Useful Dog Groomer Supplies

Whether you're in the pet grooming business or you're the "do-it-yourself" type, grooming supplies are something every dog owner should have. Regular grooming doesn't just keep your dog looking and feeling his best, but it also gives you the opportunity to identify any unusual lumps, skin problems, or other potential health issues you may notice as you groom your dog. Here are just a few of the basic dog groomer supplies you may want to keep around:

• Pet tub (and ramp). Professional groomers will want a nice deep tub, probably stainless steel for durability and for easy cleaning. DIY types can use the tub at home! See the article on dog bathing supplies for more information.

  The ramp is for large dogs. You can easily hurt yourself trying to heft a big dog into the tub! The ramp allows them you to lead them up into the tub - much easier for both you and for the dog.

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  Faucet or sprayer. The pros will want a good, adjustable and expandable faucet to make washing the dog much easier. Even if you're the DIY type you may still want to invest in a flexible spray arm instead of relying on the old "fill-the-bucket-and-pour-it-over-the-dog" method of bathing.

• Dryer. Again, if you're a pro you'll want a good, reliable dryer to fluff up pooch before he goes home to his people. Many types of dryers are available, from arm dryers to box dryers to cage dryers to dryers you mount on a table.

  DIY types might just prefer to give the dog a good rub with the towel and let him go! If you use a hair dryer on your dog, keep it in the low setting to avoid burning your dog. Never leave a dog unattended when using box or cage dryers, and check on them frequently to ensure it isn't too hot.

• Grooming table (for the pros). A table makes grooming a lot easier because you don't have to bend down so much. This will save your back when you're grooming a lot of dogs!

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  Clippers and accessories. Have a shaggy pup that needs regular clipping? Many people bring their dogs to the groomers, especially if they want their dog to have a certain "look" or style. However, if you just want a straight clip, then invest in a good pair of clippers and you can do it from home, too. Don't use scissors - it's too easy to accidentally cut the dog.

• Lots of towels. You'll need them for drying off the dog after a bath, or just to wipe off his paws after he's had a hard day of play.

• A good brush and comb. Many types of dog brushes and combs are available. Professional groomers will have a good variety so that they can pick & choose what's right for a dog... but for the average pet owner, get yourself a good brush that will help you to remove loose fur, as well as a comb to help you detangle mats, remove burrs, etc. Many people love the FURminator since it works wonderfully in removing loose hair.

• Nail clippers. You can clip your dog's nails from home. If you're not sure how to go about it, ask your vet or the groomer to show you how to do it properly. If you're not comfortable doing it youself, then the groomer or veterinary technician do it for you.

  Some dogs are more comfortable with the use of a dremel to file down their nails.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste. Dental care is important for pets, too. Make sure you purchase the specially made toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, which are much milder than the products for humans. Regular brushing can help to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy, which affects his overall well-being.

• Disposable gloves. Some dogs need to have their anal glands expressed. This is best done by your veterinarian (or veterinary technician). For DIY types, do not do this yourself unless your vet has shown you the proper way of doing so.

Keep all of your dog groomer supplies together in a box to make them easy to find, and convenient to use. Regular grooming should be a part of your dog's routine... it helps to keep his skin and coat healthy, lets you identify potential problems that might otherwise have been missed, and gives quality bonding time between you and your pet.