Grooming shelves are full of gadgets, but most dogs need only a handful of tools for regular care at home. Start with the basics below, learn your dog's coat, and add specialist tools only if you find you need them.
1. A slicker brush
The everyday workhorse. Its fine wire pins remove loose hair and work out small tangles before they become mats. Brush in the direction the hair grows, in short, gentle strokes, and never press the pins hard into the skin.
2. A metal comb
After brushing, run a comb through the coat. If it glides through to the skin, you're done; if it catches, there's a tangle the brush missed. A wide-tooth side for body hair and a fine-tooth comb for the face, ears and paws cover most dogs.
3. A rubber bath brush
Use it in the bath to work shampoo down to the skin and loosen shed hair. Many dogs enjoy the massage, which makes bath time easier for both of you.
4. A nail clipper
Nails that click on the floor are usually too long. Trim just the tip, a little at a time, and avoid the quick (the pink part you can see in light-colored nails). If you're unsure, take less off more often. Our guide on how often to trim dog nails covers the details.
5. Grooming scissors
For tidying the hair around paws, eyes and the rear end. Rounded tips are safer near the face. Keep the dog calm and still, and never cut into a mat close to the skin: comb it out or ask a groomer.
6. A dog toothbrush
Use dog toothpaste only (never human toothpaste) and start slowly, a few teeth at a time. A double-ended brush helps reach both front and back teeth.
What you can skip at first
- Electric clippers: useful for full haircuts on long-coated breeds, but they take practice. Many owners leave full cuts to a groomer and handle the in-between care at home.
- Specialist deshedding tools: helpful for heavy double coats in shedding season. Try regular brushing first; see our deshedding guide.
- Grinders: an alternative to clippers for nails; nice to have, not essential.
Keep it calm and short
Short, regular sessions of 10–15 minutes with treats and praise work better than a long session once a month. Our at-home grooming routine walks through a full session step by step.
Everything in one case: the Complete At-Home Grooming Kit includes a slicker brush, rubber bath brush, two combs, a nail clipper, grooming scissors, a double-ended toothbrush and a travel bowl in one zip case, plus our free step-by-step guide. Free US shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
This article is general grooming advice, not veterinary advice. For skin, ear or nail problems, talk to your vet.