Ever seen a standard poodle strutting around the ring at the Westminster Dog Show? It’s a sight to behold. Grooming looks different depending on the occasion, the breed and the environment. For instance, most dogs don’t need to be expertly coiffed on a daily basis, but nail clipping must be routine. When it comes to coats, some dogs require only sporadic baths and trims, while others need daily detangling sessions. No matter the breed, these are eight at-home grooming items you’re going to want on hand for your pet. Which ones do you need? We’ll let you be the judge.
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The 8 Best At-Home Grooming Items for Your Pet
1. Furminator Long Hair Deshedding Tool
Ideal for dogs with a shaggier coat, this deshedding brush helps remove the loose hair and fur that would otherwise end up on your couch. And your carpet. And your toothbrush...somehow. It’s got a nifty release button for dumping hair and a curved shape to protect your dog’s skin from irritation. Use it once a week (or more if needed) to reduce shedding by up to 90%.
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2. Furminator Short Hair Deshedding Tool
Canines with short coats don’t need giant tools. In fact, brushes with large bristles or long teeth could even harm their skin. Stick to a deshedder designed for a shorter coat and brush along your dog’s back and stomach (and legs, if she’ll let you) to get rid of loose hair.
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4. Triple Pet Ez Dog Finger Brush Kit
Dental hygiene is a huge part of grooming, not only because it keeps doggy breath fresh and teeth white but also because it prevents pups from painful dental problems in the future. Poor dental health has also been linked to kidney and heart disease in dogs, so brushing should be a weekly—if not daily—activity. A finger brush like this one, with toothpaste formulated specifically for canines, makes that easy. (PSA: Don’t use a toothbrush or toothpaste made for humans.)
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5. Arm & Hammer Dental Rinse For Adult Dogs
Is brushing every day too difficult? Is your dog resisting every attempt you make to scrub those pearly whites? Try adding some dental rinse to his water. It’s not the same as brushing, but it definitely helps keep the mouth and gums healthy.
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6. Oster Animal Care Gentle Paws Premium Pet Nail Trimmer
Cats and dogs both need regular nail clippings. Nails that turn into talons can break, which is painful (think about the last time your nail bent back too far). This battery-operated trimmer features an adjustable safety guard so you don’t cut too low and has a quiet motor that won’t stress out your pet.
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7. Andis Professional Animal Detachable Blade Clipper Kit
Need a little more hardware to keep your dog’s coat healthy and bangs trimmed? Keep this clipper (and four additional blades) on hand for grooming sessions. It’s quiet, which means an anxious pup won’t hate sitting still for you. This set works best on medium-length coats and wire-haired breeds.
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8. Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Natural Oatmeal Shampoo
Sometimes a dog’s gotta roll in the mud and a cat’s gotta prowl through some dirt. When it’s time for a bath, do not use human products. Go for pet-specific formulas like Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Natural Oatmeal Shampoo for dogs and Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Cats. Check with your vet beforehand to make sure the product is safe for your pet’s unique health history.
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