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Grooming your dog isn’t just about keeping her clean. And it’s not all about looks, either! Regular grooming helps maintain your dog’s health, and it’s also a great way to spend time and bond with your dog. Make your grooming session quick and effective—even enjoyable—by using the high-quality grooming supplies favored by professionals.
When we think of grooming supplies, we tend to think of popular pet products for consumers, such as the Furminator and grooming gloves. However, there’s a broader world of grooming supplies out there beloved by the pros.
Professional groomers use time-tested, durable dog grooming equipment that stands up to frequent use for everything from de-shedding to eye care, ear care, and odor control.
Groomers also tend to know what works, not just what’s trendy. With that in mind, we’ve researched the best professional dog grooming tools you can use at home.
Before You Shop for Grooming Supplies
All dogs need regular coat care to look, feel, and smell their best. Even the so-called hypoallergenic breeds benefit from a regular schedule of skin-stimulating brushing, nail trims, and oral care.
Long-haired breeds and dogs with double, curly, or unusual coats will need more frequent grooming and may require some special tools to look their best.
Before you start collecting dog grooming supplies, research the grooming requirements of your dog’s breed. We have in-depth guides to grooming your Siberian Husky and Yorkshire Terrier, for example.
Professional groomers recommend these essentials for most dogs (and their people):
- Dog shampoo and bathing tools to clean your dog’s coat (natural pet shampoos are available)
- Combs to detangle fur, remove mats, and promote shiny coats
- Bristled or rubber pet brush for removing undercoat and smoothing fur on shorthaired dogs
- Clipper and/or shears to trim long hair
- Nail grinder to safely file nails (rather than a nail trimmer)
Once you know what you need, read on for our recommendations for the best professional pet grooming supplies and tools.
8 Essential Dog Grooming Supplies
1. Flying Pig Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Grooming Table with Arm
You may be wondering: do I really need a grooming table? Many people get by without one at home. But if your pet requires regular grooming, a professional-quality table can be a huge help.
This sturdy, steel-framed table holds up to 300 pounds and has nonskid feet and a non-slip tabletop for extra security. The adjustable grooming arm has a loop that holds your dog in place while you brush, trim, and beautify their coat. And the built-in basket keeps all your grooming supplies in arm’s reach.
The table comes in three sizes—select the one that best fits your pet.
Find on Chewy2. Waterpik Pet Wand Pro Dog Shower Attachment
Shhh, don’t tell your dog, but bathing is a big part of quality pet care.
Pros love handheld shower attachments because they allow for more control when bathing and rinsing dogs, from a pint-sized peanut to a lovable giant. If you’ve been using the old bath-and-bucket method of washing your dog in the tub, this tool could change your life!
The WaterPik model comes highly-rated by groomers and at-home bathers alike. It includes adapters and hoses to connect to your shower, utility sink, or outdoor faucet.
Find on Chewy3. High-Velocity Pet Grooming Dryer
Have you been using your hairdryer to dry off your dog after a bath? You won’t believe the difference a pet-specific dryer makes. Professional groomers rely on “HV dryers” to speed along the drying process.
This small-but-mighty model from Flying Pig has a 10-foot hose, so the base (and noise) aren’t too close to your dog. It comes with a filter and two different nozzles for a concentrated stream of air.
Shop on Chewy4. Andis Professional Animal Grooming Clippers
If you’re deciding where to splurge on grooming supplies, start here. When it comes to dog clippers, pros know best. Cheap electric trimmers may get you through one or two grooming sessions, but if your dog needs regular grooming, it’s worth it to invest in a professional model that will last. The key is in the quality of the clipper blade.
Andis is one of the most popular clipper brands among professional groomers because of their durability and versatility. The detachable blades let you switch out sizes for different coats. And the long, heavy-duty cord makes it easy to maneuver around your dog. This model comes especially recommended for poodles. Wahl is another highly-regarded brand for clippers to consider.
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon5. ConairPro Dog Nail Grinder
Nail care for your dog can be tricky. Many professional groomers prefer nail grinders to nail clippers or trimmers. That’s because rotary tools gradually sand down the nail without risk of cutting too close to the quick. And lots of dogs are more comfortable with grinders once they get used to them.
The ConairPro corded model, known for its durability and strength, comes with interchangeable stone/sander attachments.
Find on Chewy6. Andis Straight Shears
Ordinary scissors aren’t sharp or precise enough to safely trim your dog’s fur and aren’t ideal for a quality coat-care routine.
These professional grooming shears have stainless-steel blades and an ergonomic handle. Use them to trim around your pup’s toes, ears, and other areas where precision counts.
In addition to straight sheets (right- or left-handed), Andis’ line of shears includes curved and ball-tipped shears,
Buy on Chewy7. Slicker Brush
Professional groomers use slicker brushes to remove dead hair build-up—which really helps shine up your dog’s coat and reduce shedding. This model has a soft-grip handle for safe and comfortable grooming.
Buy on Chewy8. Andis Steel Pet Comb
You can pick up a dog comb at any pet supply store, but professional groomers swear by these easy-to-clean stainless-steel models. Use them on long-haired dogs to remove tangles, mats, loose hair, and dirt. Or, run them across short coats for a finishing shine. This is one tool every professional groomer carries in their kit.
Buy on ChewyFurther Reading
When you’re ready to tackle some serious grooming sessions with your dog, we have some background materials. These articles will help both of you enjoy the experience.
- How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth (and Keep All Your Fingers)
- 14 Tools for Pet Hair Removal
- How To Keep Dogs Calm While Grooming
- How Often Should I Groom My Dog?
- Dog Eye Gunk: What It Is, How You Should Clean It, and When to Get Worried
- How to Teach Your Dog to Love Grooming, from the Brush to the Nail Clippers