Keep your pup looking and feeling their best with these grooming tools
Whether your dog has short, straight hair or thick, curly hair, maintaining its coat is important for its health. Having the best brush for your dog will keep its coat tangle-free and might even prevent a big bill at the groomer’s.
Dogs must also have their nails regularly trimmed, and dog nail trimmers and grinders are the best way to accomplish this at home. If left untrimmed, a dog’s nails can grow too long, potentially causing the dog pain and maybe even future veterinary visits.
There are many different types of dog grooming products on the market. Below are some of our favorites.
What to know before you buy dog grooming products
Types of dog brushes
There is a wide variety of dog brushes available to meet the different coat needs of dog breeds. It is important to get a brush made for your dog’s coat type. Bristle brushes are great for dogs with short, straight hair. The tight bristles work well for removing any shed hair. Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily. Deshedding brushes collect loose fur before it falls all over your floor or furniture. These brushes can penetrate all the way to your dog’s undercoat. There are also rubber brushes that are made mostly to massage your dog’s skin rather than actually brushing their fur or hair.
Types of dog nail clippers
There are a few different kinds of dog nail clippers: scissor-style trimmers, guillotine trimmers and grinders.
- Scissor-style trimmers come with two blades that close on each side of your dog’s nail.
- Guillotine trimmers have a hole that you poke the nail through and a single blade that cuts your dog’s nail when you push on the handle.
- Dog nail grinders are essentially electronic nail files for your dog, which can buff their nails down, particularly for dogs that don’t like dog nail clippers or have thick and dark nails.
Dog grooming products FAQ
What do you do if your dog hates getting brushed?
A. The best way to prevent your dog from resisting is to start grooming when it’s a puppy. If that time has passed, it is important to make brushing sessions as short and enjoyable as possible. Use positive reinforcement to help your dog start to see the experience in a positive light. If your dog really hates brushing, you can have a second person help hold your pet still. While you brush, your partner can soothe your dog with treats and praise.
How regularly should you clip your dog’s nails?
A. This will depend on various factors, including how frequently your dog exercises and how quickly their nails grow. Exercise can help your dog naturally wear down their nails. Generally, many people find that dog nails need to be trimmed about once per month.
Best dog grooming products
Best dog brushes
This brush has a stainless steel edge that will remove up to 90% of loose hair. It has an ejector button that makes for easy cleaning and the handle’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use.
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
This brush is sturdy and has wire pins that lift out dead hair without scratching your dog’s skin. The handle is comfortable and the brush comes with a button to eject hair for easy cleaning.
Using this groomer will add shine to your dog’s coat. You can use it on dry fur or on your pet in the bath. Rubbing the groomer in a circular motion removes the loose hair. Most dogs love the feeling of the rubber groomer massaging their skin.
Best dog nail clippers
Safari Professional Nail Trimmer for Dogs
This trimmer from Safari is precise, safe, simple to hold and will help the trimming job go by quickly for your furry friend. It has a safety stop to prevent injuries and offers a quick, clean cut.
Millers Forge Pet Nail Clipper
This inexpensive trimmer from Millers Forge is durable, precise, sharp and has similar features to more expensive models. It comes with steel blades in two different designs.
GoPets Pet Nail Clippers and File
These easy-to-use clippers have an ergonomic handle to make grooming more comfortable for the user. This tool features 3.5mm blades that cut smoothly and a safety lock. It also comes with a nail file.
Well & Good Stainless Steel Nail Clippers for Large Dogs
This trimmer from Well & Good is perfect for larger dogs. It features a rugged design, precise stainless steel blades and a comfortable rubber handle. The trimmer slices through big dog nails with little to no effort.
Best dog nail grinders
This quiet USB-rechargeable Casfuy grinder features a diamond bit, along with two speed settings for better control. This powerful grinder is also quiet and ergonomic.
ConairPro Dog Professional Nail Grinder
This cordless, lightweight grinder has a quiet motor that can help anxious dogs be more comfortable while getting their nails trimmed. It also has interchangeable attachments that are easy to use.
Dremel PawControl 7760-PGK Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer
This grinder and trimmer works especially well for cutting nails on smaller dogs. The 45-degree paw guide and nail guard help to make trimming more precise. This trimmer also comes with several accessories.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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