Dog grooming supplies 101: the ultimate buyers’ guide

You’ve decided that you want to groom a dog at home yourself. It can be a fun experience for you and your canine. It’s also a great way to bond and making sure that your dog is in tip-top shape. Getting started can be a little intimidating though, especially because there are so many dog grooming supplies to choose from.

So which dog grooming tools are best to use? Where can you save and where you shouldn’t? What type of dog grooming equipment can wait, and what do you absolutely need to have right now? In this Dog Grooming Supplies Guide, we gathered input from several pet groomers to present you the most extensive write-up on how to groom a dog and what you need for that.

It probably seems like there are too many pet grooming products to choose from and too many steps to learn. It’s true – grooming your dog does not end with a simple brushing session. But not to worry, because I will walk you through the whole process and help you find right type of dog grooming tools and equipment for each step of your pet grooming process.

If you are unsure of the details of grooming or if you need a refresher course, I recommend you to review the the many articles on Dog Grooming this website has to offer. Top Dog Tips published a lot of information on the dog grooming process, instructions about the way to use these dog grooming supplies we mention in this buyers guide, and tips to recognize certain behavioral problems your dog can exhibit and how to handle them.

To start, let’s revise the four steps/categories of grooming a dog:

• Brushing: This is to relieve your dog’s coat from all the loose hair and mats. Brushing your dog beforehand will make the bathing and clipping process much easier for you (nothing’s more annoying than a tricky knot).

• Washing: The obvious next step is giving your dog a bath to ensure a clean coat and healthy fur.

• Cutting/trimming: Doesn’t need to be done as often as the above two steps, but yet a very essential part of grooming a dog.

• Accessory work: These are all the final steps of grooming a dog that will require the most patience and majority of dog grooming supplies mentioned in this guide. This includes clipping dog’s nails, cleaning his ears and other beauty work.

To make sure that your doggy’s SPA day doesn’t end in some accidents, or with you using the wrong tools for grooming your dog, refer to this dog grooming supplies guide for every single part of the pet grooming process. Whatever the question regarding grooming tools you have, rest assured, it has been covered here.

Dog Grooming Supplies 101: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Before I begin introducing specific giving grooming equipment, we need to talk about selecting dog grooming supplies for dogs with special issues.

Does your dog require any special care? He may not have any today, but as time passes, he could. It’s good to keep in mind what might arise so you can be prepared if or when that day comes.

Grooming almost always begins with a good brushing and combing, and it’s imperative that you do this before you start bathing your dog. This will remove excess hair, help you find and take care of tangles and mats, and alert you to any special conditions that may interfere with bathing him.

The Basics of Dog Grooming

Brushing in the hair’s natural direction, most probably from the top downward, will prevent discomfort. As a matter of fact, you could actually harm your dog’s skin by going against the grain. There are many basic “rules” about dog grooming that will make things easier for you and keep your pet safe and comfortable.

Be cautious around your dog’s sensitive areas — the ear canal, anus, mouth, and eyes — and brush or comb away from them so that the risk of accidentally hitting one of those spots is minimized. It takes only one slip to blind your dog, drastically compromise his hearing, or cause him extreme pain.

It’s tempting to be less than diligent in these areas to avoid injury, but because they’re frequently moist, you run the risk of fungal and other infections if they are left unmanaged.

A buildup of bacteria and fungi can lead to a whole host of problems — inflamed hair follicles, sores, abscesses, and extreme itching among others. To avoid these painful, unpleasant conditions, thorough but gentle grooming of your dog’s sensitive areas is a necessity. A fine-tooth comb is the best way to groom them. Comb gently in the direction of his fur.

If you find tangles or mats that cannot be easily removed, we recommend that you take your dog to a professional.

The right dog grooming supplies will help you be careful, speed up brushing and combing, and reduce your dog’s discomfort. Many dog owners think that all grooming supplies are the same. As long as you have a brush and a bottle of shampoo, you’re good to go, right? WRONG! You need to buy dog grooming supplies based on your dog’s individual needs, and they are not all the same.

Let’s Buy Some Dog Brushes

Below, we’ve listed some of the top-rated brushes that are sure to make grooming fast, efficient, and easy for you and your dog. Remember, each of these brushes are for different coat types and they all have a specific purpose. If you’re not sure what type of dog grooming supplies will best benefit your dog, speak with a professional groomer for advice.

FURminator Dog Dual Brush

You can’t talk about the best dog grooming supplies without discussing some products from FURminator. With a pin brush on one side and a bristle brush on the other, this tool is a multitasking wizard.

You can detangle with the pin brush and then flip it over and remove loose hair and mats with the bristle brush. Although it’s recommended for use with silky and/or short coats, the nylon bristle brush can actually be used on any coat type.

The FURminator Dog Dual Brush itself is flexible enough to follow the contours of your pet’s frame, and the plastic part of the brush is antimicrobial and keeps germs and bacteria at a minimum. When using this brush for dogs with long hair, it finishes the coat and creates a natural shine.

FURminator Dog Rake

Apparently, rakes aren’t just for piling leaves – they are also a handy piece of dog grooming supplies. This rake is used to remove mats that can’t otherwise be be brushed or combed out.

It has rotatable, rounded pins that minimize painful tugging and pulling. This is an excellent way to get mats and debris out of your dog’s coat, especially if he has an undercoat or unusually thick fur.

The tool, shaped like a tiny rake, is easy to hold and maneuver through mats. The FURminator Dog Rake has rounded pins that fully rotate to prevent skinirritation. Similar products may have sharp pins that scratch or tear your dog’s skin during brushing. You need to be sure to avoid these products, as they will not only cause your dog unnecessary pain, but could also lead to major skin problems.

Safari Pin and Bristle Brush

Safari offers a number of great dog grooming supplies, and the Safari Pin and Bristle Brushhas received high ratings from customers. This brush works well with small- and medium-size dogs. The bristles are close together and detangle mats while also distributing natural oils through the coat. The pins are rounded, making it a comfortable brush for you to use and a painless one for your dog.

This brush is workable for any breed type, although it will probably produce optimal results when used according to the manufacturers’ recommended size and coat types. They suggest use on dogs with longer coats such Australian Shepherds, Golden Retriever, Collies, Siberian Huskies and Spaniels.

Slicker Dog Brushes

Slicker brushes, like the red brush in the photo above, are designed for a more specific use. They are especially handy for working out tough mats and knots. These brushes usually have firm bristles or very strong pins, making them a great tool for this job. Slicker brushes are one of the best dog grooming supplies for pups with long hair.

Safari Self-Cleaning Large Slicker Brush

The pins on this brush are stainless steel and remarkably sturdy. This ensures that you’ll be able to power right on through any tough mat or knot without hurting your dog by tugging, pulling, or getting the brush stuck in his fur. The Safari Self-Cleaning Large Slicker Brush is intended for larger breeds, however, it’s available in three sizes to suit your dog’s needs: small, medium and large.

It makes a good combo with the Safari Pin and Bristle Brush described above. The self-cleaning feature comes in handy so you don’t have to remove the loose hair with your fingers. With the simple press of a button all the hair slides off the brush and into the garbage can. This is a great tool to keep in your dog grooming supplies kit if you have a long-haired pup.

Wahl Large Slicker Brush

A cheerful orange and white, this brush works well on medium and long coats. It not only detangles knots, it also removes dirt and loose particles. It is easily cleanable. Even your dog’s dirtiest, rolling-around-in-the-mud coat isn’t a match for the Wahl Large Slicker Brush’s ease of cleaning.

This is one of the best dog grooming supplies as it is hardy enough to be used every day. A good everyday brush is an excellent idea for long-haired breeds whose hair tends to become tangled and matted very easily. Despite its large size, this brush can be used in the ear area to keep fur from bunching up (although when combing ear hair, a finetooth brush or comb is better, but we’ll get to that later).

Li’l Pals Slicker Brush

This brush is great for small breeds, even as small as puppies or toys. The tipped pins won’t irritate the dog’s skin, and the brush is sturdy enough to use long strokes without causing tangles or buildup to occur. It can also be used on undercoats.

The Li’L Pals Slicker Brush has flexible pins that are covered with plastic tips to prevent scratching. It is designed to contour to your dog’s body for more efficient grooming. This slicker brush removes mats, tangles and debris, while also spreading natural oils throughout your dog’s coat to give him a healthy shine.

Can’t Forget Doggy Combs!

As we’ve already discussed, combs are great for the sensitive areas. Dog grooming supplies not only need to be chosen based on your dog’s general needs, but also for the job that needs to be done. The hair around your dog’s ear canal can get tangled and matted. However, you don’t want to attempt to groom that delicate area with a large slicker or pin-tipped brush.

Hair also grows around his anal region, an especially sensitive area, and can become matted and tangled also. Such delicate jobs requires a delicate tool. Dirt and debris can accumulate in the fur on your dog’s face, but you wouldn’t want to use a large brush to care for the fur in this area. This is when a comb will come in handy!

Andis Pet 7.5-Inch Steel Comb

This comb works for dogs of all sizes. On one half of the comb, the pins are very close together, which allows for a fine combing. On the other half, they’re a little farther apart. It’s suggested that you first use the side with the wide-space teeth to brush the hair before switching to the side with the more closely spaced pins.

The Andis Pet 7.5-Inch Steel Comb removes loose hair as well, so there’s no need to maneuver a deshedding tool (next section) through those touchy areas of your dog’s coat. It’s also a good finisher. You can run it over the tips of your dog’s coat to make it fluffy. The comb is small enough to fit into smaller areas but sturdy enough to handle mats and knots.

Safari Grooming Comb for Dogs

This comb is made of stainless steel. Like the Andis comb described above, the teeth are coarsely spaced at one end and fine at the other. They’re round-tipped to ensure that your dog’s skin won’t be scraped or irritated while you’re combing him. The Safari Grooming Comb for Dogs is recommended for coarse coats and works well on medium-length coats too.

It’s a good accompaniment for the Safari Pin and Bristle Brush mentioned above, since it can get into and around areas that the brush can’t. They’re not sold as a set, but they’re a good combo that will make your dog’s coat gleam.

Itery Dog Comb

Also made of stainless steel, this comb measures a little more than seven inches long and has dual pins, both coarse and fine. It’s especially useful for mats in the ear areas, as the pins are round tipped and strong, powering through mats and breaking up any clumps. The Itery Dog Comb can even be used on single-coated dogs after brushing for an excellent finishing touch.

Like many of the best dog grooming supplies in this guide, this comb is durable and made to last. It features an anodized aluminum rounded spine for comfort while grooming. Aluminum is also very lightweight, so you won’t get hand fatigue if using this dog comb for long periods of time.

Dog Shedding

Shedding is one of the most common complaints of dog owners. The best dog grooming supplies can help with this problem, although you’ll never be able to get rid of shedding entirely. There are many dog grooming supplies that have been created specifically to fight the unwanted loose hair that seems to fall off your dog constantly.

A build up of fur can cause many problems. Not only is it a household mess, it can cause clogged and infected pores. Using a deshedding tool will remove excess hair from your dog’s coat – a plus for both of you. It’s best to use deshedding tools before bathing- otherwise, the water in your tub will become a fur swamp, and the drain can easily become stopped up.

Brush in the direction of the fur. Use the deshedding tool after your dog is completely dry to ensure you haven’t missed any problem areas before clipping. Don’t forget to use the deshedder on the sides, undercoat, and ruff (the hair around your dog’s neck). The sides of your dog are the easiest to brush, and they are the most likely targets for excess fur.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Best Dog Deshedding Tools

The deshedder should be used after brushing and removing mats and tangles, as that will make it easier to run the tool through your dog’s coat. Long-haired and double-coated dogs will likely require the most work in deshedding. Certain breeds, like Huskies, are notorious for the amount of fur they shed in the spring.

FURminator de Shedding Tool and FurVac Comb

A combination deshedder and vacuum tool, this combo is excellent for dogs with long hair. A pet vacuum may seem like one of the oddest dog grooming supplies, but it’s actually very useful for containing the excess hair from your dog’s coat. The hair the deshedder pulls out is suctioned through a hose attached to your vacuum.

The hose has two removable heads and can be used on any type of coat – double or single. Use the deshedding tool first to loosen the excess hair and then use the vacuum to suction it up and out. It may take a bit of training before your pet allows you to use this tool, but once you get him used to the noise of the vacuum cleaner he’ll probably really enjoy being groomed with the FURminator de Shedding Tool and FurVac Comb.

MIU COLOR Professional Pet Grooming Undercoat Rake Comb

This tool works well on any size dog and is especially made to tackle the undercoat. It’s double-sided with rounded teeth that won’t scrape your dog’s skin. The MIU COLOR Professional Pet Grooming Undercoat Rake Comb will thoroughly comb through your dog’s coat. It also features one-piece construction — much sturdier and less prone to breaking.

The double-sided comb means it will be comfortable to hold whether you’re right; or left;handed. The comfortable handle has an ergonomic design and a rubber grip to reduce hand fatigue. The rubber grip also keeps the comb from slipping out of your hands.

Petica Veterinary-Approved Deshedding Tool

This deshedder is wider than most other dog grooming supplies of its kind. With its 100mm stainless steel teeth, the Petica Veterinary-Approved Deshedding Tool is thorough but won’t harm your dog’s skin. It’s excellent for topcoats, pairing well with the MIU tool, and it’s also a regular brush. Because the teeth are small and fine, this tool also combs through matted fur.

This, and the other two deshedding tools mentioned, will make life easier for you and your dog. Shedding can be difficult to deal with, especially if you like a clean, hair-free house. Deshedders can be used daily, not just at bath time.

The deshedders and the other brushes and combs we’ve recommended will keep your house clean and make your dog more comfortable.

It’s Doggy Bath Time!

Time to suds up! Give your dog a bath somewhere where you can get the floor wet and then cleaned up without too much trouble — we advise not using a carpeted area. Your shower or bathtub is a good idea, but we’ll also give you recommendations for dog grooming supplies for doggy bathtubs that you can connect to a hose and spray your pet the way you would a car.

Know your dog’s coat type before shampooing. If your dog has a double coat, he will need extra scrubbing The undercoat on his belly can get fairly dirty, so pay particular attention to that area. Since you’ve brushed beforehand, you’ve probably gotten the loose dirt out, so shampooing should get the rest.

When shampooing your dog, you want to make sure you wash all the places that need it without irritating his sensitive areas. Start from the top and work your way down, making sure to get from the roots of the hair all the way to the end of the hair shaft. As with human hair, the roots of your dog’s hair can get clogged with oil, dirt, or other debris that can lead to inflamed hair follicles. These are quite painful.

There are also bath and shower kits for dogs that combine everything you need into one easy kit.

You’ll know if your dog has one — he’ll yelp when you touch that spot. The best way to prevent clogged hair follicles is to be an efficient shampooer. No, it’s not a skill you can put on your resume (we wish), but as a pet owner, it’s a pretty important thing.

Avoid your dog’s eyes, nose, and ears when shampooing him. Water in the ear canal can be painful and the potential source of an ear infection.

A tip for keeping water out of the ear is to place large cotton balls in your dog’s ear canal ─ gently and just barely in them ─ to block any water. Make sure to wash behind the ears and clean any dirt outside the ears as well.

Your dog’s skin and coat type matter. The shampoos we suggest below are all designed for sensitive skin. However, if your dog has certain skin conditions and even these shampoos irritate him, we’ll make recommendations for medicated shampoos later. Regardless of which shampoo you use, your dog’s bath water should be lukewarm, not hot. Dogs are more sensitive to hot temperatures than humans, so nice, lukewarm water will do just fine.

Burt’s Bees for Dogs Hypoallergenic Shampoo

Burt’s Bees shampoo is 97% natural and contains honey and beeswax (that’s the “bees” part), shea butter, and xanthan gum, which is plant-based. The gum thickens your dog’s coat, and the honey and shea butter will make it shiny. Because it’s hypoallergenic, your dog should not have any problems with it unless he’s allergic to any of the natural ingredients.

The shea butter also moisturizes, and in the winter when dry skin season is upon us, moisture is a must. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Hypoallergenic Shampoo is free of synthetic fragrances. It leaves a light fresh scent behind thanks to the natural ingredients, and that’s it – no overpowering perfumes. It is a strong cleanser while still be gentle on your pet’s skin.

OmegaPet Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin

Absent any obvious problem such as fleas, the most common cause of itching in dogs is dry skin. For that reason, there are many dog grooming supplies that are specially formulated to treat this condition. The oatmeal in OmegaPet Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin contains avenanthramides, well known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and anti-irritant properties.

Be aware – If your dog has a grain allergy, you should not use any products on his skin containing oatmeal as they will likely cause an allergic reaction.

This shampoo also contains aloe vera, known for its soothing properties. The fats in oatmeal moisturize dry skin while aloe vera lubricates it. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce the discomfort caused by scratching. It gently cleans your dog’s skin and coat and won’t further irritate his skin. It may even help in its healing. This product contains no additives or preservatives.

Perfect Coat Natural Oatmeal Shampoo

This is another oatmeal-based shampoo, but it also contains vanilla and “microencapsulated liposomes,” which are basically bubbles that deliver nutrients to the cells. The nutrients in this shampoo are dermatologically beneficial, and the shampoo provides moisturizing agents that help with irritation, itchiness, and even dandruff. It also rinses easily, reducing the time spent grooming.

Perfect Coat Natural Oatmeal Shampoo will leave your pet smelling like vanilla. It is formulated for all coat types, which is a huge bonus if you have multiple dogs. Just like the OmegaPet shampoo, the oatmeal in this product works to soothe irritate skin while also moisturizing the coat.

Isle of Dogs Everyday Shampoo

This shampoo is specially formulated for Yorkies, beagles and spaniels. It detangles the coat and cleanses it, leaving a jasmine and vanilla fragrance. This line of products also carries a spray that helps detangle your dog’s hair and makes his coat shinier. It contains a touch of aloe as well.

This dog shampoo is formulated with panthenol and aloe leaf juice to help strengthen the hair and increase its resiliency. This will protect your pet’s coat from being damaged. Isle of Dogs Everyday Shampoo also contains ExtenScent, a natural odor-neutralizing complex that is supposed to extend the freshness of your dog’s coat after his bath.

Dog Conditioners

Conditioning your dog’s coat will make it sleek and shiny. It will soften his hair and make it easier to comb before trimming. Conditioners often contain extra nutrients not found in shampoos. When conditioning, make sure to spread the conditioner from the skin to the tip of the hair strand. Be aware that overusing conditioner or using too much, especially if you don’t rinse it out completely, may leave your dog’s coat limp and gummy.

EarthBath All Natural Aloe and Oatmeal Conditioner

This conditioner is biodegradable and cruelty-free — it wasn’t tested on animals. It’s also free of soap, so it won’t irritate your dog’s skin or sensitive areas. Along with aloe and oatmeal, it contains almond, which softens and moisturizes the skin much like coconut oil and other organic substances. In addition to its biodegradability, it is a gentle but effective conditioner.

This shine enhancing conditioner effectively enriches, detangles and revives your dog’s coat. EarthBath All Natural Aloe and Oatmeal Conditioner is made with colloidal oatmeal, which helps remoisturize and soothe skin too. Just remember, if your pet has a grain allergy you’ll need to look for dog grooming supplies that do not contain oatmeal.

AvoDerm Natural Skin Conditioner

This conditioner helps with itching and is good on almost any type of coat. It contains avocado oil, which has fatty acids to lubricate the skin and make it healthier. Avocados also contain anti-inflammatory properties, making AvoDerm Natural Skin Conditioner beneficial for dogs who suffer from skin inflammation or discomfort, including inflamed or infected hair follicles.

This conditioner should be massaged into your dog’s coat and skin so that he gets the full dermatological benefit. It removes tangles and adds fullness to the coat. It’s formulated for dogs and cats, making it one of the best dog grooming supplies for multi-pet households.

Everyday Isle of Dogs Conditioner

This is the companion to Everyday Isle of Dogs Shampoo. It works wonders for tangled hair or hair that is prone to mats. It’s jasmine and vanilla scented, and it moisturizes and protects your dog’s skin and hair. Everyday Isle of Dogs Conditioner also contains leaf juice, which makes it botanically charged, providing moisture and healthy nutrients to your dog’s skin and coat.

Using a shampoo and conditioner makes the most out of your dog’s bath. Conditioners add a touch of softness and silkiness to your dog’s hair that shampoo, although certainly very beneficial in its own right, can’t do. It will leave your dog smelling fresh and clean — it’s the royal treatment.

Prescription Dog Hair and Skin Products

Not only does extra-dry skin sometimes require a special shampoo, more serious conditions such as dermatitis, impetigo, folliculitis, eczema, and seborrhea require a prescription shampoo. We can recommend certain prescription shampoos and conditioners, but be sure to check with your vet about what to use.

Every dog is different, which means that just because one prescription shampoo worked for your friend’s dog doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for yours. Your veterinarian will know your dog’s health condition and medical history. She’ll be able to recommend a product that will help clear up your pet’s skin condition without causing any unusual side effects.

DOUXO Chlorhexidine PS

This line of products was specifically created for dermatitis — inflammation that can take the form of itchy, swollen, reddened, oozing, crusty or flaky skin. It’s antiseptic and comes in several forms, including spray, mousse, medication-infused pads and shampoo. DOUXO Chlorhexidine PS also helps manage pyoderma — pustules on the skin — as well as bacteria and yeast infections.

The product is gentle enough that it can be used on sensitive skin, and it leaves a residue to protect from future infections. It is formulated with an antiseptic foaming solution. DOUXO Chlorhexidine PS protects the skin from further irritation and loss of moisture.

Vetoquinol Seba-Hex Shampoo

This shampoo helps treat and eliminate seborrheic cysts caused by the overproduction of sebum. It tackles the problem at the bacterial level, keeping your dog’s follicles and pores unclogged. This is one of the best dog grooming supplies, as it has a pleasant smell and can be used on both dogs and cats.

Medicated shampoos, like Vetoquinol Seba-Hex Shampoo, are typically formulated to treat a specific skin condition. You should never use a shampoo like this before consulting with your veterinarian. The chemicals used in these shampoos may end up doing more damage to your dog’s skin and coat if they aren’t formulated for his needs.

DermaPet Benzoyl Peroxide Plus Shampoo

DermaPet Benzoyl Peroxide Plus Shampoo is formulated to manage hot spots, pyodermas (skin infections), acne, greasy skin, lick granulomas, staph infections, oily seborrhea, and skin fold infections. This medicated shampoo helps heal a smelly, scaly coat. It reduces the irritation and inflammation, but can’t be used for conditions caused by fleas and ticks.

This dog shampoo contains both sulfur and salicylic acid in an all natural base. It also includes a natural, herbal fragrance and moisturizers to keep your dog’s skin healthy. This shampoo also contains Vitamin E, one of the world’s best antioxidants.

RELATED READ: 5 Best Puppy Shampoo for Young Dogs

Remember, only your vet can decide if your dog needs a medicated shampoo or one of the many other dog grooming products available for skin and coat conditions. It’s important to see your vet immediately if you believe your dog has a skin problem. Using regular shampoo or conditioner could worsen the condition.

Now we’ll discuss what you can use if you’re not too keen on the idea of sharing shower or bath space with your dog. Don’t worry! There are some products for that.

Dog Bathtubs and Stands

We get it. Your space is your space, so having a furry, messy dog in it might not be something you want. Luckily, there are bathtubs and shower kits designed to easily fit into a space near a hose. This helps you give your dog a good scrubbing with as little mess as possible.

Booster Bath Large Dog Wash

Made for large breeds, the plastic Booster Bath Large Dog Wash comes in two easy snap-on pieces and can be put on a stand to prevent having to bend over to bathe your dog. The drainage hose makes cleanup simple. Make sure that you follow the directions exactly when assembling the tub- otherwise, it might collapse under the weight of a big dog.

This dog tub is portable and lightweight making it easy to move from indoors to outside. Because it is a freestanding tub, you will have 360-degree access to wash your pet. This dog bath is also made in the U.S.A.

Pet Gear Pup-Tub

For smaller dogs, we recommend this small, convenient bathtub. The tub has a rubber bottom and rubber pads at the feet, minimizing the risk of slippage. It works best on dogs weighing less than 20 pounds and contains tethers that will hold your dog in place while you wash him.

The drain feature is easy to assemble and use, further reducing stress during bath time. The Pet Gear Pup-Tub has built-in containers to hold shampoos, conditioners, and other necessities. The tub measures 30 inches x 18 inches x 19 inches.

Dog Sponges to Splurge On

You may want to consider using a sponge to bathe your dog. Sponges are one of the best dog grooming supplies to have as they hold more lather and suds, so it helps spread the shampoo and conditioner through your dog’s coat. Sponges are easier on your hands, and they’re convenient. To make sure they’re gentle to your dog’s skin, they need to be high quality.

Spongeables Haute Dog Bath Buffer

This “spa in a sponge” contains a shampoo and conditioner in one easy-to-apply product. It is infused with natural PH balanced shampoo to leave your Fido with a clean and shiny coat. This shampoo includes tea tree oil, a plant oil that soothes agitated skin, and aloe vera. The sponge is made from a soft material yet is durable.

Each of these Spongeables Haute Dog Bath Buffer sponges lasts for six baths, but usually they can be used more times than that – it will vary depending on your dog’s coat and the length of the bath that you give him.

Decker Body Sponge for Dogs

With no fancy packaging, this sponge isn’t much to look at, but it gets the job done well. It’s very absorbent because of its open pores, but the sponge is soft enough that it won’t be rough on your dog’s skin.

The Decker Body Sponge for Dogs is more than six inches long, making it large enough to use on even the biggest dogs. It’s easy to clean and durable, making this a wise purchase for your dog grooming supplies kit.

Now that we’ve discussed shampoos, conditioners, and sponges, it’s time to move from bath grooming products to the next section of our dog grooming supplies recommendations ─ tools for drying.

Drying Dogs After Baths

No one likes to be left out in the cold after a nice, warm bath even if they have fur. Drying your dog with regular towels can be time consuming and labor intensive, especially if your breed is large or has long hair. Microfiber towels absorb more water than other towels, will save you time and energy and will keep your dog from freezing.

Dry gently if your dog has arthritis or osteoporosis as jostling is painful and can exacerbate those conditions. He might be a little more sensitive to cool air after a bath and would appreciate a warm towel and blanket. Invest in super-absorbent towels that dry him quickly and efficiently, leaving you plenty of time for the rest of the grooming.

DII Bone Dry Microfiber Bath Towel

This towel measures 44 by 27 ½ inches, so it’s suitable for even a large dog. It has a paw print that is embroidered on the front, and it can also be used as a blanket or car seat cover. This dog towel is absorbent, easy to clean and comes in many colors including black, blue, gray, green, pink red and taupe.

This towel works well with all coat types. The stitching of the DII Done Dry Microfiber Bath Towel is top-notch, so frays and tears are unlikely. You can even put it in your dog’s kennel, so he’ll have a warm, cozy bed. We recommend this as one of the best dog grooming supplies because of its effectiveness when drying and its versatility.

Luv & Emma’s Dry Pets

Check out Samantha’s video review of