If you have decided that you would like to groom your own dog you will need to choose the correct dog grooming tools to enable you to carry out this necessary task satisfactorily. By doing this task yourself you will undoubtedly save yourself the money you would otherwise spend to have a professional dog groomer groom your pet, but just think of the complete satisfaction you will get from keeping your four-legged friend looking his best.

The majority of dogs have almost identical requirements when it comes to grooming. Some however might require some additional equipment for example a rake or mat-rake for those dogs that happen to be susceptible to getting their coats in a tangle.

My suggestions for some dog grooming tools that will help you keep your dog looking his best are as follows:

• Brushes and Combs. Similar to us humans, dogs too have various types of hair. Some types of hair are more likely to matt as it is long and silky in structure and other types are short and stiff. Fortunately numerous varieties of bushes, such as bristle and pin types, and combs are available, suitable for all sorts of hair types.


• Shampoo - There are many types of shampoo available and you must choose carefully to ensure you use one that will be suitable for the kind of hair your dog has and how sensitive his skin is. If he has sensitive skin an oatmeal shampoo should be suitable, or if your dog has a skin condition or coat issues then use a medicated one. As it is highly unlikely that your dog will remain perfectly still whilst you shampoo him it is advisable to use a shampoo that will not sting your dogs eyes. If you have any doubts or worries as to which shampoo will be suitable, contact your veterinarian for advice.


• Ear Grooming - It is very important when you are grooming your dog that you do not overlook his ears. You will need to use ear cleaners, cotton balls and in the case of any ear infections, medications that your veterinarian has prescribed. On no account ever use peroxide.


• Clippers -You will find that not every dog will require clippers it will depend on the breed of dog. Generally short-haired dogs like Chihuahuas for example will not require clipping or shaving whilst dogs whose hair grows long, like Shih Tzus, require clipping regularly in order to avoid their hair becoming tangled and matted.


• Nail Trimmers - There are many types and styles of nail trimmers available which can help you and make the job easier and less distressing for your dog, when you trim his nails, but ask your veterinarian for their guidance regarding what kinds of nail trimmers are most suitable for your dog and how best to make use them correctly.


• Ensure that the trimmers you use are sharp

• Start by sniping just a little at a time starting from the tip of the nail. As soon as you begin to see the pale pink tissue at the top of the nail, STOP cutting. Examine the edge of the nail you have just cut and smooth the cut edge with a nail file.


• You must avoid cutting directly into the quick as it is made up of nerves and blood vessels which will be painful if cut and will bleed profusely.


• With white nails the quick is more easily seen as it is the pink section of the nail however on dark nails it is far more difficult to see so more care is necessary.


• Should you be unfortunate and cause the nail to start to bleeding, pressure should be applied using styptic powder or alternatively a baby powder or cotton.


• Do not wipe away any blood clot that forms when the nail stops bleeding as this is a natural blood clotting process to stop bleeding.


• Do not forget the dewclaw which is located on the inside of you dog's leg because it wares away less compared to the other nails due to not touching the ground.Try to get into a routine of cutting your dogs nails once or twice a month as this will prevent the quick lengthening. If this is overlooked the nails can become ingrowing which will be extremely painful for your dog.

Heed the following advice.

If you are nervous or unsure of your ability to cut your dogs nails or perhaps you have not cut them since he was a puppy, just take your pet to the veterinarian where the correct method of cutting your dog's nails can be shown to you or if you decide it can be done for you.

Don't forget after you finish cutting his nails to give your dog plenty of praise and a treat.

Under no circumstances use nail clippers intended for use on humans.

The above gives you an idea of what you will need to familiarise yourself with if you decide to undertake the grooming of your dog. Use of the correct items will make looking after your dog's grooming needs much easier and you will get much pleasure and satisfaction from ensuring that your dog look good.

A favourable bond will be strengthened between you and your dog by you undertaking the grooming of your pet yourself and therefore it is essential that you select dog grooming products that will make it easier for your dog to relax and enjoy this time with you.

Contact your veterinarian to discuss any special needs your type and breed of dog might have that may possibly require specific dog grooming products to be purchased.

If you want to save the expense on paying for your dog to be groomed professionally then it is something you can undertake yourself. By getting the correct tools for the job in hand and taking advice where needed you will have a well groomed dog to be proud of and the satisfaction of having done it yourself.

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