Grooming Essentials: Must-Have Tools for At-Home Dog Care Between Appointments
There’s nothing quite like a freshly groomed dog, so soft and lovely smelling. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to keep your dog clean between groomer visits, there are several must-have dog grooming tools you can purchase to help keep that freshly groomed look!
Table or Other Station
One of the biggest issues dog owners have when it comes to grooming maintenance at home is that their dog simply does not want to participate. Groomers have a huge advantage here in the fact that they have a grooming table with restraints so the dog can’t just walk away. There are very basic tables you can purchase to help you maintain your dog with ease. If this isn’t an option for you, or your dog is cooperative, you can also teach them to stay on a dog bed, the couch, or any other accessible surface for their grooming sessions.
Brush
The most important thing you can do to keep your dog maintained between their regular grooming appointments is to brush them on a regular basis. Choosing the right brush for your dog’s coat is essential for maintaining their coat health and one of the best ways how to prevent matting in dogs. If your dog’s coat is short and smooth, then a rubber brush is all you need to help get rid of excess hair and reduce their shedding. For most other coat types, a slicker brush is the best option, but if your dog has long, silky hair, then a pin brush is best for gentle detangling.
Comb
After brushing, you’ll want to have a metal comb to go through the coat layer by layer-unless you have a smooth-coated dog of course. For shedding dogs, the comb will do a much better job of removing dead undercoat and will help you reduce shedding. For non-shedding dogs, the comb will allow you to find any tangles or mats that may have been missed with the brush.
The Right Products
Shampoo and Conditioner
Bathing your dog between their professional grooming appointments isn’t usually necessary, but it’s a great way to keep your dog’s coat looking and feeling fresh. Clean hair is also easier to keep tangle free, as dirt and dander cause extra friction within the coat. It’s important to choose a dog-specific shampoo made with natural ingredients. Some are made with harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog’s skin.
Using a conditioner after shampooing your dog not only leaves their coat feeling silky and soft, it also smooths down the hair’s cuticles, which prevents future tangles and repels dirt. A small amount of conditioner can also be mixed into a spray bottle to use as a spritz while brushing to give the same benefits between baths.
Waterless Shampoo or Wipes
There’s no question- most dogs like to get dirty. If your pup leads an active lifestyle and enjoys spending time frolicking on one of the many Port St. Lucie beaches and walking trails, chances are they get a little grimy almost immediately after a bath. If you’ve ever thought, “How to keep my dog clean between baths?”, then you need to pick up some waterless shampoo or wipes. These products are simply sprayed or wiped on and require no rinsing. They’re a great way to spot clean small areas of your dog and keep your dog fresh without having to do a full bath every time they get a bit dirty.
Blow Dryer
A dog-specific blow dryer may seem like a big investment that doesn’t feel overly necessary, but they are an amazing tool that can make your home grooming sessions a breeze- no pun intended! The most obvious benefit of blow-drying your dogs is that they won’t stay wet and soggy for hours after their bath, but there are other major benefits.
For shedding dogs, having a high-powered dyer will make short work of getting rid of excess undercoat-most of it will blow right out leaving very little brushing to do. Brushing curly coats of poodles and doodles is much easier after being blown out as well. Air drying causes tight curls, which can lead to tangles and matting if not thoroughly brushed out. On the other hand, blow drying separates the curls and leaves the hair straighter and much easier to manage.
Nail Clippers
For some dogs, having their nails trimmed during their regular grooming appointments is enough, but the majority could greatly benefit from having them trimmed between spa days as well. Ideally, a dog’s nails shouldn’t be touching the floor, so if you hear tippy taps as your dog walks around your house chances are their nails are overgrown and should be trimmed more often to encourage the blood vessels to recede.
Keeping your dog well-groomed between appointments is much easier when you’re equipped with the best dog grooming tools for at-home care. Choosing the right brush, using high-quality grooming products and following a consistent routine can make all the difference. Whether your dog is a heavy shedder, or has a coat prone to matting, regular at-home grooming is essential to maintaining their health and appearance.
If you’re unsure which tools or products are best for your dog, the team at Shampoochi Day Spa is here to help. Our expert dog groomers in Port St. Lucie can recommend the right grooming supplies and create a personalized at-home dog grooming schedule tailored to your pet’s needs and your lifestyle.
