Dog Grooming Supplies: Brushes, Clippers, Nails and Baths

Match the brush to the coat: a rubber mitt for short coats, a slicker brush and comb for medium and long coats, and an undercoat rake for double coats. Add nail clippers or a grinder, a gentle dog shampoo and a good towel. Curly coats also need clippers or a groomer every few weeks.

A neat set of dog grooming tools laid out on a towel: slicker brush, comb, nail clippers and a bottle of shampoo

Grooming is also a weekly health check: run your hands over your dog and look at skin, ears, eyes, teeth and paws. Our guides to double coats, curly coats and nail trimming go step by step.

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Brushes and Deshedding Tools

A slicker brush suits most medium and long coats; follow with a metal comb to find tangles. An undercoat rake or deshedding tool pulls out loose undercoat on double-coated dogs; use it gently and not every day, so it doesn't thin the topcoat. Short coats need only a rubber mitt.

Clippers and Trimmers

Quiet cordless clippers handle paw, face and hygiene tidy-ups between professional grooms. Full clips take practice; start with guard combs fitted and keep blades cool. Round-tipped scissors are safer around eyes and feet.

Nail Care

Scissor-style clippers suit most dogs; guillotine clippers suit small dogs; a grinder suits dogs that dislike the clip and gives a smooth edge. Trim little and often. See trimming dog nails.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Use a gentle shampoo made for dogs, and rinse until the water runs clear. A conditioner or detangler helps long and curly coats. Medicated shampoos are for your vet to recommend.

Medicated shampoos and flea or skin treatments: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. Itchy or sore skin needs a vet check first.

Wipes and Quick Clean-Ups

Unscented grooming wipes freshen paws and faces between baths, and a paw washer cup saves the hallway after muddy walks.

Bath and Drying

A non-slip mat stops scrambling in the tub, a shower attachment makes rinsing quicker, and an absorbent towel or a pet dryer on a cool setting dries thick coats right through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brush up on the basics.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Only when needed for most dogs, such as after a muddy walk. Curly-coated dogs are often bathed every few weeks, with brushing first.

Can I use human shampoo?

It's best not to. Use a shampoo made for dogs.

Should I shave my double-coated dog in summer?

No. The coat helps protect the skin from sun and heat. Brush out loose undercoat instead.