Essential Grooming Tools for Medium and Long-Coated Dogs

Tools & Products

1. Comb

Without question, our Regular Tooth Comb is one essential tool required for your toolbox and this far-surpasses anything else available on the market. These are what we use in the salon, and we can guarantee their quality - they will last a lifetime. (unless of course you let them get chewed)

We also recommend to have a Fine-Tooth Comb too. This is to be used on the fur which is shorter (such as legs, feet, around the face etc) and it can also be of great assistance when de-matting. 

If you have a larger breed with a long coat (such as a Keeshond, Rough Collie, Samoyed, etc), we would strongly recommend adding a Spinning Tooth Rake too. This rake is sourced from the USA and we have found it to be an incredible help to get through those thicker coats. Even though the teeth are of a similar width to the Regular Tooth Comb, the teeth are much more blunt than those of the Regular Tooth Comb, and for this reason, we actually recommend to have both combs. 

If budget does not permit for the Spinning Tooth Rake, a cheaper alternative would be the Extra Wide Wooden Handle Comb. This is just as effective as the rake, but the handle is quite different and may not be suited to those with wrist issues.  

2. Slicker Brush

We use and recommend two options here, and the deciding factor is really down to you as this can be quite a personal decision... We recommend to firstly review our article on slicker brushes to get an understanding of what they do, when they are used, and how to select the most appropriate one for use. 

• Twin-flex slicker (available in two sizes). This is a "two in one" option which combines both a soft pad for de-shedding and a firm pad for basic de-matting. If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel or similar mobility restrictions, the twin-flex slicker is hands down the best tool for you! 
• If you have a longer, or denser coat, we would recommend that you opt for a fixed-pad slicker brush as this will give you some extra efficiencies while grooming. If there is budget to purchase both a soft pad slicker and a firm pad slicker, this would be optimal, but you can easily get away with just one (if choosing just one, it's best to opt for the firm)

3. Grooming Spray

Hands down, we recommend Plush Puppy OMG Grooming Spray. This is essential and to be used for each time you brush your dog to help in preventing breakage. An alternate option would be Plush Puppy TLC Conditioning Spray which is both a grooming spray and a leave-in conditioner. If you are finding the coat has an issue with static, Plush Puppy also make an Anti Static Coat Spray. 

Set yourself a future reminder that once this bottle starts to get low, you can purchase a bottle of concentrate which is more cost effective, and a nice way of being kind to our planet ❤

Once you have all of the correct tools, head on over to our article on "Line Brushing - How to groom your medium to long coated breed"

We welcome feedback!
Email us anytime: hello@spitzgroom.com.au