What To Consider When Choosing A Dog Grooming Kit
Long walks, treats, toys, and playtime are not all your dog needs. Your pet should look great too. This is done by maintaining its physical health and cleanliness. Grooming your furry friend could be quite intimidating and nervy. Especially if it is your first time, there are a few tactics to master, and a few tools you would need.
What To Consider When Choosing A Dog Grooming Kit?
When you are looking for a dog grooming kit check that it contains at least a good Grooming Brush and Grooming Scissors. Check that the type of brush that is included (pin brush, bristle brush, rubber brush, or a slicker brush) fits your type dog. Additionally, you have to look for wipes and a toothpaste and toothbrush kit. A dryer could be nice to have.
A lot of dogs hate the trips to the groomers, and although it is a convenient option for a dog owner, grooming yourself saves money and reduces stress on your dog. Dog grooming deals with its overall well-being and helps to maintain hygiene and improve its appearance. It also helps you and your dog bond. Grooming is a critical thing for every dog breed, but some require more attention than others.
Have you been trying to look for the right dog grooming kits but have no idea where to start? Here’s a guide for the next time you go shopping for tools to keep your pet clean and healthy. Read on to ensure that you no longer make mistakes when searching for different dog grooming kits.
Contents
Grooming Brush
A person should invest in the right brush if you want your dog to enjoy its grooming sessions and also ensure that your canine friend stays healthy. With the many brands offering grooming brushes, people often find themselves confused about the right one to pick. You must investigate the brands and the different types of brushes available. So that you can make the right decision. Some of the most common ones are:
- A pin brush
- Bristle brush
- Rubber brush
- Slicker brush
● A Pin Brush
The brush is used to remove tangles from dogs with medium long hair. It is made of plastic or rubber tips, which makes it gentle on the coats. Such brushes are safe to use on your dog and are kind to its skin. However, do not use pin brushes if your dog has a short coat since there are other brushes that fit dogs. It is useful to remove knots.
● Bristle Brush
In most cases, the brush is combined with the pin brush because they best work together to improve the dog’s appearance. Such brushes are suitable for dogs with a short coat and useful when removing the dirt after shaving your dog and makes the coat shine. When you are using a bristle brush, there is no irritation on your dog’s skin, and it helps removes dead hair and skin.
● Rubber Brush
It is suitable to remove loose fur on the surface of your dog. These brushes are a perfect option for dogs that hate getting brushed. Also referred to as curry combs, the brush helps to remove dirt and increase the production of natural oils in a dog. It is also used to remove the excess hair and best for massage and shampooing.
● Slicker Brush
The brush is best used to remove the dead skin and is needed when your dog is shedding. If you want to remove tangles and give your animal the right shine, this is the right brush for you. It is recommended for all dogs with long or medium hair and is also be used in curly coats.
What To Look For When Choosing Brushes
● The Length Of The Fur And Type
You must look at the length of your dog’s fur before buying a brush. Taking extra caution means that one will pick a brush that will not scratch your dog and also prevent skin irritation. Also, every store will ask about the fur type and the length to determine which brush is best for your pet. It is the ideal way to get an effective brush to improve your dog’s appearance without causing any damage to its coat or fur.
● The Sensitivity Of The Skin
If your dog has a sensitive coat, you must choose a brush that will not cause irritation. Most brushes are made of rubber or plastic; however, rubber brushes are a better option. That is because they have a two-sided part, with one having the small knobs that are best for the sensitive areas, while the big ones are used to brush the rest of the body.
● All-Purpose
Look for a brush that has more than one use. Slicker brush, for instance, can be used to remove tangles and dirt from different types of coats. When you are buying this type of brush, try it on your arm to have a clue of how the bristles feel. Make sure the bristles are gentle to prevent injuries on the dog’s skin.
Dog Clippers
Clippers are an excellent investment for anyone looking for pet grooming items. Such grooming tools help you to trim the dog’s coat and ensure that your pet is comfortable. Dog owners use the clippers to keep the coat smooth and also improve their overall appearance. Some dogs are anxious, and no matter the age, so you should observe how your pet behaves when you first use clippers on them to figure out ways of keeping them comfortable next time.
Although it is terrifying to use clippers on your dog for the first time, pet owners gradually get used to it and eventually become professionals. Be slow and gentle during the first sessions considering that you are both still new into it. There are a lot of high-quality clippers available, and learning how to effectively choose one save you from visiting a professional groomer quite often.
What To Look For When Buying Dog Clippers:
● Frequency Of Use
Get a basic clipper if you have only one type of breed that requires occasional trimming. However, if you own a couple of breeds, the high-ended clippers are the best investment as they will last longer and are quite effective.
● Speed And Power
Look at the type of fur your dog has to determine the speed and power of the clippers. The ideal clippers have high power and great rotation per minute so that they can effectively give a smooth cut. Ensure that the blade has the right speed and power if you want to finish the job on time and do it efficiently.
● The Noise And Heat
Settle for clippers that cut the fur smoothly and also produce less noise. That is because it can be quite noisy hence distracting the dog, making it hard to cut through the fur. Also, find dog clippers that remain cool for a long time. Choose a clipper with little vibration so as to keep the dog still and have a smooth cut.
● Cordless Versus Corded Clippers
A lot of people rely on the cordless clippers because of the convenience. However, you will be expected to charge the battery quite often if you are using it intensively. That is because it tends to run out of charge after about an hour, and charging it often reduces the use and effectiveness of the battery. Also, cordless clippers are slow, which makes them suitable for dogs with a smooth coat. Corded clippers get enough electricity, and that is why they are a preferred choice for many people who groom their dogs at home.
● Size Of The Clippers
Light clippers are preferred choice because it makes it easy to trim your dog’s fur. It is needed by people who groom their dogs quite often. However, with such clippers, the dog is more likely to feel the vibrations that result in inconsistent cuts since it is hard to keep it still.
● Oils
Find out the right oil needed to maintain the clippers to keep them functioning for long. If your dog clippers are not oiled regularly, they end up becoming dull and lead to uneven cuts. That could also cause injuries on your dog’s skin. To avoid that, check out which oils are recommended for your clippers.
● Blades
Some brands offer interchangeable blades, this means one has safe and sturdy blades to use regularly. When choosing blades, consider the type of coat your dog has to determine the intensity of the cut. Ceramic blades are the best according to many groomers because they never conduct heat but are quite expensive. However, that could be the right investment for someone looking forward to grooming their dogs at home for a long time.
● Cost
You are required to groom your dog after every seven to eight weeks, so avoid cheap clippers since they tend to break after a few sessions. Although it might seem like a cost-saving plan, it ends up being an expense in the long run. Most of the cheap clippers do not last; therefore, invest in a high-quality brand that can be used for a couple of years.
● Ask for Help
Talk to your veterinarian or a professional groomer whom you take your dog to regularly. These people will have tons of information about the best clippers in the stores and will give you a clue about where to check. Also, the experts will let you know some of the fake brands in the stores and how to identify them. Again, talking to an expert means that they will provide some tricks of clipping your dog as a way to make the sessions enjoyable for your pet.
Grooming Scissors
When trimming your dog’s coat, investing in the right quality of scissors helps to give it the ideal appearance. Unlike the scissors used by humans, a pair of dog grooming scissors are designed to trim and shape the dog’s fur. If you are buying dog grooming scissors, these factors will help you in choosing the right pair:
● Design
Ensure the scissors have a rounded blade tip as it improves safety and prevents accidents. Also, see to it that they have cushioned finger rest as it helps you to work without getting fatigued. Ergonomic handles also ensure that the scissors do not slip from your fingers when trimming your dog, thus avoiding accidents.
● Quality
Invest in the right quality of dog grooming scissors. Settle for high-quality stainless steel scissor blades. You can use them for years without needing a replacement and also be in a position to give your dog the right cut. The right pair of scissors with quality blades cuts through the fur without struggling.
● The Type
The scissors used for dog grooming come in different types, including; straight scissors, curved and thinning shears. Straight scissors are effective in trimming dogs with a long coat and dogs that need regular trimming. Curved scissors, on the other hand, are perfect in trimming delicate regions like the paws and face. You should buy thinning shears if you have dogs with thick fur and need to have their fur managed quite often.
Wipes
Wipes are a lifesaver for any dog parent. The right brand enables people to remove eye boogers and debris from your dog’s ears, eyes, and chin. Picking the right product is essential to ensure that the dogs do not deal with allergies; therefore, buy the right grooming wipes meant for those specific areas.
Things To Consider When Buying Dog Wipes:
● Safety Of The Ingredients
The wipes should not have alcohol or any fragrances, They might react on your dog’s skin. Look for brands with safe substances to keep your pet safe.
● The Size
People look for wipes that can be used to clean a large area whIle using as few pieces as possible. However, if you specifically need dental wipes or wipes to use on the ears and eyes, then the small sizes are a perfect option.
● Easy To Use
A lot of companies offer wipes in canisters so that one can refill once they are over. It offers the right access to the dog wipes and ensures that they will not dry up when one is not using the wipes.
Toothpaste And Toothbrush Kit
Dog grooming does not only deal with fur, but it also concerns the dental care of your pets. Brushing your dog’s teeth consistently helps to prevent periodontal diseases and keep its teeth clean. Since dogs are picky with flavors, you might have to try a couple of different toothpaste brands before settling for a specific company.
Things to Consider When Buying Dental Care Kits:
● Look For Soft Bristles
Just like humans, the dog’s mouth is sensitive; therefore invest in toothbrushes that have soft bristles. It makes it easy to clean your dog’s teeth without injuries.
Angled-neck toothbrushes: Such toothbrushes are more useful in adult dogs. That is because you can easily reach those areas that were inaccessible before when cleaning its teeth.
● Double-Sided Toothbrushes
These are effective for all dogs, and by choosing such brushes, you are in a position of cleaning the inner part of your dog’s mouth that cannot be reached using the regular brushes.
● Choose Flavored Toothpaste
A lot of brands know the different flavors that dogs love from peanuts to mint and vanilla flavoring. Choose a toothpaste brand with flavors that your dogs will like to make it easy to clean their teeth and maintain dental hygiene.
Dryers
Washing your dog at home saves you from looking for professional grooming services. However, you should know the right ways to shop for a dryer. Air drying your dog after bathing is dangerous, as it could lead to fungus infections. Also, if you have a long-haired breed, that could also cause matting. So, how do you choose a safe dyer for your dog?
● Specified For Dogs
Choose a dog dryer that blows cold air. That is because unlike the human blow dryer that blows both hot and cold air, dogs cannot tell you when it gets too hot. Getting one that blows cold, it means that you will not burn your dog, and there will be no uncomfortable sessions.
● Different Speed
If your breed has thick fur, getting a dryer that is on high speed is best so that it can serve the purpose. That goes for dogs with thin fur as they require dryers with low speed to avoid irritation on the skin. Look at the safety features and ask for guidance from the seller to avoid harming your pet.
● The Noise
Since dogs hate noisy equipment, look for a dryer that has reduced noise levels. Most brands selling dog dryers ensure that the level is lower than that of human dryers. That way, you can use it without chasing after the animal around the house.
● Storage
Settle for a compact dryer for easy storage. Dryers could use a significant amount of space; therefore, look for brands that will fit in the storage box that you have.
Additional Factors To Consider When Looking For Dog Grooming Kits
● Learn
Educating yourself on other different grooming kits available makes it easy to get the right kits. Talk to your veterinarian since different breeds require special tools. Such experts will guide you on the tools that you must buy.
● Pick The Essentials
Avoid unnecessary things that you might never use. Items such as grooming tables, which are quite expensive, should not be in your budget whatsoever as you rarely use them. Only buy the tools you need regularly and those that you cannot.
● Organize The Items
After you buy the necessary grooming kits, purchase a storage box for those items. It is the right way to keep your pet grooming products organized in one place and ensure they are easy to locate.
Conclusion
Grooming your dog is easier said than done. In reality, it involves more than just brushing and bathing your pet. Getting the right tools will improve your dog’s appearance from the comfort of your home and still get to save some money. Through our guide, you will learn some of the essential grooming kits to have at home and the secrets of purchasing those tools. It also teaches you that some of the essential dog grooming kits are quite affordable and can do the job well.