What Grooming Supplies Do I Need For My Dog?

Written by: Savannah Lyons

March 8, 2019

Is your pup looking a bit…wild? Tame the beast with grooming supplies all pup parents need to help make their four-legged friends ready for their close-ups. Although most owners aren’t professional groomers, a DIY spa day for your dog can help them look and feel their best.

Visits to the groomers can get expensive. Give your wallet a break and try the hands-on approach – literally. A quick round up of the necessary and inexpensive supplies and your pup is on their way to looking (and smelling) as good as new!

Where Do I Start? All dogs are different and caring for your pal depends on their needs. A Rat Terrier has short hair coats that require less time and attention than the coat of a Tibetan Terrier, which has a thick double coat that needs to be tended to daily. Getting tips from your groomer is always a great place to start for home care.Our detailed list of grooming supplies will point you in the right direction and help get your pup spick and span!

A Deeper Clean

Hair care is a big part of grooming, but there’s more to keeping your pal immaculate. Hygiene is also highly important and involves cleaning not only the dog, but everything your dog touches. There’s very little point in bathing your pup when you’re going to let them get back into a dirty bed, clothes, harness, or collar. Dogs experience oily build up on their hair and sometimes dry flaky skin, and both can transfer to their belongings!

Don’t forget to brush those teeth and use preventative measure for tartar, plaque build up, and gum disease. The Chompers Club understands using a toothbrush on a dog isn’t always an easy task. Those teeth need to get clean and it won’t hurt if your pup’s breath gets freshened in the process! The natural cleansing gel can be used on items your pal is already used to, like a toy or a treat. When you apply the once-a day gel, the tummy safe enzymes go to work while your pooch licks or chews on their favorite toy.

Get those pearly whites clean and stay stocked with a subscription to the Chompers Club. Each month a 4 week supply arrives at your doorstep. The first box has comes with a fun dental chew toy for the pup, a super cute magnet for the human, and some dental care tips! For more info, check out a Full Review of the Chompers Club.

Paws QNE All

Teeth aren’t the only nooks and crannies owners need to worry about. Your dog’s paws get used and abuses daily. Pups are constantly on their feet running around the house, running through grass, running through mud, puddles, pesticides. The list of what your pal can track into your home goes on and on. If you’re not cleaning your four-legged friends feet everyday, give them a good foot cleaning and massage at least once a month. Not only do you get to make sure your pal’s clean from ears to toes, but you can also keep track of the condition of their paws.

Irritation in paws can cause your pup to lick or chew their feet, and that’s never a good sign. If the skin is dry, try massaging them with Pawz Max Wax to help prevent painful cracking and excessive drying of the pads (especially in the winter). A Pet Grooming Scissors Set will make it easy to trim the hair between the toes if their feet are looking a bit overgrown. Making sure their paws are in tip top shape will cut down on hot spots.

Regular walks can help file down your dog’s nails naturally. If you’d like to give your canine companion a pedicure, cut their nails safely with the Dog Nail Clippers and Trimmers by Boshel. The safety guard is super helpful in making sure you don’t cut too low on their nails. This tool makes pedicure day easier than ever!

Of course, if you’re looking for something of the motorized variety, try a Dremel!

Lather Up!

No matter how much your dog tries to avoid it, all dogs need to bathe. Some pups get baths every three months, while those that are more active, or have longer hair, get a bath every month. All dogs are unique and so are their needs, but all owners should have a towel for the dog and the proper shampoo for the hair/skin type. If your little one has sensitive skin it’s best to use soothing soaps during bath-time like Rocco & Roxie Calm and Sensitive Shampoo. The Wash Bar is great for owners who prefer solid shampoo instead. For a quick fix between baths the Wahl Natural Pet No-Rinse Waterless Shampoo is handy for an easy way to refresh your pooch until the next spa day.

Long Hair, Don’t Care

When it comes to those big fluffy dog breeds, like Bernese Mountain Dogs or Tibetan Mastiffs, the thick coats and long locks can seem intimidating at first. No one is expecting you to master the art of shaping or framing your pal’s face like the professional groomers. However, with a bit of practice you’ll get the hang managing the mass of hair, and grooming day will be easier each time. For the hairier pups, here are the tools you’ll need to arm yourself for the task!

Brushes and Comb:

Wire Pin – Great for detangling medium to long hair and reaches the undercoat to removed loose fur.
Slicker – A self-cleaning wire brush that removes more difficult matted hair and loose undercoat fur.
Curry Comb: A gentle comb that catches hair while massaging your dog.
FURminator – A Stainless-steel edge that penetrates the top coat to safely remove undercoat and loose hair to cut down on shedding.

Trims And Cuts:

For some medium to long hair pups, brushing and the occasional trim of the hair is enough. For others, like Poodles and Malteses, you’ll need to bring out the electric clippers for a clean and neat look The Wahl Grooming Kit has everything you need to an at-home salon experience.

Less Hair, More Face!

A pooch with short hair requires a lot less work. Although there’s no tangles to work out or large balls of hair to gather, short haired pups also enjoy clean and shiny coats! Brushing your pup distributes their natural oils and gives them that nice sheen. It also helps remove any loose hairs while giving them a tiny back massage.

Brushes:

Double Sided – The perfect brush for a multi-dog home. Wire brush on one side and Bristle brush on the other, the softer side is great for the short haired pals.
Boar Bristle – Soft enough to use everyday, if preferred, and distributes oils for a healthy shine.

Spoil The Pooch With BARKBOX!

Now that your pup’s breath is fresh, paws are moisturized, and their coat is shiny, it’s time to play! Don’t forget pups love toys and treats. BarkBox makes it easier than ever to get that tail wagging.

Every month BarkBox delivers 2 original toys, designed in-house, 2 full bags of all-natural treats, and a chew. Sign up here and receive a free extra toy every month. <– This deal is worth up to $120 in value if you sign up for a 12-month subscription! 🙂

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the knowledgeable Happy team members at BarkBox.com or email [email protected].