How to make a pet grooming kit for home 

Think your pet deserves the same pampering you do? More than half of the Australian cat and dog owners surveyed by YouGov last year said they’re incorporating ‘human’ wellness regimens like personalised nutrition and alternative therapies into their pet’s care*. It’s also important to a lot of owners that their pet looks as good as they feel inside. Here are some newer pet grooming tools, styles and treatments.

At a glance: How can I pamper my dog at home?

• Use gentle-formula, specially made bath products for dogs
• Look for brushes that suit your dog’s specific fur type
• Try an at-home dog dryer for post-bath time
• Dog haircut trends should be easy to maintain and enhance your dogs features
• Consult a professional before booking your dog into any dog spa treatments

What pet grooming products should you use for your dog at home?

Master groomer Emily Myatt, of the Pet Stylist Academy, says at-home grooming products have improved in recent years.

• Kind to skin bathing products: There are now more natural, gentle, bathing formulations for dogs with sensitive skin.
• Salon tools: While they can’t replace the skill of a professional, they can help to keep your pup looking sharp between trips to the salon. “A good-quality dog dryer designed for canine coats is a good investment,” says Emily.
• Bespoke pet brushes: A more diverse range of pet brushes is now available for home grooming. “A slicker brush may be suitable for curly or long coats, while bristle brushes are more appropriate for short,” says Emily. “A quality metal comb is essential for checking that brushing has reached the skin – if the comb can’t glide through freely, matting is still present. Using the wrong tools can cause breakage or simply skim over tangles without resolving them,” she warns.

How should you get your dog’s hair cut?

The biggest trend Emily sees in pet grooming is practicality. Owners want their dogs to look lovely but they also want a style that’s realistic to maintain. “A softly rounded face, balanced leg shape and tidy outline can preserve a styled appearance, while keeping areas prone to matting short,” she says. There’s a bespoke element to modern grooming, too, with lifestyle often dictating a dog’s ’do.

For more active dogs, Emily suggests tidy feet and a shorter coverage on the legs, without compromising your breed’s overall structure. “Grooming should enhance the dog’s natural features, not work against them,” she says.

Are dog spas worth it?

It depends. Grooming is increasingly recognised as an important part of a dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Luxe treatments at dog spas (yes, they exist) can include everything from skin therapy baths and deshedding treatments, to calming sensory experiences and ultrasonic teeth cleaning. However, before booking your pup in, Emily suggests consulting a professional to ensure treatments will have genuine benefit. “A responsible groomer will prioritise your dog’s welfare and provide guidance tailored specifically to your pet’s needs.”

Keen for more ideas to keep your dog healthy and happy?

Read our article on how to make a dog wash station.

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. *Delivery charges may apply. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores.

*Source: Industry Pet News: Wellness trends for pets

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.