If you are new to the world of dog ownership, a trip to the local pet store can be an overwhelming experience. Pet stores have as many gadgets and “necessary” supplies as the average baby store – and the percentage of items that are actually useful is about the same at both stores. A dog needs food, water, a place to sleep, a few toys (which may come from around your home, whether that was your intention or not), a collar, a periodic bath, and lots of love. Most of the other stuff is fluff, more for the dog owner than the dog.

It is also important to remember that each dog is entirely unique. What worked for your other dogs may not work for this one, and some trial and error may be involved when buying any dog supplies.

This is especially true when it comes to dog grooming products. Dog grooming not only takes up an entire aisle at a pet store, but it has become an industry all its own. Professional dog groomers abound for owners that are not able or willing to tame their dog’s mane. If you are planning on grooming your own dog or just want some basic supplies for the time in between haircuts, here are some tips on choosing your arsenal of supplies.

The amount and type of dog grooming supplies you buy for your dog depends entirely on your best friend. You need to take into consideration their coat, how dirty they tend to get, and how long they are willing to sit still.

Dogs with very short hair will generally require only an occasional bath and perhaps a good rub more frequently to help them shed loose hair while they are outside, far away from your new couch.

Dogs with medium length hair will probably need occasional brushing and more frequent baths. Long haired dogs require very frequent brushing, sometimes daily depending on their coat, in order to avoid matting. They may also require more specialized bath products, even including conditioner to ward off tangles.

When you are choosing bath products for your dog, try your best to opt for natural products. Some dog shampoos and conditioners have an abundance of chemicals. As a general rule of thumb, if you would not put these ingredients on your scalp, you should not dose your dog in them either.

If you have a longer haired dog, a shampoo made especially for them may help to keep their coat looking clean and glossy. Using conditioner is also a good idea, as it will help to keep knots out of their coat and protect their hair during frequent brushing. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse the conditioner from their fur so that it does not build up and cause their coat to appear greasy.

There are a large number of dog brushes available to the canine owner. You should pick one that is ideal for your dog’s fur length, coarseness, and style. If your dog has especially coarse hair, a brush with metal bristles may be helpful. For other dogs, look for plastic or natural bristles that will flex when they hit skin. If your budget allows, picking brushes with natural boar bristles will help keep the coat shiny without any chance of irritating your dog’s skin.

While you can make do with just the essentials, it is a good idea to keep a few other dog grooming supplies on hand for emergencies. The top among these include flea and tick shampoo. If these pests do show up on your dog, it is essential to eliminate them as soon as possible to avoid illness, as well as the infestation of your home. For the squeamish, a brush that is specially made to comb through a dog’s hair and look for ticks or fleas may also be helpful. It is also helpful to keep on hand a shampoo specially made to eliminate strong pet odors, such as skunk spray or other nasty messes.

Finally, if your dog has nails that grow quickly, a set of dog nail clippers can save your furniture and floors from damage. Follow all instructions and be careful not to clip too much of the nail, as you can damage the quick (the pink part of the nail), which will cause bleeding and pain to your dog.

Grooming can be made into a time of happiness, where you spend quality time with your dog and show her your affection and love. Start with the appropriate dog grooming supplies, and you will have a beautiful and happy dog in no time.