Must-Have Dog Grooming Supplies: A Brief Guide for Home-based Dog Grooming

Dog grooming is an essential part of dog care. Grooming helps prevent health problems and enhances the appearance of dogs.

The basic grooming needs of dogs are very similar to those of people – washing, teeth and ear cleaning, nail trimming, haircut and brushing. And just like us, dogs need a range of dog grooming supplies and tools for their physical maintenance.

There are many grooming products for dogs – some are exclusively developed for professional dog grooming while others are suitable for home-use. The type of the dog grooming equipment and supplies needed depends on dogs’ individual needs.

The main products, required on a regular basis, include shampoos, conditioners, flea and tick control products, nail clippers, eat cleansers, hair clippers, brushes and combs.

Some dog breeds have special grooming needs and owners of such dogs may need additional supplies, equipment and tools such as special hair trimmers and combs, ear powders, anti-bacterial solutions, and so on.

There is a vast variety of dog grooming supplies at the market. If you have decided to opt-in for home based dog grooming, you need to be able to pick up the right products for your dog.

Here is a brief guide to help you figure out what grooming supplies and tools you need for your dog’s grooming routine.

• Shampoos. The type of dog shampoo should be determined in accordance to the length of the hair, skin type as well as any specific skin conditions a dog might have. In general, a good dog shampoo is one manufactured from natural ingredients, chemical- and soap-free. There are also special medical shampoos for allergic dogs or dogs with sensitive skin.
• Conditioners. Dog conditioners are usually used on dogs with longer hair as they help combing and prevent the formation of tangles. The main types to choose between are wash-off and leave-on conditioners.
• Brushes. Brushes are an essential tool of the everyday dog grooming equipment. The type of brush you are going to need depends on the type and the length of your dog’s hair. There are soft, medium and firm brushes, designed for dogs with short and medium hair-length as well as wire pin brushes, suitable for larger dog breeds with medium and long coating. Dogs with long hair may need special rake and slicker brushes to deal with severe tangles and mats.
• Nail care dog grooming supplies. Guillotine nail trimmers are the best choice for dogs that need their nails cut regularly. The trimmer size must be adequate for the size of your dog. There are also different nail files that are used to smooth the nails once they have been trimmed or to reduce nail size in case no trimming is required.
• Ear cleaning. Dogs’ ears can be cleaned with human ear pads and cotton sticks. There are also special ear cleansing solutions and sprays that dissolve dirt and minimize the need of mechanical cleaning. Products with anti-bacterial ingredients are recommended for dogs prone to ear infections.
• Haircut products. When it comes to haircut, the best option is to go for electric hair clippers. This is the perfect choice for owners of long-haired dog breeds that require regular haircuts. In addition, electric hair clippers are easy to use and give a nice uniform cut. A pair of scissors may also be needed to address specific areas such as ears and paws.

Grooming can be a fun experience and one that will strengthen the relationship between you and your dog.

As long as you use the right dog grooming supplies and tools and maintain an adequate grooming routine, you will have a happy, perfectly looking and healthy companion.

For more information about Dog Grooming Supplies, check out the highly recommended Dog Grooming eBook and audio package today!