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Most of us will never pull off the feats of artistry that professional dog groomers accomplish daily. But keeping up with basic grooming tasks at home will not only keep your pet comfortable, it will also make your groomer's job easier.

To compile the best dog grooming tools and tips, we spoke to three professional dog groomers. One of the most important grooming tasks for dog owners to focus on is brushing out long beards, chests, armpits, bellies, ears, and tails, according to Tara Short, a groomer at We Love Dogs Mobile Pet Grooming in San Francisco. This is especially true for long-haired, double-coated, and drop-coated breeds. Short also recommends clipping or filing the nails and wiping out the ears, especially if a dog is prone to ear infections.

Above all, it's important for people who are new to grooming to go slowly. "Take your time and don't try to rush through it," said Halle Pirk, a groomer at Wag N' Wash in Castle Rock, Colorado. "Make sure you do it safely and your dog is comfortable."

The more positive you make the experience for your dog, and for yourself, the more smoothly things will go. "Use high-value treats, speak to your dog in a reassuring voice, and if either of you starts to feel overwhelmed, take a break," said Short.

Short-haired dogs require less frequent coat care than those with long hair, but brushing daily will cut down on shedding. We like the Bodhi Dog Bath Brush, which is great for both dry brushing and bathing. Vicki Ronchette, a groomer at Fluff Dog Grooming in San Leandro, California, recommends spritzing the brush with a moisturizing spray. To make brushing easier, try placing your dog on a raised surface such as a table and ask another person to hold them while you work.

Long-haired dogs that require regular haircuts need daily brushing to keep their fur free of mats. "For a dog that has a lot of undercoat such as a German shepherd or golden retriever, a slicker brush is a must," said Ronchette. According to Short, slicker brushes are a better option than the Furminator which may overshed and strip the coat.

For breeds with long, flowing silky coats, or drop coats, such as a Maltese or Shih Tzu, Ronchette said a pin brush with straight, thick metal pins works best. Always brush a drop coat in the direction that it grows and avoid tugging or yanking, which could cause your dog pain or stress. 

While brushes are important for coat care, Pirl recommends a comb to get all the knots out. She prefers to use a sturdy metal comb, particularly combs with two sides: one for combing coarser hair and one for finer coats. Insider Reviews contributor Jackie Brown uses this Chris Christensen comb. "It's super sturdy and goes through the hair 'like butter' (hence the name!)," she said. "I've had it 10 years and it looks brand new."

To remove knots, gently separate them from the rest of the hair with a brush, then carefully untangle the mat with a small flick the comb, starting at the top and working back toward the base at the skin.

For dogs with fur that gets in the way of toileting, Pirk and Short recommend removing the hair with an electric clipper rather than scissors. "I always recommend putting an attachment cord on the clippers," said Pirk. "That's a safe way to do it without risking cutting your dog with the actual blade itself." Just be sure never to point the blade at sensitive areas, and check regularly to make sure the clippers aren't heating up and causing your dog discomfort.

For a fast fix for dirty paws or stinky fur, try grooming wipes. "Dog cleaning wipes are a great way to quickly freshen up a smooth coat," said Ronchette. They are also a great option for removing grit, dander, and drool from a dog's coat without stripping natural oils from the skin.

For at-home bathing, Short recommends Earthbath products, especially the oatmeal and aloe formula for pups with itchy skin. Be sure to rinse the coat completely clean of shampoo and be careful around the eyes and ears. "Even a tearless shampoo can cause irritation," said Ronchette.

Bathing your dog too frequently can also cause irritation by stripping oil from the skin. Some dogs require more frequent baths than others, depending on their breed, coat, and other factors. Check with your veterinarian to determine what's right for your dog.

"I love using conditioners [after shampooing] just to prevent from further dry skin and dandruff," said Pirk. Conditioner is also useful for loosening mats in long coats. If you've got a dog that's completely matted, though, think twice before bathing them. A bath can actually make mats tighter and harder to remove, according to Short.

If your dog gets nervous about bath time, treats can be really helpful. A ridged silicone slow feeder that sticks to the wall of the shower keeps your dog occupied while leaving your hands free. Spread peanut butter, cream cheese, or meat-flavored baby food between the raised nubs and place it within easy reach. Freeze the mat overnight for a longer-lasting treat.

Using a spray nozzle attachment in the bath makes it easier and faster to rinse shampoo and conditioner and it's good for reaching nooks and crannies. Short warns that for some dogs a spraying nozzle can be overwhelming, especially around sensitive areas like the face. For nervous dogs, she recommends using a simple bucket filled with warm water to gently pour over the coat and a wet washcloth for wiping around the face.

Leaving longer-haired dogs to air-dry can cause fur to mat and yeast infections to flourish. Short removes excess moisture with fluffy towels, then finishes with a blow dryer. "Brush the hair as it dries to help it go quicker," she said. For short-haired dogs, she recommends a thorough towel-drying followed by a walk to air-dry.

Pirk likes to use Angels' Eyes Wipes to gently clear away eye boogers. They can also help remove porphyrins, which are iron-containing waste products excreted through tears and the most common cause of tear stain discoloration. Wipes can be used daily on dogs with regular discharge that builds up around the eyes. Just take care not to accidentally touch or rub the eye. For dogs with less persistent discharge, use a soft cloth moistened with warm water to clean around the eyes during bath time. 

You never want to clean a dog's ears with water or grooming wipes because their ears easily trap moisture, which leads to the buildup of yeast or ear infections, according to Pirk. Instead, she recommends using a little of Virbac's Epi-Otic solution on a cotton ball to remove debris and wax and prevent microbial action without leaving extra moisture behind. 

When using clippers to cut a dog's nails, Ronchette recommends taking off just the tip of the nail to start, then trimming it back a little bit at a time. We like Millers Forge Pet Nail Clippers because they are very sharp and make clipping fast and painless. Plus, their comfortable grip makes them easy to hold onto. Keeping up with regular walks may help to gradually grind nails down as well.

If you accidentally cut into the quick of your dog's nail, Pirk says a styptic powder can quickly stop the bleeding. Put the styptic powder on a cotton ball, then hold it against the nail and apply some pressure to help stop the bleeding. If you don't have any on hand, try using cornstarch or flour instead.

If you're new to nail trimming, Pirk recommends using a nail grinder like the Dremel 7760-PGK 4V Grinder instead of clippers. "I think it's a great option for people who are maybe a little too nervous to go with the cutters," she said. "It's a lot harder to clip a dog too short with a grinder."

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