipes specific for your dog’s ears & eyes! Keep a pack in your car or somewhere near your front door to remove any dirt from the park before going inside.

*Don’t forget to have old towels on hand when it comes to bathing your dog.

Tools for brushing your dog’s fur

Knowing what type of coat your dog has will help you know what brushing tools you will need. You can read more on different coat types.

If you have a dog with long hair or a double-coat, you will quickly realise how important regular brushing is! This will keep their fur knot-free and also minimise the amount of fur that falls onto your carpet or furniture. You may wish to brush long haired or double-coated dogs daily. Regular brushing is also important for those shorter haired dogs too!

Choosing the perfect brush will depend on your dog’s coat.

Slicker brush

Slicker brushes are great for all coat lengths. The steel pins on the brush head will get deep into your dog’s coat, working to unravel and remove loose hair and mats.

Soft bristled brush

Soft bristled & pin brushes are great for short-haired, smooth-coated dogs that shed frequently. Their clusters of tightly-packed bristles will remove loose hair and stimulate the skin. These can also be used on longer haired dogs, after being combed, to add extra shine to their coat.

De-matting comb

Great for your longer haired dogs, a de-matting comb has widely spaced teeth to seperate and untangle mats. If your dog has more serious knots, you will want to see your professional groomer or vet. Regular brushing will prevent any major mats from forming.

De-shedding tool

This is an essential for all dogs, no matter their coat type. A de-shedding tool such as the Furminator will reduce shedding by up to 90%.

Rake

Some dogs such as Huskies, Pomeranians and Samoyeds shed in clumps. A rake will effectively remove loose fur quickly. The wide set teeth pass through the topcoat of hair and pull out the dead undercoat hair. Getting rid of this hair will help to prevent matting and reduce clumps of hair that may fall out around your house. make sure to use even pressure and avoid pressing too hard as it could hurt your dog’s skin.

Nail and paw care needs

While it’s easy to remember your pup’s bath and brushing routine, it’s equally as important to not forget their nails and paws. Taking proper care of your dog’s paws will not only benefit them but it will also help minimise any scratches or damages to your floor and furniture. Neglected nails or paw pads can cause discomfort, and even deformity.

Many dog owners choose to clip their pup’s nails from a young age to get them used to the process. If you haven’t, don’t worry. You can still get them used to it with plenty of postive reinforcement & healthy treats on hand. If your dog is particularly opposed to you trimming their nails, you may prefer to take them to the groomer or vet.

Nail clippers

Nail clippers come in a few different forms including guillotine, scissor and grinder. See which one suits both you and your dog best.

Paw balm

Your dog’s paws need moisturising too. Paw balm is great for relieving and restoring damaged skin on your pooch’s paw pads. This can be easily applied while your dog is relaxing on their bed.

Ear and oral care

Another important part of your dog’s grooming routine should be their oral and ear hygiene. Regular tooth brushing and ear cleaning will reduce the likelihood of serious medical issues such as ear infections and dental disease.

Ear wipes or cleaning solution

Water, dirt, grass seeds and other debris can get into your dog’s ears. Those who have long, floppy ears will be especially susceptible to this. These debris can cause a build up and lead to an infection. To clean your pooch’s ears, use an ear wipe or ear cleaner to clean away any dirt or wax.

Dog toothbrush and toothpaste

It is important you always use a dog specific toothpaste as human toothpaste can upset their stomach. You may wish to use a pet toothbrush or a finger brush, depending on which you and your dog prefer. Regular toothbrushing will reduce the likelihood of any oral diseases and plaque build up. It will also help to keep your dog’s breath fresh.

Dental treats and chews

In between brushes, giving your dog regular dental treats will help reduce plaque build up and bad breath. This will make it easier for you next time it comes to brushing your dog’s teeth. Greenies Dental Treats are designed with a unique texture to clean down to the gum-line to fight plaque and tartar for fresher breath.

You can also provide dental chew toys for your dog as a fun, long-lasting option. Check out the great range from Nylabone they have a huge range so you can find something to suit your doggo, including options made for extreme chewers.

Water and food additives

Another way to keep your dogs mouth and teeth healthy in between brushes is using dental sprays added to their drinking water. The BioPet Dental Spray is a natural addition to your pet’s dental health regime, and it's made in Aotearoa New Zealand.

You can also add My Beau Dental Breath Support into their food to support their dental health.

Treats and rewards

While some dogs love being groomed, for many others it can be a dreaded experience. Remember to get your dog used to all aspects of being groomed from a young age. Make sure you use plenty of positive reinforcements such as healthy treats and words of affirmation.

Start in small bursts and slowly increase the amount of time you groom your dog. Reward them afterwards with their favourite toy, healthy treat or a KONG stuffed with their favourite snack.

Whether you decide to do most of your dog’s grooming at home, or wish to regularly take them to your local professional groomer - you will need some grooming essentials at home.

If you have any questions about your dog’s grooming needs, or which products are best for you, don’t hesitate to contact one of Pet Direct’s Customer Service Experts on 0800 200 240.

Shop Grooming for Dogs