Grooming and coat
What tools do I need to groom my dog at home?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A basic home grooming kit covers a slicker brush, a metal comb, blunt tipped scissors, nail clippers, and a dog specific shampoo. Owners of double coated breeds should add an undercoat rake, while curly and wire coated breeds benefit from clippers with guard combs for maintenance between professional grooms.
The core kit that suits most dogs
A slicker brush for general detangling, a metal comb to check for hidden mats, blunt tipped scissors for trimming around paws and the face, nail clippers or a grinder, and a gentle dog shampoo cover the basics for nearly any coat type and are worth having regardless of breed.
Coat specific additions
Double coated breeds benefit from an undercoat rake for shedding season, curly coated breeds do better with a set of clippers and guard combs for maintenance trims between salon visits, and wire coated breeds sometimes add a stripping comb if the owner wants to maintain the harsh texture between professional hand stripping sessions.
Worth the investment over time
A decent quality slicker brush and a pair of clippers, while an upfront cost, typically pay for themselves within a year for owners of curly or double coated breeds who would otherwise be paying for more frequent professional grooming or dealing with matting caused by using the wrong tools.
Key takeaways
- A basic kit covers a slicker brush, metal comb, blunt scissors, nail clippers, and dog shampoo.
- Double coated breeds need an undercoat rake; curly and wire coated breeds benefit from clippers or a stripping comb.
- Investing in decent tools upfront often saves money on grooming and matting related problems over time.