Things You'll Need
- Electric Dog Clippers
- Boxes For Dog Supplies
- Commercially Prepared Skunk Odor Removers
- Dog Brushes
- Dog Clipper Blades
- Dog Clipper Cooling Products
- Dog Combs
- Dog Conditioner
- Dog Ear Cleaners
- Dog Flea Combs
- Dog Grooming Sprays
- Dog Rakes
- Dog Shampoo
- Dog Slicker Brushes
- Dog Toothpastes
- Doggie Toothbrushes
- Nail Clippers For Dogs
- Cotton Swabs
- Styptic Pencils
Instructions
Consider why you will be grooming your dog. Will you be showing your dog or just caring for her as a pet? If you plan on showing your dog, you will need a wider variety of items in your grooming kit.
Discuss grooming with the breeder you purchase your dog from or with your veterinarian. Some breeds require special grooming.
Buy a grooming table only if you will be showing your dog.
Purchase a grooming comb with fine and coarse teeth. Buy special nail clippers for dogs. Consider an electric nail clipper, which is easier to use than a manual one. Get a clotting agent (or a styptic pencil) in case you clip the nail too close to the quick and it bleeds.
Keep in mind that you will need a toothbrush and dog toothpaste. A fingertip brush will give you more control. Never use human toothpaste on dogs.
Get a flea comb (to check for fleas) and a dog shampoo (unless your veterinarian does not recommend using shampoo).
Realize that you may need several types of brushes to care for your dog's coat. A slicker brush will remove dead fur and should be purchased for all breeds of dogs. You can also get this type of brush as a glove that you wear on your hand. A pin brush is good for longhaired dogs and a bristle brush works well on short coats. A rake helps brush undercoats. If your dog has a problem with matting, purchase a mat comb.
Buy a dog clipper and blades, along with clipper coolant to cool the blades, only if you will be cutting your dog's fur yourself. If you have no experience doing this, let a professional groomer do the job.
Remember to buy a liquid ear cleaner and cotton swabs to clean your dog's ears. Some breeds need this more than others.
Use a special dog-fur dryer if you will blowing your dog's fur dry. Regular hair dryers can burn a dog.
Purchase a large storage box with a handle for storing your grooming supplies.