Sometimes it is difficult to get your dog to the groomer – especially during these crazy current times. I love grooming Kenzo and Vi­k because getting their fur clean, shiny, and smelling amazing is so rewarding!

Here are my quick tips and tools for grooming your dog when you can’t get to their normal groomer.

Easy Dog Grooming Tips When You Can’t Get to the Groomer

1) Salmon Oil Kibble Topping

Salmon oil supports your dog’s heart health, gives dogs an insanely soft and silky coat, reduces itchy and dry skin, and relieves allergies and joint pain. Salmon oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, and just like humans, dogs are unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own and must obtain them from their diet.

At every meal, we put about one tablespoon of Salmon Oil in our dog’s dry food. I also make my dogs homemade dog treats, and I also have a recipe for one with salmon oil on my blog.

*Please speak with your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements or changing their diet.

2) Use Dog Dry Shampoo

We buy Dry Shampoo for dogs on Amazon, Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo for Animals. The Coconut Lime Verbena smells incredible! It smells identical to the Lime Verbena foaming soap from Bath & Body Works.

• This dry shampoo for dogs is made in the USA. Wahl’s oatmeal & coconut lime verbena waterless shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free, PEG-80 free and is highly recommended for gentle cleaning and freshening dogs, cats, & other animal coats.

My dogs are very fluffy and require a lot of brushing. Frequent brushing helps remove dead hair, dirt, and dead skin. Regular brushing also helps to bring out the natural oils in the dog’s fur. After brushing thoroughly, I use dry shampoo to keep my dogs smelling fresh between baths.

3) Choose the Right Brush for Your Breed

1. Steel Comb: This is the steel dog comb we use on Vi­k, our long-haired German Shepherd. It is perfect for fluffing up his silky hair and easily removes tangles, mats, loose hair, and dirt.
2. Bristle Brush: These are for brushing the topcoat, removing dirt and loose hair, and stimulating skin. These are the most versatile and can be used on any coat. Short, close-together bristles will work best for short-haired breeds, while wider-apart, longer bristles work well for long-haired breeds.
3. Deshedding Tool: My favorite brush for my Akita, Kenzo: SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool for Dogs, Cats & Horses.
4. Undercoat Rake: These smooth tangles help remove loose fur from the undercoat. Rakes will remove loose undercoat and helps to prevent matting.
5. Rubber Brush: These are good for massaging the skin and removing dead hair. You can use these on dry fur and in the bath to help get the shampoo sudsy. The Rubber Brusha great tool suitable for all types of coats, but it is especially useful if you have a short-haired dog that sheds a lot.

* If you are unsure what brush to use on your dog, call your vet or your preferred groomer, and they can help you.

4) Teeth Brushing for Dogs

Bacteria and plaque can wreak havoc in your dog’s mouth. Excess plaque, just like in humans, can increase the risk of gum disease. A healthy diet and quality chew toys can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy between brushing.

Brushing a dog’s teeth can be difficult, so it is helpful first to get your dog acclimated to you touching their mouth and putting the toothbrush against their teeth and gumline. Before introducing the toothbrush, you can rub your finger along their teeth and gums.

This is the toothbrush and toothpaste we use to brush our dogs’ teeth: Paws & Pals Dog Toothbrush – Pet Dental Care Kit with Brush, Tooth-Paste & Dual Finger Brush

Need more tips? The ASPCA has a handful of articles related to safe dog grooming tips!