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Gear for grooming your dog at home
A groomer does the heavy lifting, but a few basic tools keep your dog comfortable between visits. These are the ones our grooming guide keeps coming back to.
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Safari self-cleaning slicker brush
A slicker brush like the Safari self-cleaning slicker is the first tool most groomers reach for. A few minutes of brushing a couple of times a week keeps loose hair off your couch and mats from building up. This one cleans itself with a button, which saves a lot of fuss.
What to look for: Pick the size that fits your dog. Brush gently, in the direction the hair grows, and stop if your dog's skin looks red.
Safari de-matting comb
For small tangles, a de-matting comb such as the Safari de-matting comb works faster than your fingers. Our guide says to work through tangles before the bath, because water makes mats tighter. A de-matting comb helps with small knots behind the ears and under the legs.
What to look for: It's for small tangles on medium to long coats. Don't cut or pull at a big mat or one close to the skin. That's a job for your groomer.
earthbath oatmeal and aloe dog shampoo
A gentle shampoo like earthbath oatmeal and aloe is a good place to start. Use a shampoo made for dogs, because human shampoo can dry out their skin. A gentle oatmeal formula is an easy starting point for most dogs.
What to look for: Check the label for your dog's age. If your vet has told you to use a medicated shampoo for a skin problem, use that instead.
Safari professional nail trimmer
A trimmer with a guard, like the Safari professional nail trimmer, makes nail trims less scary. Nails that click on the floor are due for a trim. A trimmer with a safety stop helps you avoid cutting too close.
What to look for: Take off a tiny bit at a time and have a treat ready. If you're not sure where the quick is, ask a groomer or vet to show you once.
Soggy Doggy Super Shammy towel
A super-absorbent towel such as the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy gets most of the water off before you reach for a dryer. Wet dogs shake, so a towel that soaks up a lot of water saves your floors and cuts down on drying time.
What to look for: Keep a dedicated dog towel, wash it often, and toss it in the dryer on low.
Not up for doing it yourself? Find a groomer near you.
Brushing teeth is part of grooming too, and the vet visit gear list covers pet toothpaste.
A calm bath starts with a dog who's used to handling, so see the walks and training gear list for treats and pouches.
This list goes with The Dog Grooming Handbook from iPetzo. Browse the dog groomers directory too. Items and availability change, so check the Amazon page before you buy. Affiliate disclosure.