
From the smoothest Doberman to the fluffiest Collie, all dogs benefit from regular grooming. PETCO has every dog grooming tool you need to keep your pet beautiful and healthy.
Brushes
Not only does brushing remove dirt, debris, dead hair and tangles, it stimulates the production of oils in the skin and distributes these oils throughout the coat. Consistent brushing can alleviate some dry skin problems.
| Type of Brush |
Description |
PETCO Suggestions |
| Rubber Brushes, Mitts and Curries |
- Should be used on shorthaired coats
- Work well on the faces of all short- to medium-hair animals
- Can be used to shampoo and scrub most coats
- Loosen dead hair, oil, skin and dirt
|
|
| Bristle Brushes |
- Are used on short, straight-haired coats and are not effective on curly-haired dogs
- Have soft and gentle bristles
- Are desirable for a smooth and shiny coat
|
|
| Pin Brushes |
- Should be used on double, long and full coats
- Are gentler to the pet than slicker brushes
- Can be used more frequently and will help in preventing split ends
- Some have rounded ends to protect the skin
|
|
| Slicker Brushes |
- Are the most common
- Should be used on medium to fine coats
- Are used in much the same way as pin brushes but may be more effective in removing thick undercoats and breaking up mats
- Come in several sizes and varieties
|
|
Combs
Combs are required for all medium to long coats. They should be used in conjunction with brushes rather than as a substitute. Start with wider-tooth combs for thicker coats and thinner-tooth combs for thin coats.
| Type of Comb |
Description |
PETCO Suggestions |
| Flea Combs |
- Can be used on all dogs
- Are used to determine if fleas exist and to remove any fleas and flea dirt
- If fleas are found, should be dipped into soapy water or flea spray after use
- Can be used after a thorough combing with a medium- to fine-tooth comb
|
|
| Mat Combs |
- Are used on long and dense coats
- Have blades that cut through the mats so should be used only for difficult mats
- Must be used carefully to avoid injuring the animal
|
|
| Long Tooth Rakes |
- Are used on medium, long and dense coats
- Are used to remove dead and loose hair
- Remove lots of hair, so are recommended for use outdoors or in easy-to-clean areas
|
|
| Shedding Tools |
- Are used on short and wiry coats to remove dead and excess hair
- Have one side that removes the hair and another that works as a squeegee to remove excess water from the coat after bathing
|
|
Nail Care
Keeping a pet's nails trimmed is part of being a responsible pet parent and should be part of the regular grooming routine. If a dog's nails are long enough to touch the ground while the dog is standing upright, they need to be trimmed. When nails are too long, they force the foot backwards, contributing to structural damages such as flat or turned outward feet, as well as broken nails that bleed.
A grooming professional can trim your dog's nails, or you can handle the task yourself. If you would like to trim them yourself, cut the nail below the quick (the blood vessels and nerves inside the nail) at a 45-degree angle. On a light-colored nail it is easy to see the pink quick, but on a dark-colored nail it is important to only take small sections of the nail off at a time. If the quick is cut, it could bleed profusely, and a nail trimmed too short may cause some discomfort to your pet. If this happens, wipe off the excess blood immediately. Use
styptic powder and nail files to stop the bleeding and get the last part of the nail without risking a trim through the quick.
Electric Clippers
Electric clippers speed up the job compared to using standard scissors and can give the coat a more even appearance. It is important to choose an electric clipper that is powerful enough for grooming the specific type of animal.
| Product |
Description |
PETCO Suggestions |
| Electromagnetic Motor Clippers |
- Are great for light duty clipping and trimming
- Are very economical
- Are the quietest clippers available
- Have fewer moving parts
- Allow for very low maintenance and long life
|
|
| Pivot Motor Clippers |
- Have an electromagnetic motor, with a different configuration
- Have a motor that does all the work, giving them more power
- Have blades that can be sharpened to provide years of service
- Are middle quality and best for most pet parents
|
|
| Rotary Motor Clippers |
- Offer ten times the power and are designed for heavy-coated and multi-coated pets
- Are great for medium to heavy-duty clipping jobs, producing high power at relatively low cost
|
|
| Professional Clippers |
- Offer a rotary gear-driven motor with a blade attachment, so blades can be attached quickly and easily while grooming to achieve a wide variety of cut lengths
- Are helpful in the different grooming requirements of the various breeds
|
|
Skin and Coat Care
The condition of a pet's skin and coat can be an indication of the general well being of the animal. To have a healthy skin and coat, the pet must have proper nutrition and medical care. The pet must also be free from parasites and receive regular grooming appropriate to the pet's needs.
Skin and coat supplements provide essential fatty acids to benefit and improve a dry skin and coat. These products must be used daily in the proper ratio to ensure some results in two to three weeks. In addition, PETCO offers many premium nutrition foods specially formulated for skin and coat that will help with this problem.
PETCO also carries lotions and shampoos that help relieve itching, sooth irritation, prevent infections and put moisture back into dry skin.
The purpose of a shampoo is to remove unwanted dirt and oil. Shampoos should be chosen carefully, and human products should never be used on a pet. The pH balance is crucial for an animal, and anything other than animal shampoo may cause serious skin disorders.
| Product |
Description |
PETCO Suggestions |
| Conditioning Shampoos |
- Are used for mild dryness
- Condition and moisturize the coat
- Add luster and sheen
- Help the skin and coat retain moisture without greasiness
- Should be used on dogs that are bathed frequently
|
|
| Medicated/Antiseptic Shampoos |
- Are generally good for problems such as dermatitis, seborrhea, eczema and dry, flaky skin
- Are good for red, irritated skin
- Help prevent infection and aid in keeping bacteria from spreading
|
|
| Whitening Shampoos |
- Generally use "bluing," which helps remove the dingy yellowing on white coats
- Work by making the hair more reflective, which enhances the natural color of the coat
|
|
| Flea Shampoos |
- Clean the animal and kill existing fleas
- Generally have little residual effect
- Need to be worked in well all over the body and left on for at least ten minutes before rinsing
- Should be used in accordance with age limits, as older pets or very young pets could be more sensitive to the treatment
|
|
| Conditioners |
- Are good for red, irritated skin
- Are applied after shampooing
- Need to be worked in well through the coat to the skin
- Make the coat softer and reduce tangles
|
|
| Spray-On Conditioners |
- Add oil and moisture to the coat and skin without requiring rinsing
- Many can be sprayed on between shampoos to keep the coat soft and supple
|
|
PETCO also carries
bath wipes and
waterless shampoos.