8 Professional Dog Grooming Supplies You Need In Your Grooming Shop

The number of pets present in households has risen dramatically over the last 10 years. Looking at dog ownership alone, over 45% of US households have at least one pet.

If you’re one of the many people who love animals and want to turn your passion into a career, opening a dog grooming business is a great way to get started.

To set yourself up for success, you’ll need the right tools to provide top-quality service for a variety of furry clients. DaySmart Pet has put together a list of must-have dog grooming supplies you’ll want on hand when you open your doors!

1. A Grooming Table

A grooming table provides a stable, comfortable surface for dogs during their grooming session. Investing in a quality table can make the difference between a smooth, efficient appointment and a stressful, messy one.

Most grooming tables include attachment points for a dog harness to help keep dogs securely in place. Some models even fold up, making them a great option if you plan to offer mobile grooming services.

2. A Bathing Station

The first step in grooming a dog is removing the dirt and debris that has collected on their coat since the last visit. An old-fashioned bath is essential for this, so having a good bathing station is a must!

While some groomers may use a standard sink, we recommend against this, as fur can quickly clog drains and damage your pipes. Instead, invest in a large dog tub with a hose attachment that’s rated for up to 250 pounds. This will make your job easier and keep everything running smoothly!

3. Shampoo and Conditioner

Using the right products is essential to returning dogs to their owners looking their best. The better they look (and smell!), the more likely their owners will book future sessions with you in the future.

When checking off shampoo and conditioner from your grooming supplies list, make sure to include a variety of dog-safe options, such as flea shampoos, de-shedding shampoos, white coat products, and high-quality conditioners.

Tip: Always ask your clients if their dogs have any skin allergies you should be aware of!

4. Ear and Eye Cleaning Kit

A dog’s ears and eyes are particularly susceptible to dirt and grime. If not cleaned properly, this residue can lead to infection.

To run a successful dog grooming business, it’s important to be equipped to address these needs. Invest in tools or kits specifically designed to make ear and eye cleaning as easy and safe as possible.

You can even consider special eye drops to protect dogs’ eyes from shampoo or conditioner runoff.

5. Brushes and Combs

Every dog deserves to feel their best, and the right tools can make them look and feel fabulous! From silky smooth to thick and fluffy, different coat types types require different brushes and combs to achieve that perfect look.

Start with a soft brush for thin-haired dogs and a thicker brush for dense fur types. You’ll also want both wire and nylon combs to tackle all types of fur!

6. Grooming Shears

If you’re going to cut a dog’s hair, you’ll need high-quality shears on hand. This is an area where investing in tools that are more expensive and sturdier can be a game-changer.

There’s nothing more frustrating for a dog groomer than working with dull shears. Not only does it slow you down, but it can also affect the final result. With the right shears, you’ll work more efficiently and leave your clients with happy pets and glowing reviews! Be sure to invest in shears that are built to last and perform at their best.

7. A Stripping Knife

Did you know that certain dog breeds (many terriers, for example) shouldn’t be groomed with traditional shears? They need their coats stripped to maintain their look and texture!

Dog stripping requires special training, but if you invest the time to learn and equip yourself with the right tools—like a stripping knife—your client base will grow!

8. Dental Supplies

Teeth cleaning isn’t always offered by dog groomers, but if you provide this service, it can help you stand out from the competition. You don’t need to go overboard—simple supplies like a quality dog toothbrush will do.

Tip: Be mindful of cross-contamination with toothbrushes. Always use one brush per dog!

Bonus: Pet Grooming Business Software

Running a grooming business means juggling client bookings, appointment reminders, payroll, payments, and more. These tasks can take up a lot of time and prevent you from focusing on growing your business.

To streamline your operations, consider investing in pet grooming business management software, like Daysmart Pet, to automate these tasks for you.

If you’re looking to turn your passion for animals into profit, starting a dog grooming business is a great way to do it! Acquiring the right tools from this list is a great place to start. Ensuring that you (and your team, if applicable) have the proper tools to do excellent work will be key to serving more clients and earning repeat business.

DaySmart Pet makes managing your business as easy as possible, so you can focus on what matters – your furry clients! It automates time-consuming tasks, giving you more time to grow your business. Try DaySmart Pet for free for 14 days and set your business up for success!

8 Professional Dog Grooming Supplies You Need In Your Grooming Salon