The Ultimate Guide to DIY Dog Grooming: Tips and Tricks for a Happy Pup

Taking up the fulfilling task of DIY (Do It Yourself) dog grooming is more than just a needed task—it’s a time to further create that special bond with your four-legged companion. Hopefully, you and your pet look forward to this activity, and one that is enjoyable! In this article, we will take a look at a number of these dog grooming accessories to assist in this experience. Furthermore, I will provide you with some helpful tips along the way. Let’s get started on this journey!

DIY Dog Grooming … Have You Considered The Health Benefits?

Keeping our pets looking their best is something none of us should take for granted. Proper grooming  provides a number of benefits that will pay huge dividends now and throughout our furry friends life. Besides the bonding experience between you and pet, here are a few other reasons to consider when providing a quality grooming: 

• Health Maintenance: By keeping your dog’s skin and coat in good condition, regular grooming helps to reduce  potential problems including matting, skin infections, and hot spots.
• Early Health Issue Detection: Routine and regular grooming makes it possible to discover such things as lumps, bumps or other suspicious imperfections.  This DIY dog grooming routine will ‘catch’ these irregularities early on, which can lead to immediate veterinary care and possibly the avoidance of more significant health problems.
• Healthy Coat: There is no better way to keep your pet’s coat looking healthy and shiny than the grooming process. Not only will your pet look and feel better, but you will be happy with the results as well!
• Prevention of Parasites: Once again,  the grooming process can pay huge dividends in finding and eliminating those nasty parasites including fleas, ticks, and other disease carrying devils.
• Convenience: Yes, we should consider the convenience of grooming our pets at home as a ‘huge’ benefit. Not only do we get to experience this ‘one to one’ bonding, we do it in a comfortable, familiar setting. No more putting our pets in a stressful situation at our local pet grooming salon, transporting them to and from, or worrying about weather conditions!

Okay, we have looked at a number of benefits associated with the DIY dog grooming routine, let’s now turn our focus to some specific tools needed to complete this task. It is important to note that our four legged companions are unique in every way, including their grooming needs. Depending on the size of your pet, breed, life stage, health concerns and other factors will play a role in how your pet is groomed. With that said, let’s take a look at some common tools used in the grooming process.

DIY Dog Grooming … Tools To Get The Job Done

1. DIY Dog Grooming Table – This specific product lays the foundation in making the grooming process a less stressful activity. Finding a dog grooming table that is both sturdy and adjustable as well as one that provides various components will quite beneficial to your pet. 
2. Slicker Brush – Essential tool to help remove loose hair as well as detangling and getting rid of those nasty mats. Daily or regular brushing will go along way in keeping your dog’s fur healthy as well as reducing or eliminating those nasty and painful mats.
3. Comb – Available in both the narrow and wide teeth, this tool is necessary in keeping your pet’s coat smooth and reduces the chances of those mats to form. The comb, available in various sizes (teeth), will be a great benefit in grooming the different parts of your pet’s body. The wider teeth will be useful in eliminating those mats or knots, with the finer teeth of the comb being used with the finer fur.
4. Nail Clippers – Pretty obvious and necessary tool in the home dog grooming kit. Keeping your pet’s nails cut on a regular basis will is a proactive way in eliminating pain and discomfort, difficulty in walking and running and other injuries. A word of caution here: Take your time in this process, being careful not to cut too close and using small and accurate snips.
5. Dog Shampoo & Conditioner – Just like us, our canines need a nice cleaning to keep their fur clean with a clean smell. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of these products on the market, so choose wisely according to your pet’s needs. stay away from human shampoo and conditioner, as these may be a bit harsh resulting in skin dryness. 
6. Grooming Scissors – Be sure to purchase a quality pair to use in specific body areas. This tool is necessary in trimming hair away from the ears, face, and paws. Make sure your scissors are and stay sharp, as many dog owners prefer those with rounded tips, a safer choice.
7. Grooming Trimmer – This tool is needed to control hair length, as well as playing a key role in the overall look and health of your canine. A routine trim will help to eliminate mats and other nasty tangles.They can be found in a variety of sizes with various settings and accessories. 
8. Dog Grooming Dryer – Product that will definitely speed up the grooming process, putting the finishing touches on the grooming process. Also available in a number of styles which you can purchase specifically to meet the needs of your pet. (Short-haired, Long-haired, Hand held, etc.)

Disclosure: *This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

1.) Grooming Table

** Go Pet Club Dog Grooming Table with Arm **

DETAILS:

2.) Slicker Brushes

 ** FURminator Firm Slicker Brush for Dogs, Large **

DETAILS:

• Good tool for the medium, long and curly coats.
• Helps to remove surface mats and tangles without damaging the coat.
• Straight bristles on one side and bent bristles on the other side, dual flex head design follows the contours of your dog’s body.
• Ergonomic handle is secure and comfy to hold.
• Anti-microbial plastic helps to keep germs and bacteria to a minimum.

Click Here For Further Details

 ** Frisco Slicker Dog Brush, Small Frisco Soft Slicker Dog Brush **

DETAILS:

Click Here For Further Details

4. Nail Clippers

** Safari Professional Nail Trimmer **

DETAILS:

• Made with high-quality stainless steel for effective, long-lasting results.
• Non-slip grip provides added comfort and control.
• Great for both professional groomers and pet parents alike—plus, it’s safe for left- or right-handed use.
• Double-bladed cutter with tension spring to help ensure a swift, clean cut..                                                                  Innovative safety stop helps reduce the risk of injury.

Click Here For Further Details

5. Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

** Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner **

DETAILS:

6. Grooming Scissors

** Laazar Pro Shear Straight & Safety Round Tips Dog Grooming Scissors **

DETAILS:

• Grooming scissors have rounded tips, making them paw-fect for use on furry faces.
• Pro groomers will love using them for finishing touches and quick touchups.
• Fitted with removable jelled comfort rings and a built-in finger rest.
• Super durable scissors are made with rust-resistant stainless steel.
• Easily adjusted to your preferred feel, thanks to the adjustable screw.

Click Here For Further Details

7. Eyes, Ears & Face Grooming Trimmer

** PATPET P920 Low Noise Cordless Paws, Eyes, Ears & Face Grooming Trimmer Dog & Cat Clipper with Double Blades **

DETAILS:

• Grooming clippers come with two cutter head options—one for small and one for medium and large sized pets.
• Has a visual LED power display so you can easily monitor how much power is left.
• Double ceramic cutter head is safe and easy to use.
• Adjustable cutter head length lets you choose the ideal length for your paw-tner’s coat.
• It’s quiet and has a gentle vibration level so it won’t bother your ears.

Click Here For Further Details

8.) Dog Grooming Dryer

** Flying Pig Grooming High Velocity Dog  Grooming Dryer **

DETAILS:

• Professional grade portable dryer cuts drying time by 60% with a four-horsepower motor.
• Makes drying time stress-free and fast so it’s great for pets that don’t enjoy being dried.
• Slim, flexible grooming hose measures 10 feet so you can maneuver in comfort.
• One-switch adjustable multiple air speeds and two heat settings for ultimate customization.
• Includes interchangeable nozzle heads and a removable filter so it’s easy to clean.

Click Here For Further Details

Dog Grooming DIY – Common Questions With Answers

Okay, we have taken a look at a number of the benefits associated with DIY dog grooming and the variety of tools needed to complete this task. If you are just beginning this new venture, I’m sure you may have a number of questions pertaining to this process. Below you will find a number of these common questions with answers to assist you. Let’s take a look at a few:

How often should I groom my dog at home?

The simplest answer to this question is one that a majority of dog owners agree with. That answer is once monthly, although other factors must be considered as well. Such things as your dog’s coat length, breed, texture of fur may play a role in the grooming process. In general, a once a month grooming should keep your buddy looking good and healthy!

How do I properly brush my dog’s coat at home?

The brushing process is also one that will include a number of variables, but following these guidelines will generally obtain desired results. Your main and most important thing to keep in mind when brushing your pet is to be gentle. Brushing too hard may result in injury to your dog as well as causing undue stress.

In addition too this, practice brushing away from your pet’s skin, and in the direction the coat is growing. Below you will find a quick video to view, to promote these points a bit further. Here you go:

How do I trim my dog’s nails safely at home?

The process of trimming your four-legged-companions nails at home can be a tricky one. To begin with, many dogs simply don’t like to have their paws messed with. They tend to jerk away at the slightest touch which can make the trimming process a difficult one.

Here are a few points in making this process a safer one: Find the quick before you start the trimming process. If you are not sure what this is, look for the ‘pink’ section that runs through the center of your pet’s nails. Dogs with darker nails are a real challenge in finding the ‘pink’, so consider a clipper with a safety guard. Take a look at this video:

What should I do if my dog has mats or tangles in their coat?

These nasty mats or tangles can be nasty in the DIY dog grooming process. Once again, practice patience and take your time ridding your pet of these annoying nuisances. A few tools that you will need to complete this process include detangling spray, slicker brush and comb. This is how Scenthound.com explains the correct way to get rid of those mats:

• Have a second pair of helping hands and plenty of treats to get your dog on board with the de-matting process.

• Don’t bathe your dog, as the mats will soak up water and become even tighter.

• Try using cornstarch to help loosen the fur. Rub it directly into the matted area.

• Hold the mat in your hand, near the skin, to prevent tugging or pulling and ensure any accidental contact with the brush or comb will hit your hand – not your dog’s skin.

• You can also try using a dog comb with thin wires which may be able to penetrate the mat better than a brush.

Ask your pet wellness professional or veterinarian if you’re not sure which tools to use. Work in very small sections at a time. Start at the end of the fur and moving your way closer to the skin. Never yank or pull on the fur.

How can I prevent my dog from becoming anxious during grooming?

You know that feeling you have when you are about to go to the dentist for the first time? Stress, anxiety and nervousness are just a tip of the iceberg. This same scenario exists for our canines, who are about to experience the DIY grooming process! Here are a few tips to ease their burden as well as your own:

• Exercise – Yep, this can help. Consider taking your buddy for a long walk or perhaps a good game of Frisbee in the backyard before you begin the grooming process. This may take some ‘edge’ off, and allow for an easier session of grooming.
• Positive Rewards/Reinforcement – Use healthy treats to reinforce desired behavior during the grooming process. In addition, pet and pat your pup during this process, helping to reduce stress.
• Calmness – This means you, not your pup!

Final Thoughts

Well, there you have it. We have looked at a number of items associated with DIY Dog Grooming including the benefits and proper tools to use in this process. Like anything else, you will get better at performing this task the more times you do it. Using patience, in my opinion, is key with this entire undertaking.

Having the freedom to groom your pet at home, as mentioned above, can be a rewarding experience. The bond between you and pet only will get stronger during this time of grooming. This experience  (Home) would seem to be one that would put less stress on your pup for a number of reasons as we discussed earlier.I certainly hope this article has brought you some value, and helps in making the DIY grooming process something to consider. 

Disclaimer:

eathealthydoggy.com assumes no responsibility or liability for the use or misuse of what’s written on this site. You should always consult with a veterinarian if you should have questions regarding your dog’s diet or overall health.