This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks for your support!
Which tools do I NEED?
All dogs: Nail clippers OR Nail Grinder/Dremel (or both if you’d like), and styptic powder.
Short hair (labs, boxers, Pitbulls, etc.): Bristle brush. Optional: rubber or silicone bristle style curry comb for shedding or bathing. If your dog sheds you will also need: a Furminator.
Medium to long hair: Curry comb, slicker OR pin brush, rounded edge scissors (I prefer curved, but straight edge will work just fine), greyhound style comb. If your dog sheds you will also need: a Furminator, and an undercoat rake. Optional: force dryer and happy hoodie
Bristle Brush
Name: Bristle Brush
Description: This is a short to medium length brush with either a plastic or wooden handle and densely packed, nylon bristles (although there are natural boar bristle options available).
Uses: Bristle brushes are made to use on short haired dogs like labs, Staffordshire terriers, boxers, beagles, and other short-coated breeds. These brushes serve two purposes for our short haired friends: one, they help evenly distribute their natural skin oils and remove excess dirt, resulting in a healthy, shiny coat. Two, they help remove excess, or loose, coat to minimize and remove shedding in short-coated breeds.
How to use: Using a firm, but gentle pressure, brush the fur in the direction of growth until the desired result is achieved (or until your dog decides they’ve had enough).
Who would need this: If you have a short-coated breed such as a hound, lab, or boxer, then this brush is for you!
Cage Dryer
Name: Cage Dryer
Description: This is a large, loud, and powerful dryer, normally with a heating element, that is attached to the front of an enclosed cage (or placed in front of it) to speed the drying process, enable groomers or high volume chains to take multiple appointments, or to dry an otherwise uncooperative or dryer-aggressive dog. When used properly these types of dryers can be very useful, however in many grooming salons (especially high-volume chains or salons) proper safety procedures are not followed which can result in serious injury or death. These types of dryers are NOT utilized or recommended by our salon.
Uses: To speed the drying process, save time, or to dry an otherwise dryer-aggressive dog (if you specialize in grooming aggressive dogs cage dryers might be useful).
How to use: In order to use this piece of equipment safely, please follow the following procedures, and safety guidelines. Place the dog that needs to be dried into an appropriately sized cage. This means that they should be able to completely stand up (not hunched over), and be able to easily and comfortably turn around. To ensure adequate ventilation and to prevent overheating, we recommend that there be at least two open (slotted/screened) sides to whatever cage you are using, and no more than 3 open sides. Place the dryer at least a foot away from the cage you are using. If you must use the heating element on your cage dryer, we recommend using the lowest possible heat setting to prevent the dog from overheating. Check on the dog every 10-15 minutes while the dryer is on to make sure the dog is comfortable and not frightened. If the dog is scared, consider taking breaks and turning the dryer off for 10-15 minutes and offering treats or pets before resuming. We also recommend having a thermometer in/ near the cage and dryer so you can monitor the temperature. If the temperature goes above 85 F, either move the dryer further away from the cage, or turn the heating element off. If at any time the temperature goes above 90 F, turn the dryer off and wait for the temperature to return to a safe range (70-85 F).
Who would need this: High volume grooming chains/salons, or salons that specialize in grooming aggressive dogs. A typical pet owner will not need one of these, but it is important to know what they are and if your groomer uses one. Kylie’s Bubbles N’ Barks does NOT utilize these types of dryers. We do not have a link for this product as it is not one that we recommend!
Curry Comb
Name: Curry Comb
Description: This is a silicone or rubber paddle shaped brush that comes in two styles: bristled and coned. They may also come with a strap to help hold the brush securely in/on your hand, but the strap is not necessary.
Uses: The bristle style curry comb is good for short to medium haired breeds and is used to remove any excess or shedding coat. Additionally, the bristle style comb can help apply shampoo to short to medium haired breeds when bathing. However, this can also be done by hand without the need of a curry comb.
The coned style curry comb serves the same purposes but is made for longer haired breeds. The cone shaped, larger “bristles” help to prevent tangling and matting of long coats. I have found that for long haired dogs (especially Goldens and Collies) that having a cone style curry comb really helps to get the shampoo all the way down to the skin while not tangling their fur. This one from Kong is my favorite! It is easy to grip, doesn't slip out of your hand easily, and the cones are spaced perfectly.
How to use: To remove excess hair, use firm but gentle pressure and brush the fur in the direction of growth using the appropriate styled curry comb (bristled for short, coned for long). To apply shampoo using a curry comb, apply shampoo to your pets fur, and then using a back and forth motion, work the shampoo into the skin, ensuring it produces a good lather. For longer coated dogs, do NOT use these combs in a circular motion, as this can cause tangling or matting depending on your dog’s coat type, and coat condition. For short haired breeds, tangling is not as much of a concern and you may use a circular motion if you would like.
Who would need this: If you have a medium to long coated dog, a cone style curry comb is recommended for bathing and removing excess hair. For short haired breeds the bristle style curry comb is an optional, but sometimes useful tool.
Fluff Dryer
Name: Fluff Dryer
Description: This is a steady but gentle stand-alone dryer with a heating element used to dry small sections of a dog while the groomer line brushes the coat.
Uses: To fluff and dry the coat while freeing up the groomer’s hands so they can line brush the necessary sections. This is especially useful for doodles and poodles where a top knot, or fluff based cut is desired.
How to use: Turn on the dryer and angle it at the desired section. Ensure that the nozzle is far enough away that a starburst pattern is produced in the coat. Using a slicker or pin brush, brush the coat in the direction of growth in rapid succession to ensure that the hair dries as straight and fluffy as possible. As each section dries, adjust the dryer to a new section and repeat the process.
Who would need this: Groomers who specialize in poodles or doodles would find this tool very useful! However, this is not something that your average pet owner would need. If you are a groomer and you would like a fluff dryer, we recommend this one from Flying Pig Grooming.
Force Dryer
Name: Force Dryer, or Dog Dryer
Description: This is a powerful but gentle dryer with a heating element that helps to straighten and fluff the coat and speed drying times. This is NOT the same as a cage dryer, which can be dangerous when used in an enclosed space. Force dryers are safe and are the equivalent of using a strong hair dryer.
Uses: To fluff and dry the coat before grooming or after a bath, and to speed drying times. Also, when used to blow hair opposite the direction of growth (known as back blowing) it can remove loose and shedding hair.
How to use: Turn on the dryer and hold the nozzle far enough away that a starburst pattern is produced in the coat see below (note that this will only happen for medium to long haired breeds. For short haired breeds you may hold the nozzle closer to the skin). If you hold the nozzle too close, you can produce “whip knots” or “whip mats”, that normally need to be cut out. Work in sections moving the nozzle back and forth until that section is dry before moving on to the next section. To remove loose hair, angle the nozzle against the direction of hair growth, while still holding it at an appropriate distance.
Who would need this: If you have a medium to long coated dog, and you bathe them a lot at home, having a force dryer can be useful! However, these dryers do tend to be relatively expensive, so if you do not bathe your dog very often at home or if you prefer to let them air dry, you can get away with not having one (note, if you do let your dog air dry, be sure to brush them thoroughly afterwards to make sure there are not any tangles or mats in their coat.
The dryer pictured is from Flying Pig Grooming. Personally it's my favorite dryer! I've tried several different brands, some with too much power and others with not enough, but Flying Pig got it right and this is my top pick for a force dryer if you are looking for one at home or even for a grooming salon (it's the one we use in our salon)! It comes in three different colors (green, pink, and purple). Personally, I'm a purple kind of gal. Here is a link if you want to check it out.
Furminator or Shed Remover
Name: Furminator, Shed Remover, Stripping knife
Description: This is a thin blade with many tiny teeth usually attached to a handle of some kind.
Uses: To remove loose and shedding coat from dogs prone to shedding. However, this can also remove and damage live coat, and not just the dead undercoat.
How to use: Use firm but gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth to help remove unwanted undercoat. Do NOT use this against the grain, or against the direction of hair growth as that is painful for your pup!
Who would need this: If you have a dog who sheds, you will probably want one of these! You don’t have to buy the Furminator brand, there are others available too!
Pictured above is my off-brand recommendation for a shed remover. The Furminator brand has some awesome products (including their deshedding shampoo that smells just like a blue snow cone!) but personally I thought that their brand of shed remover was too expensive. Here is one that does the same job at less than half the price.
Greyhound style comb
Name: Greyhound Style Comb
Description: This is a metal comb with prongs that are either evenly spaced, or start far apart and get closer together.
Uses: These combs are EXTREMELY important if you have a dog with medium or long hair (we suggest the tapered combs, pictured). These combs help you check your brushing work, and will quickly let you know if your dog has a knot that just needs to be brushed out, or a mat that needs to be cut out.
How to use: After using a slicker brush or pin brush to line brush your dog’s coat, use the wide set side of your greyhound comb to do a final brush through in the direction of coat growth. After this brush through, use the narrow set side to check your pets coat for knots and mats. If you find a knot, brush it out with a slicker or pin brush, and then re-check your work using the narrow set side of your greyhound style comb. In the event that you find a mat, it is best to cut it out, and then brush the remaining fur with a slicker brush, and double check the area with the narrow set side of your greyhound style comb.
Who would need this: If you have a dog with a medium to long coat, you will need this! Checking your brush work with the greyhound style comb ensures that your dog is, and stays, mat free!
This comb from paw brothers is great! Alternatively you can get a set of round tip scissors that includes a greyhound comb; like this set here.
Hair Dryer/ Comb Dryer
Name: Hair Dryer/ Hair Dryer Comb Combo/ Comb Dryer
Description: This is a standard human grade hair dryer with various heat settings and optional attachments. Alternatively, there are hair dryer comb combos (pictured above) that are put out by brands like Revlon and Conair.
Uses: These smaller, less powerful dryers help groomers dry areas that may have been missed by the force dryer, or to help dry dogs who are more timid/scared of the louder noise of the force dryer. Additionally, the hair dryer comb combinations available from some brands, are very helpful in ensuring that the hair of long coated dogs (such as golden retrievers, Australian shepherds, boarder collies and others) is dried as straight as possible, to avoid curling and tangling. It can also serve as a substitute for a fluff dryer.
How to use: Using a firm, but gentle pressure, brush the fur in the direction of growth until the desired result is achieved (or until your dog decides they’ve had enough).
Who would need this: If you have a medium to long haired dog, who doesn’t like loud noises, then this dryer is for you! Whether you are a groomer or a pet owner, these can be particularly useful when you don’t want your wet dog rubbing themselves all over your carpet. Revlon has this dryer that is particularly good! It is very quiet, and has pin-brush style coverings on the bristles so you don't have to worry about brush burn.
Happy Hoodie/ Ear cover
Name: Happy Hoodie/ Ear cover
Description: This is a fabric cover that sits snugly over your dogs’ ears while you use a dryer to dry them after a bath. You can either buy the Happy Hoodie brand or DIY with an ace bandage (or vet wrap) and a tea towel.
Uses: The Happy Hoodie or Ear cover helps to calm down nervous dogs. Additionally, it helps protect your dogs hearing if you are using a dryer that makes loud noises or is very forceful. You should NEVER blow air directly into your dogs’ ears.
How to use: If using the Happy Hoodie, slip it over your dogs’ muzzle and slide it until it is resting snugly over their ears. If doing the DIY version, first gently wrap your dogs head in a tea towel (this prevents pinching from the ace bandage or vet wrap), and then secure snugly using an ace bandage or some vet wrap. The wrap should be tight enough that it won’t easily slide off, but should be loose enough that you can slide at least two fingers between the ace bandage and tea towel. Think of it like a secure hug.
Who would need this: If you have a rescue dog, or a dog who is timid around loud noises or dryers, and you plan on drying them at home, we would recommend either buying a happy hoodie, or doing the DIY version. Here is a link for the happy hoodie, and here is one for our favorite ace bandage with velcro. I've got 6 of these ace bandages I love them so much!
Mat cutter
Name: Mat Cutter
Description: This is a tool used to cut large mats into smaller pieces and it comes in two styles: the rake style, and the razor, or single blade style. The rake style is the safer of the two options, and is what I would recommend using if you have a dog that mats easily.
Uses: The mat cutter is used to cut large mats into smaller pieces which makes them easier and less painful to remove from the coat. In most cases you can remove a mat using only a mat cutter.
How to use: If using the rake style mat cutter, place your thumb on the thumb guard and gently guide the mat cutter through the coat. If at any point the mat cutter gets stuck, apply firm and quick “tugs” to the stuck area. This should remove any small to medium sized mats. If this “tugging” action is causing discomfort for the dog, stop and remove the mat with scissors. If using the razor style mat cutter, slide the prong behind the mat, and then guide the blade through the mat. This will not remove the mat, but cuts it into smaller pieces that can then be brushed out. This style of mat cutter is more dangerous as it does not have any guards and can easily cut any skin that gets in the way of the blade. We do not recommend using the razor style mat cutter unless you are an experienced groomer.
Who would need this: Groomers or owners of dogs who mat extremely easily. We only recommend the rake style mat cutter for pet owners. This one is our favorite! It is affordable and has a thumb guard to keep your thumb safe! Careful, as these do come VERY sharp.
Nail clippers
Name: Nail Clippers
Description: This is a tool used to keep your dog’s nails at a healthy and safe length, and comes in two styles: scissor style, and guillotine style. The scissor style has two sharpened edges move horizontally to cut the nail, while a guillotine style moves vertically.
Uses: To trim growth off of dog nails to keep them at a safe and healthy length.
How to use: Place the blades at the desired cutting location, below the quick of your dogs’ nail, and cut. For more detailed instructions, please see our post on paw and nail care (coming next week)!
Who would need this: Everyone who owns a dog will either need nail clippers or a nail grinder! If you dog is sensitive to noise and vibrations you might to better with nail clippers than a grinder. Personally, I like the scissor style nail clippers as it makes it easier to see where you are cutting, which makes you less likely to quick your dog.
These clippers from paw brothers are my absolute favorite. The handles and blades are sturdy enough to cut through thicker nails easily, and they stay sharp for a long time.
Nail grinder/Dremel
Name: Nail Grinder or Nail Dremel
Description: This is a tool used to keep your dog’s nails at a healthy and safe length. It removes nail length using a low grit sandpaper (similar to a rough nail file) and a strong motor.
Uses: To trim growth off of dog nails to keep them at a safe and healthy length. Or, to round out the edges of nails previously cut by nail clippers.
How to use: Turn on the grinder/Dremel to the highest speed setting your dog will tolerate and file the nail to the desired length (just below the quick). Alternatively, you can use this to round out the edges of nails that have been previously cut by nail clippers so the nail does not seem as sharp. For more detailed instructions, please see our post on nail and paw care (coming next week)!
Who would need this: Everyone who owns a dog will either need nail clippers or a nail grinder! If your dog is freaked out by nail clippers (like mine), you may be better off using a nail grinder. (This is the one we use in our salon. We LOVE it! The motor is very strong and lasts for YEARS). Additionally, if your dog has extra thick nails (as is the case in some large breeds), you may find that it is more comfortable for both you and your dog if you use a grinder rather than nail clippers.
Pin brush
Name: Pin Brush
Description: This is a paddle style brush with metal bristles that have plastic caps attached at the end to prevent brushing injury (this is especially useful if you are letting your small children brush the dog).
Uses: The pin brush is used to detangle fur, remove excess coat, prevent matting, and to help remove established mats.
How to use: Start with a small section of fur (preferably on a paw, or leg), and using one hand, hold the fur in the opposite direction of its growth. Using the pin brush, gently brush small “lines” of fur in the direction of growth, ensuring that you brush all the way down to the skin (just brushing the top layer of your dogs’ fur will NOT prevent mats, and actually encourages their formation). As you are brushing, move your fur holding hand further up the section you are working on (to hold back the hair), until you have completely brushed your dog. Check your brush work using a greyhound style comb, starting at the skin, and combing outwards.
Who would need this: If you have a dog with medium to long hair, you will need either a pin brush or a slicker brush (same brush just without the protective caps at the end of the bristles). If you are letting your young children brush the dog, I would suggest a pin brush over a slicker brush to avoid “brush burn”, which is a rash caused by brushing too hard.
This pin brush is our favorite! It is small enough to thoroughly brush paws and legs without being too cumbersome. The bristles are also at the right angle to help make detangling easier.
Round Tip scissors (curved and straight)
Name: Ball Point Scissors, or Round tip scissors
Description: These are scissors with very sharp blades, but with protective rounded tips at the end. These types of scissors come in two styles, curved and straight edge.
Uses: Because these scissors have the protective rounded tips, they are particularly useful for trimming around the face (because we all know how well dogs hold still!).
How to use: Holding gently onto a part of your dogs’ beard to minimize head movement, use the round tip scissors to cut any excess hair under their eyes (to prevent eye crusties or “boogies” and tear stains) and to trim their beard. These scissors can also be used to trim around the paws (this is where the curved variety come in handy). You can cut either with or against the direction of growth, but do not cut across the length of hair (nothing horrible happens, it just looks very choppy).
Who would need this: If you have a dog with medium to long hair, you will either need to trim your dogs’ facial hair yourself every 2-3 weeks, or you will need to take them into a groomer for a “mini groom” to neaten everything up for you.
This is a great starter set. It comes with the curved, straight edge, and thinning shears AND it has a greyhound style comb as well!
Because groomers deal with a higher volume and use their scissors more often, they need blades that will stay sharp longer. If you are a groomer and are looking for a recommendation, I LOVE my Tattoo Silver set from Ryan's Pet supplies (so much that I actually have TWO sets)! They stay sharp for a very long time and are just the right size. They do the job just fine so I don't see the use in spending more than what this set costs. Some brands have a single set of shears that goes for the price of the WHOLE set . . . too much money in my opinion.
Slicker brush
Name: Slicker Brush
Description: This is a paddle style brush with metal bristles (similar to the pin brush but without the protective caps).
Uses: The slicker brush is used to detangle fur, remove excess coat, prevent matting, and to help remove established mats.
How to use: Start with a small section of fur (preferably on a paw, or leg), and using one hand, hold the fur in the opposite direction of its growth. Using the slicker brush, gently brush small “lines” of fur in the direction of growth, ensuring that you brush all the way down to the skin (just brushing the top layer of your dogs’ fur will NOT prevent mats, and may encourage their formation). As you are brushing, move your fur holding hand further up the section you are working on (to hold back the hair), until you have completely brushed your dog. Check your brush work using a greyhound style comb, starting at the skin, and combing outwards.
Who would need this: If you have a dog with medium to long hair, you will need either a pin brush or a slicker brush. If you are letting your young children brush the dog, I would suggest a pin brush over a slicker brush to avoid “brush burn”, which is a rash caused by brushing too hard. Need a recommendation? This one is our favorite as it is self cleaning!
Styptic Powder (Quick Stop/ Kwik stop)
Name: Styptic Powder or Quick Stop or Kwik Stop
Description: This is a yellow or grey powder with many natural additives that quickly stops bleeding and prevents infection.
Uses: To stop bleeding from a quicked nail (a nail cut too short), a bite wound, or any minor to moderate cut. Styptic powder is a MUST for any pet owner and should be in your pets’ first aid kit. It works on people too!
How to use: There are two methods for applying styptic powder. Method one: take a pinch of styptic powder from the container and quickly press it firmly into the nail or wound. It does sting, so your dog may flinch a little. This is the method I prefer to use, as it is less messy and doesn’t contaminate your main container. Method two: take the quicked nail and press it into the jar or container of styptic powder. I do not like this method as it gets blood and other debris into your main container, however it is your choice as to which method you use to apply the powder.
Who would need this: Everyone who owns a dog or even a cat should have some styptic powder on hand for accidental mis-clips of nails or minor wounds that can occur. While there are DIY versions out there (like cornstarch or flour), I do not recommend them. Real styptic powder has coagulating agents and other ingredients designed to permanently stop bleeding and prevent infection in the wound. Cornstarch and flour do not. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you do not have any styptic powder on hand, but need to stop bleeding from a minor to moderate wound immediately, cornstarch and flour will do the trick. This will not work for serious injuries. If your dog is seriously injured and is bleeding heavily, please seek immediate veterinary care!
This is our preferred brand of styptic powder, called Kwik-Stop. One jar will last a LONG time (we've had ours for over two years)!
Thinning shears/ blenders
Name: Thinning Shears, Chunkers, or Blenders
Description: These are scissors with one slotted blade, and one straight edge blade.
Uses: These scissors are used to help blend different lengths of fur together, or to smooth out a dogs hair cut.
How to use: Using a “pinch and pull” motion, blend and smooth the edges of the desired area, with the straight edge blade closest to the fur. You can cut either with or against the direction of growth, but do not cut across the length of hair (nothing horrible happens, it just looks very choppy which can ruin all your hard work).
Who would need this: Groomers. Pet owner’s will not need thinning shears, but it is always good to know what your groomer is using on your pup!
Undercoat Rake
Name: Undercoat rake
Description: This is a paddle with a handle that has dull rods attached that help reach under the guard coat (top, protective coat), and remove the dead undercoat.
Uses: To remove loose and shedding undercoat from dogs prone to shedding. These will work on medium to long coated breeds, but will not work on short haired breeds.
How to use: Use firm but gentle strokes against the direction of hair growth. Because the tines/rods are spaced far apart and only remove the loose coat (not the live coat), this will not hurt your dog, but WILL help keep all that hair off your furniture! This one from Amazon is inexpensive yet effective.
Who would need this: If you have a medium to long coated dog who sheds, you will probably want one of these! It helps get out a TON of loose hair and dead undercoat.
Now, this list does not include ALL grooming tools available to groomers or pet parents, but it does include the most commonly used ones, the ones you will NEED as a pet parent, and all the ones we use at Kylie’s Bubbles N’ Barks!
Is there a tool that you would like included on the list? Or one that you would like more information about? Tell us in the comments below!