The Best Grooming Tools for Pet Owners

"What brush should I buy?" is one of the questions I get asked most, and I love it, because it means someone wants to take good care of their dog between grooms. The pet store aisle doesn't make it easy. It's full of tools that look good and don't do much. You don't need many tools, but you do need the right ones for your dog's coat, and decent quality for the ones you use every day. Brushing time can become a quiet, cozy few minutes the two of you share.

Brushes and combs

Slicker brush. The everyday workhorse for most medium and long coats. It removes loose hair and small tangles before they turn into mats. Look for fine, flexible pins and a handle that's comfortable to hold for a while. Use a light touch: pressing hard scratches the skin.

Metal comb. The most useful tool most owners don't have. After brushing, run a steel comb through the coat all the way to the skin. If it snags, there's a tangle or mat the brush missed. One with two tooth spacings covers most dogs.

Pin brush. Gentler than a slicker, good for finishing long coats and for sensitive dogs. Nice to have, not a must.

Undercoat rake. For double-coated dogs like Huskies, Shepherds, and Goldens. It pulls out dead undercoat without cutting the top coat. Blade-style de-shedding tools work well but can damage the coat if overused, so go easy with them.

Rubber curry brush. Great for short-coated dogs, both between baths and in the tub to work shampoo in and loosen shedding hair. Most dogs enjoy it.

Nail care

Lots of owners are nervous about trimming nails, and that's completely understandable. Go slowly, take off a little at a time, and keep treats nearby. Even one or two nails a day is progress.

• Clippers sized for your dog. Small dogs need small clippers; large dogs need sturdy ones with sharp blades.
• A nail grinder is a good option for dogs who hate clippers. Start on the lowest speed and take it slow.
• Styptic powder stops bleeding if you cut into the quick. Keep it on hand every time you trim. If it happens, try not to panic or feel awful. It happens to careful owners too, and your dog will forgive you.

Bathing

• A lick mat stuck to the tub wall keeps many dogs calm and busy.
• A non-slip mat helps dogs feel steady.
• A shampoo made for dogs, not people.

Clippers and scissors

Clippers are fine for simple touch-ups like the feet and sanitary area, but they don't make a full haircut easy. A quiet cordless trimmer is enough for most home use.

I'd leave scissors to a groomer. If you do use them, use rounded-tip shears for small tidy-ups only and keep the points away from the dog. Scissor cuts are one of the most common home grooming injuries.

Dematting tools are the same story. If a mat needs a special tool to get out, it's usually time for a groomer. That isn't a failure on your part. Some jobs are just easier on your dog with experienced hands.

What to get for your dog's coat

Short coats (Labs, Beagles): rubber curry brush, bristle brush, nail clippers

Long coats (Yorkies, Maltese): slicker brush, metal comb, detangling spray

Double coats (Huskies, Goldens): undercoat rake, slicker brush, metal comb

Curly coats (Poodles, Doodles): good slicker brush, metal comb, detangling spray

For a new dog owner, start with a slicker brush, a metal comb, nail clippers, styptic powder, and a rubber curry brush. Add the rest as you find you need it.

Looking after your tools

• Pull the hair out of brushes after each use and wash them now and then.
• Replace slicker brushes when the pins bend.
• Oil and clean clipper blades after every use, and get them sharpened when they start pulling hair.

What to skip

• Brushes with stiff, scratchy bristles
• Anything promising professional results with no experience
• Pointed scissors
• Tools with sharp blades marketed as easy mat removers

If you're in the East Bay and would like help choosing tools for your dog, I'd love to hear from you.