“Do you have the right tools to groom me? Shouldn’t just use your kitchen scissors for my paws!””
Yay, grooming time!
Tools we use for grooming & dental care, and why we prefer these
We like to groom our dog at home, with the occasional groomers visit for something special.
Why groom yourself?
Your dog trusts only you - you aren’t sure if your dog will let a stranger handle their paws, or approach them with unfamiliar tools
Save money - nail clippings may be cheap, but grooming your dog with baths and blow dry can cost more than $100 depending on where you live.
Convenience - sometimes the salon doesn’t have appointments available, or you are on vacation, and need a quick trim.
For all of the items below, you must learn to introduce these items slowly. Do not brush your dog’s hair, or clips its nails, without proper introduction. Otherwise, they will hate it. Also, it helps to tire our your dog before you do these activities.
Brushing (Simple)
Good for all types of dog hair.
This is a bristle & pin brush. It is easier to get your dog used to the bristles when brushing, and when your dog is comfortable, you just switch to the other side for brushing.
Bristles are great for untangling knots and mats, and taking out the dead hair at the surface. Pins are great for removing the knots and mats, and giving your dog the soft touch.
Brushing (Specifically for mats / knots)
We use this brush for a deeper clean, meaning, getting rid of mats, which is common for any poodle mix! Because it is wired, it is excellent for taking out the mats.
It is important for taking out mats for several reasons: (1) it stops air circulation to your dog’s skin, which can create sores, (2) groomers will often charge extra for taking out mats, and will even shave your dog!!! and (3) they are softer without mats!
Nail Clippers
This is a spring loaded clipper, allowing for quick and precise cuts.
We prefer this because it is easy to hold with the grooves, cuts smoothly, and has a locking feature for when you don’t want to use them.
If you are nervous to use nail clippers, you can try using a nail buffer. A nail buffer allows for a slow trim, as it buffs the nail slowly. However, it is motorized, so it may frighten your dog at first.
Trimming scissors
We suggest these scissors, as it has a protective rounded end, rather than a sharp end - safer for your dog.
This is particularly useful when trimming around the eyes (if needed).
We use these scissors for Brioche’s paws, eye, and face hair.
Grooming Scissors
If you plan to groom the hair, these two scissors are strongly recommended.
Thinning Sheers - for a smooth cut, gives your dog some layers and evens out the cut after using scissors
Rounded Scissors - great for trimming around the paw, ear, and face to ensure a rounded shape
Nail Filer
Many people choose to file their pup’s nails manually because (1) they are too scared to use nail clippers or (2) they pup doesn’t like the sound of a Dremel. This is especially helpful for dogs with black nails since you cannot see the quick.
We always use this after we clip Brioche’s nails, and often on the toes on the hind legs and his dew claw.
If you use already use nail clippers, then the nail filer is a nice to have, not a need.
Ear Cleaning Solution
We use Vetoquinol, as recommended by vets and friends. This does not bother our pup at all - if anything, he is quite curious by it. We give him a treat after putting some in!
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
We use the bristled tooth brush and the Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog & Cat Toothpaste.
Bristles are great for getting in between the teeth, and the chicken flavored toothpaste makes it incredibly easy for us to brush.
Finger brushes did not work for us, but many people suggest trying that first. Then, transitioning to bristle brush since it gives a better clean.
Clippers
These clippers are great - made just for dogs, and comes with different clipper lengths.
It is also wireless, so you won’t need to worry about the cord getting caught on you or your dog’s paws.
The cost for these clippers are relatively low compared to others. You can always upgrade, but we found these to be good enough.