5 Dog Grooming Essentials Every Pet Owner Needs

Whatever type of dog you own, it’s vital to ensure that their coat, nails, teeth and general health are well cared for. Here are the main dog grooming essentials all owners should acquire:

• Nail Clippers
• Dog Brushes
• Shampoo
• Flea & Tick Prevention
• Oral Hygiene Products 

Like many dog owners, you may not always have the opportunity or budget to regularly invest in professional grooming - but you can do just as well yourself by checking off the list of dog grooming supplies in this article. 

Not only will these products make your pooch feel and look as though they’ve just paid a visit to a celebrity dog groomer, but it will also make life a lot easier for you.

Nail Clippers

Depending on their lifestyle, it’s highly likely that your dog’s nails grow more quickly than they wear down. Not only can this cause a lot of uncomfortable scratching when you play with your puppy, but it’s also very unpleasant for them.

If your dog’s nails are too long, they’ll probably find it very difficult to walk without pain, discomfort or awkwardness. Long nails can also result in some nasty injuries, as they can easily get caught and pulled out - a very nasty thought.

You should carefully use nail clippers on your dog once every 1-2 months. We love the light-up variety for extra safety.

Dog Brushes

Another vital piece of grooming equipment is the dog brush. This is especially important for long haired dogs, as it helps to untangle and de-matt them - but it also reduces shedding and encourages blood flow in short hairs, making their coats beautiful and shiny.

Of course, de-shedding is also great for you and your home, as it reduces the amount of hoovering you’ll need to undertake!

B&M Top Tip: use a grooming comb first, then a soft slicker brush with finer bristles. This will pick up all remaining dog hair and anything else caught in their coat to leave them looking squeaky clean!

Shampoos

Your dog’s coat requires the perfect balance of nutrients in order to look and perform the best it can. Furthermore, your pooch is capable of rolling in some pretty foul stuff, whether you like it or not!

For this reason, a good dog shampoo will always be among our top dog grooming essentials. Pick one that is professionally approved, contains natural ingredients and has a deodorising element for best results!

B&M Top Tip: turn bath time into a treat with a shampoo groomer. This tool softly massages the product into your pet’s coat, so your pup feels like it’s enjoying a day at the spa while the nasty grease, dirt and dead skin is removed from deep down.

Flea & Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are horrible. They’re not only upsetting for your dog - they can also affect humans. Fleas can leave horrible itchy bites and cause your pup to scratch for hours - which is very distressing and is likely to increase their shedding.

Ticks are more dangerous, as they can spread lyme disease as well as other infections.

Of course, you don’t want to stop your dog from enjoying the great outdoors as much as possible - so how do you guard against these risks?

Help your pooch - and the rest of your family - to avoid nasty flea and tick bites by investing in the proper treatments.

You can easily determine which product will be best for your pup, as most flea and tick solutions are formulated for either small or large dogs. For extra protection, you can also use a special spray for your dog, its bed and the rest of your home furnishings.

B&M Top Tips: Your dog doesn’t just leave fleas and ticks around the house. Luckily, there’s a spray available to clean up and mask the smell of any little accidents!

Oral Hygiene Products

All good professional groomers take care of a dog’s teeth as well as their coat and nails. Doggy toothbrushes are great - if you can get your pet to hold still long enough - but there’s a much tastier option available as well.

Dental chews can reduce your dog’s tartar by up to 80% and keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout their life. They also serve as a great healthy treat for your pooch to gnaw on!

To summarize, our top dog grooming essentials that will keep your best friend looking and feeling their best include nail clippers, brushes, shampoos, flea and tick treatments and dental care. Keep your pet in the best of health by investing in your own doggy spa kit!

B&M Top Tip: Find more treats, toys and healthcare products for your furrier family members by checking out our pets section today.

What’s your dog grooming routine - and how does your pup look before, during and after? Share your pics with the B&M Community via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!