Dog Grooming: Dog Bath, Dog Haircuts and Dog Nail Trimming Tools

Dog grooming not only leaves your dog looking good, but it is also part of a regimen to keep your pet healthy. A good clipping session can always work wonders for your dog, leaving them feeling healthy, happy and full of life. Great grooming takes some skill and practice. There isn’t one specified way to go about the grooming process, and experts offer different opinions on the order of business.

Before we get into the specifics of dog-grooming, let’s take a look at the 10 must-have pet grooming products for serious pet parents.

1. Andis Steel Grooming Comb

Most professional pet-groomers go for simple, stainless steel combs to remove dirt, loose hair, tangles, and mats. For as little as $9.50, you’ll get a great comb to ensure your dog’s fur coat remains clean and well-kept. With the Andis Pet Grooming Comb, you are guaranteed to keep your dog’s coat smooth and shiny since it stimulates the skin and hair follicles.

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2. Waterpik Shower Attachment

When it comes to pet care, bathing is paramount. A handheld shower attachment gives you greater control and flexibility when bathing your dog. This attachment, created by Waterpik can attach to any faucet or shower, meaning it can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is a serious game-changer, especially for pet owners who are used to the bath-and-bucket.

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3. Boshel Dog Grooming Scissors

A great pair of scissors makes the difference between a shaggy pup and a kempt dog. This set from Boshel is everything you need, with one smooth-bladed long pair for the entire body, and a small, serrated pair of scissors for the sensitive areas like the paws. They feature stainless-steel blades and an ergonomic handle to keep you comfortable while grooming.

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4. Safari Pet Nail Trimmer

These stainless steel clippers are strong, durable, and sharp. They make the nail-trimming process very quick. It comes with a quick-stop feature that keeps you from getting close to the quick, which may give you the fear of grooming. For $9, you get this handy trimmer, which comes in large and small sizes to fit any dog breed.

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5. EarthBath Natural Shampoo

No pet parent loves to walk around with their dog caked in mud and dirt. EarthBath has created this all-natural shampoo that ensures bath times are comfortable for your dog, leaving them stench and dirt-free. This product contains organic products that keep your dog’s skin and hair moisturized without causing irritation, even for dogs with sensitive skin.

 

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6. Furminator De-Shedder/Brush

This brush effectively cuts through your dog’s overcoat and gets to the undercoat to remove loose hair before it begins to shed off. This brush has demonstrated up to a 90% reduction in shedding, making it one of the most effective de-shedders out there. It comes in five sizes with versions tailored for short and long hair, making it an all-inclusive option.

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7. Bone Dry Microfiber Bath Towel

Towels are a Godsend for any pet parent. This microfiber towel from bone dry is quick-drying and comes in 12 different colors, so you can match your dog’s fur coat or upholstery. It is also affordable, at $9.99, you get a great towel suitable for pets of all breeds and sizes.

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8. Andis Grooming Clippers

Andis clippers are a top choice since they are durable and versatile. These professional clippers come with detachable blades so you can use different sizes for varying hair lengths. They have a long, robust cord that makes it easy to move around when grooming your pet. The clipper is cool and runs quietly, minimizing the chances of resistance from your pup.

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9. PetKin Pet Wipes

It’s not practical to bathe your dog often. You need pet wipes to offer hygienic refresh between baths. PetKin wipes are approved by veterinarians and are good for cleaning, moisturizing and deodorizing your pet’s coat with little effort. They use a natural moisturizer which makes them ideal for wiping your dog’s ears, face, eyes, and body.

 

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10. XPOWER Home Dryer

This pet-specific dryer helps you hasten the post-bath drying process. It comes with a long, flexible hose so you can keep the base away from your worktable while grooming the dog. It uses a high-velocity stream of air to straighten mattes, remove moisture from fur coats and expel loose, undercoat hair

 

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Some professional groomers claim to fully clip and brush a dog before bathing them as this is easier on the grooming equipment. This style, however, takes plenty of time for one grooming session. Other groomers will bathe the dog before beginning the grooming process. This, they say, reduces the instances of entanglement, which saves time and keeps your dog comfortable during the grooming process. This procedure may cause long-term damage to your equipment.

[Related: Grooming at the pool? Check out these amazing dog pool toys]

So, what is the proper procedure for a Do-It-Yourself grooming session? Should you bathe your dog fully before grooming? In what situations would you prefer to clip first before bathing? If you are looking for answers to these questions and more, read on as we explore the intricate world of dog grooming.

When Should You Bathe your Dog Before Grooming

In many cases, it is important to bathe your dog right before a grooming session. This could be due to an overgrown coat, or your pup being uncomfortable with the grooming procedure. Either way, it helps to know the various scenarios that dictate you to clip your dog before bathing them. Let us look at some of these situations:

• When their coat is short– If you groom your pet regularly, they never grow a long, thick coat of fur. In these cases, the hair is not too long, and you’ll have an easy time doing the clipping even when the fur coat is fairly wet.
• Your pet has a double coat with little matting– For some double-coated breeds, the grooming procedure pretty much depends on whether there are tangles in the undercoat. If they have a very little dead undercoat, you can go ahead and bathe them before you begin the grooming process.
• You are allergic to dirt– sometimes the dirt and particles stuck on your dog’s undercoat could give you an allergic reaction. Working with clippers on a dirty coat releases these particles which could make you sick. In these cases, you should first bathe the dog to get rid of all the particles before you start clipping.

When should you groom before bathing

In other cases, you may have to do a pre-clip or perform the entire grooming operation before bathing your dog. Let us take a look at these scenarios:

• Your dog has a long coat of fur- Whether it, because your dog hasn’t been groomed in a long time or your dog’s hair grows fast, a long coat can be problematic when grooming. Bathing the dog before clipping only makes this worse by thickening the coat. In these cases, you may want to clip a fair amount of hair before you get started. This will also save plenty of time when blow-drying.
• The coat is matted- Some dog breeds are prone to mats- the entanglement of dog hair. Washing matted dog hair not only tightens the knots, but it is also quite painful for the dog. There are areas on your dog’s body that mat quite easily, you should pay close attention to these regions. Thus, when you notice knots on your dog’s fur coat, take out the clippers and start trimming away those areas. A brush with cornstarch can also help clear tangles before you dip your dog into the bath.
• Double Coated Dog Breeds with thick undergrowth and matting– Bathing a dog with an excessive undergrowth and matts will only make the knots tighter and more painful. It is in your dog’s best interests to have these knots removed before taking a bath. Removing matts has both functional and aesthetic benefits. While a uniform coat leaves your pup looking good, knots may also hide wounds, pests, and sores. You should, therefore, take care of your dog’s undercoat before bathing.

We have explored the various situations that determine whether you should groom your dog before bathing or the other way round. There are various aspects that determine which option you should choose. In this next section, we are going to see the factors that influence your choice when grooming your pet. These include:

The Dog Breed

Before you break out the clippers, you need to have an idea of what the dog should look like. Owners Club websites always have before and after pictures to guide you through the grooming procedure. These sites also offer a myriad of tips on how to properly groom your dog. Therefore, you should do your research to understand your dog’s grooming needs and the expected outcome. Some dog breeds are also susceptible to matting and excessive undergrowth. Knowing this beforehand helps you prepare adequately for the grooming session.

Dog Size

You use a number of tools during the grooming process. Some tools include clippers, scissors, brushes, and combs. Some of these tools might get uncomfortable if used on the wrong size of a dog. For instance, smaller dogs require the use of smaller brushes and clippers to get that clean, even finish. Using a large brush on a small dog might result in injury while using small equipment on large dogs will leave them ticklish, which makes it harder to groom them.

Quality of Products Used

We use an assortment of tools and equipment to carry out the grooming procedure. These are all manufactured products that vary in looks and function. Some products are manufactured to standard, ensuring your dog enjoys the entire grooming session. Some manufacturers cut corners when creating their products.

Since your dog’s coat covers sensitive skin, contact with poor quality equipment may lead to hair loss, discomfort, and even sores. Make sure the equipment you choose is right for your dog. Check out product reviews on Amazon and consult with your fellow dog owners before making a purchase.

Your Dog’s Comfort Levels

Dogs that are used to the grooming process are usually calm and better behaved during clipping. The calmer your dog is, the less likely it is to encounter injuries and mistakes during the grooming process. Try to ensure your dog stays calm and comfortable during the entire session. You should, therefore, start grooming your dog while it is still a puppy, which gets you acquainted with its preferences, coat, and the best equipment for grooming.

You should also cut the dog’s hair using slow, deliberate strokes avoiding any sudden movements. When clipping, move in the direction of the dog’s hair growth, which ensures you don’t miss any spots during the grooming process. Also ensure you have the right supplies, including shampoo, cornstarch and clipper coolant to make the clipping process easier for you and the dog.

Standard Procedure for a DIY Grooming Session

In today’s article, we have covered two distinct grooming procedures, and when they are most likely to be used. We have also discussed the various factors that affect your choice of grooming style. If you are looking to switch from consulting professional groomers to doing your own clipping, you should know where to start. In this section, we take you through the basic steps of a grooming session. However, we advise you to seek consultation from your preferred handler before making this switch. They will guide you on the right products for your dog breed.

1. Gather your Equipment

The first step to proper grooming involves organizing all the equipment and making them easily accessible. Some tools you may need during grooming include towels, scissors, shampoo, nail clippers, brushes & combs, blow dryers, and hair clippers. You may also need a specialized dematter for excessive, matted undercoats.

2. Pick an Ideal Spot

Decide on the most suitable location to clean your dog. This could be indoors in a bathtub, shower, or sink. The perfect location should be airy, spacious, and comfortable for both you and the dog. There should be a surface to work with your dog during the entire session. In smaller dogs, you can set up a grooming table. Larger breeds require extensive spaces with enough elbow room.

3. Prepare the Dog

Using long, gentle strokes, brush your dog’s hair. You should also try and remove any mats from within the dog’s coat. Clean sensitive areas such as inside the ears and the dog’s rear with paper towels and some mineral oil. At this point, you could also do a pre-clip to get rid of long, entangled hair.

4. Brush the Dog’s Teeth

You should clean your dog’s mouth before giving them a bath. Using the dog toothbrush and toothpaste, clean the inside and outside of your dog’s teeth. Brushing should be done often and started early enough that the dog grows comfortable with the process. If the dog is not familiar with brushing, you could wipe the teeth clean using a washcloth.

5. Work on the Nails

Clipping and filing the nails is a huge part of the grooming procedure. You can clip your dog’s nails using normal nail clippers meant for human use, an electric grinder or a nail file. Take extreme caution not to clip the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerve endings, making the clipping session painful.

6. Wash Your Dog

You need lukewarm water to wash your dog. You could either do this in the bath, shower or sink. You may need a handheld shower or sprayer for the hard-to-reach regions. In the absence of a sprayer, you could use a large plastic cup. You need to apply water and natural shampoo. After you’re done washing, apply conditioning cream to keep the coat moist and shiny.

7. Dry and Clip

Use a blow-dry or towel to comb the coat and dry it. At this point, you may need to clip the hair or detangle mats. Use clippers with extensions to regulate the depth of cut.

8. Finishing Touches

Once your dog is dry, comb or brush the coat to achieve the desired look. Wipe the dog well and get them a clean bed to enjoy the post-grooming warmth.

Want To Keep Your Dog’s Hair Silky and Shiny For Easy Grooming?

Dog parents have noted the magic that natural remedies do on their pets’ hair for easy and seamless dog grooming. A good example of a common successful natural remedy for hair growth in pets is turmeric. Besides hair growth, other health benefits of turmeric include anxiety relief in pets, eases inflammation, heals arthritis, and aids weight loss.

Conclusion

Today we have explored two forms of grooming for your dog. Whichever one you choose largely depends on a number of factors discussed here. By making grooming part of your routine, you can strengthen y