Essential Tools in the Home Grooming Kit

Regular grooming is more than just keeping your dog looking their best—it’s also about supporting their health and comfort. A thoughtful home grooming routine helps reduce shedding, prevents painful matting, and allows you to check your dog’s skin, nails, and overall condition in between professional grooming visits. The good news is, you can put together an effective grooming kit with products easily found at your local pet shop. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most important tools and products to have on hand, along with a few tips for using them.

Slicker Brush – Your Grooming Essential

A slicker brush is one of the most versatile tools in a dog grooming kit. Recognisable by its fine, angled wire bristles, it’s designed to remove loose fur, dirt, and light tangles. Whether your dog has a long, fluffy coat or a short double coat, a slicker brush helps prevent mats and keeps fur looking neat.

When brushing, the technique matters. Start at the ends of the fur and work your way slowly towards the skin. This “layer brushing” method reduces tugging and makes sessions more comfortable for your dog. For breeds with thick coats, gentle, patient brushing with a slicker brush not only reduces shedding around the house but also stimulates the skin’s natural oils, promoting a healthier coat overall.

Combs – For Spot Checks and Tangle Hunting

While combs aren’t designed to replace brushes, they are incredibly important for checking the work you’ve done. After brushing with a slicker, run a metal comb through the coat to see if it glides smoothly from root to tip. If it catches, that’s a sign there’s still matting or tangling beneath the surface.

Combs are particularly handy for dogs with furnishings (the feathered fur on legs, tails, and behind the ears) where mats often form. They’re also the primary tool for certain wire-coated breeds, where hand-stripping or combing is the go-to grooming technique. For most pet owners, a comb is best used as a secondary check rather than the daily tool of choice.

Shampoos and Conditioners – The Foundation of Coat Care

A high-quality shampoo and conditioner are the backbone of coat maintenance. Using human products isn’t recommended, as they can disrupt a dog’s skin pH balance and cause irritation. Instead, look for gentle, nourishing products specially developed for dogs.

Two standout shampoos from the HoundFolk range often find their way into the kits of professionals and home groomers alike:

• HoundFolk 4 Puppy range – Ideal for sensitive skin and puppies, this sulphate-free formula cleanses without stripping essential oils, leaving coats soft and fresh. It’s great for frequent washing or for breeds prone to skin irritation.

• HoundFolk Right Balance range – Designed for dogs who love to get dirty, this version tackles dirt, oils, and that unmistakable “doggy odour” without being harsh on the skin. Perfect after muddy walks or swims.

Pairing a good shampoo with a conditioner ensures the coat remains hydrated and tangle-resistant. HoundFolk range of Conditioners are an excellent option. It softens even the densest coats, making brushing easier and leaving fur silky and more manageable. For dogs prone to knots or breakage, conditioner isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Detangling Sprays – Your Time-Saving Secret

A quality detangling or conditioning spray is like having an extra set of hands. The HoundFolk Keratin Spray is particularly well-loved because it helps hydrate dry hair while also loosening tangles, making brushing much less of a battle. A light mist before brushing or post-bath conditioning session can greatly reduce discomfort for your dog and frustration for you. Regular use also helps protect against static and coat breakage.

Nail Clippers – An Often Overlooked Essential

Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect posture, and even lead to joint issues if left unchecked. A sturdy, good-quality pair of nail clippers should be part of every grooming kit. Guillotine-style clippers are easy for beginners, while scissor-style are often preferred for thicker nails. Whichever you choose, pair your clippers with a styptic powder (to stop bleeding in case of an accidental quick trim) so you can clip with confidence.

Remember to trim little and often rather than waiting until nails are long and more difficult to cut.

If you'd prefer to let us handle clipping your dog's nails, we're more than happy to do it at any time, not just during grooming sessions.

Other Handy Additions to the Kit

• Ear Cleaner: Keeping ears clean reduces the risk of infection, especially for floppy-eared breeds.

• Toothbrush and Pet-Safe Toothpaste: Dental health is tied to overall wellbeing, so getting your dog comfortable with tooth brushing is a wise investment.

• Microfibre Towels: Quicker to dry than traditional towels and less bulky than a dryer, a couple of absorbent towels are practical for post-bath cleanup.

• Grooming Scissors: Rounded-tip safety scissors are great for tidying up wispy hair around eyes and paws.

Building Your Kit, Building Your Bond

A well-equipped grooming kit isn’t just about appearances—it’s about your dog’s health and comfort. Slicker brushes prevent mats, combs help you spot trouble areas, and high-quality bath products keep skin and coat in peak condition. Adding in detangling sprays, nail clippers, and a few optional extras means you’re ready to handle grooming needs between professional visits.

Most importantly, these tools help transform grooming time into bonding time. When done regularly and gently, grooming becomes a ritual your dog looks forward to—full of praise, treats, and calm handling. With the right tools from your local pet shop, keeping your dog’s coat healthy and beautiful is something every pet owner can achieve at home.

Disclaimer

The content, advice, products, and services provided on this blog are based on the professional experience of Masters Pet Grooming and its staff. All information is provided in good faith for general informational purposes only.

Any misuse, neglect of instructions, or intentional harm carried out by individuals—including failing to follow the directions of qualified professionals such as veterinarians, dieticians, physiotherapists, or other licensed practitioners—is considered unsafe, unwarranted, and strongly discouraged. Users are reminded to always follow the instructions of their professional care provider and comply with manufacturer guidelines when using any product or service.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable Victorian and Australian law, Masters Pet Grooming, its staff, and its affiliates accept no liability for any injury, loss, or damage arising from:

• reliance on information provided on this blog without seeking appropriate professional advice;

• failure to follow directions from a qualified professional or manufacturer;

• any action taken that falls outside the scope of our guidance.

By using this blog, you acknowledge that professional judgment, as given by a licensed veterinarian, healthcare provider, or other qualified specialist, should always take precedence over general advice. Masters Pet Grooming and its affiliates expressly disclaim all liability for actions taken contrary to these directions.