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Grooming Supplies No Dog Owner Should Be Without

A terrier sticking his tongue out as someone brushes his coat.
Serdar Tibet/Shutterstock.com

Whether your pup goes to the groomer regularly or you’re in charge of her cleaning routine, every dog owner should have some reliable grooming supplies on hand.

Even if you leave your dog’s bathing and clipping to a pro, accidents happen and groomers get booked up or go on vacation. That’s why it’s a good idea for every dog owner to have some supplies at home. Here are some essentials to stock up on, so you can keep your pup (and your home) clean.

Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

self-cleaning slicker brush
Hertzko

This slicker brush is designed to grab loose undercoat fur and detangle knots. The tiny bristles are great at digging deep into mats and knots without scratching your pet’s skin.

When you’re done pulling out fur, dander, and dirt, you can click the button on the back to retract the bristles and easily remove all the hair from the brush. Dogs should be brushed regularly for a healthy coat and skin, and this brush will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Waterless Shampoo

waterless dog shampoo
Wahl

Giving your dog a full bath can be a hassle. Keep your dog fresh between their bath appointments by massaging waterless shampoo into their fur.

It breaks up dirt and oil, and moisturizes your pup’s hair. You can towel dry to finish the cleaning or brush for maximum effect.

A Showerhead Attachment

showerhead attachment for dogs
Waterpik

If you bathe your dog at home, this showerhead attachment will make the process exponentially easier.

The long design covers a large area at a time and the pressure penetrates thick fur. It can be attached to showers, sinks, and hoses for easy bathing anywhere.

A Lick Mat

orange and blue dog lick mats
KMNKSCN

If your dog gets stressed during baths or nail clippings, this lick mat will come in handy. It can be slathered with peanut butter and suctioned to the floor or wall for a delicious distraction.

The textured surface means your dog will stay occupied for a long time and it can double as a feeder for wet foods.

Grooming Wipes

dog grooming wipes
Pogi’s Pet Supplies

Just like no parent can live without baby wipes, no dog owner should live without pet wipes. They can clean up dirty paws, slobber, runny noses, and any other small mess your dog makes.

These wipes are eco-friendly and contain nourishing ingredients, like aloe vera and vitamin E, to keep their skin moisturized.

A Paw Washer

person washing dog paw in dog paw washer
Dexas

This nifty paw washer easily cleans dirt and debris from paws without making a mess. Just add water, insert your dog’s paw, and twist the device a few times.

The silicone brushes inside will gently remove dirt and debris for a clean paw. It’s great for people who don’t have a mudroom or are sick of their pets tracking dirt all over the house.

Two-in-One Shampoo and Conditioner

dog oatmeal shampoo
Mighty Petz

Dogs with thick coats or dry skin appreciate a conditioner cycle in their bath routine. To save time, this shampoo and conditioner combo combines suds and moisturizing benefits.

It’s formulated with oatmeal and aloe vera to soothe dry skin, while thoroughly cleaning fur.

Ear and Eye Wipes

pet ear and eye wipes
John Paul Pet

Your dog’s eyes and ears can quickly develop infections if they aren’t kept clean. These wipes work on both areas to remove wax, dirt, and gunk.

They even remove the tear stains that can develop in some breeds. They’ll help you keep your dog healthy between full grooming sessions.

Nail Clippers

dog nail clippers
BOSHEL

Even if you prefer taking your dog to the groomer, it’s a good idea to have a pair of nail clippers on hand. Long nails can be painful for your pup, so you’ll want a pair of these if you can’t get an appointment as soon as you need it.

The stainless-steel blades provide a clean cut, while the safety stop prevents overcutting. It also comes with a mini nail file to grind down any awkward edges.

A Nail Grinder

dog nail grinder
Oster

If your dog is terrified of getting his nails clipped, try this grinder instead. They’re often less scary for pets and eradicate the risk of cutting through the quick of their nails.

This model is affordable and easy to transport. It also has two different speeds and multiple bands for all nail sizes.

Anne Taylor Anne Taylor
Anne Taylor is a writer with a BA in Journalism and a passion for storytelling. Her work has been published on a variety of websites including Mental Floss and Well + Good, and she recently published her first novel, What it Takes to Lose. When she's not writing, Anne loves to travel (19 countries and counting), spend time outside, and play with her dog, Pepper. Read Full Bio »
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