DIY Dog Grooming: Tips for Cost-Effective At-Home Care

If you are struggling to secure a professional groomer or are seeking cost-effective alternatives for dog grooming, you are in the right place at the right time. Discover essential home grooming tips, offering a practical and economical approach for dog owners. Make the initial investment work for you and enjoy the convenience of grooming your dog at home. 

The tools you'll require will vary significantly based on your dog's coat type. We've compiled a list of essential as well as advanced tools suitable for use with most coat varieties. 

• Nail clippers (specifically for dogs) and/or Dremel grinder  
• Styptic pencil (for accidental nail bleeding)  
• Ear Cleaner   
• Cotton balls and/or soft, reusable cloth squares  
• Shampoo (specifically for dogs) and conditioner (optional, specifically for dogs)  
• Microfiber towel  
• Rubber-bristled brush, wire slicker, steel comb and/or de-shedding tool 

More advanced tools: 

• Blunt ended (round tip) shears for trimming eyes and face  
• Dog clippers  
• Grooming table with arm to secure your pet 
• Blast or stand dryer 

Tips for trimming your dog’s coat at home: 

• Easy-Care Short Coats: Dogs with short coats tend to be low maintenance and not require clipping, however short coats are more prone to shedding. To maintain a healthy shiny coat, brush regularly to remove dry skin and loose hairs. Brushing will also stimulate the coats natural oils. Bathe occasionally (every 3-4 weeks) 
• Curly or Dense Coats Need Trimming: Dogs with these types of coats require regular clipping (every 4-6 weeks). They also need to be thoroughly dried if they are bathed or get wet outdoors as their coats are prone to matting 
• Long Haired or silky Coats: Dogs with silky or long coats require daily brushing to prevent matting. Most Pet owners opt to keep these types of coats at a medium length, so they are more manageable. 

Maintaining your dog's coat at home can be manageable, even with longer coat, but it requires some regular care and attention. 

Nail Care:  

Dog's paws and nails come in all shapes and sizes and therefore the frequency of nail trimming will differ for each pet. As a guide you shouldn’t be able to hear your dog's paws making loud sounds as they walk on hard flooring. The claws should not protrude far over the pad and there should be a small gap between the nail and the floor when they are stood upright.