To keep your four-legged friend in top notch condition, it’s worth spending some time and a little money on top dog grooming products which you can use at home.
Although many dog lovers especially those of us with fluffier breeds, use professional dog groomers on a regular basis, in between visits it’s still important to keep your dog looking and feeling their best with a grooming routine at home.
Dog ready for a groom
Of course, grooming your dog is a wonderful bonding experience as it gives us all the chance to slow down and pay some quality attention to our dogs.
It’s also a ideal opportunity whilst touching your dog all over, to check their skin for suspicious lumps, bumps and tics which can easily be hidden by their coat.
Here is a carefully curated selection of some of the best and most innovative grooming products for 2023 which are designed to make your dog look, smell and feel their best
———————————————————————————
Our Picks of the Best Dog Grooming Products
1. Best Dog Shampoo
We rate Groom Professional Baby Fresh the best smelling dog shampoo with a totally gorgeous baby powder scent lasting several days.
Dog with Groom Professional dog shampoo
Here at Smart Bark, we've tested lots of shampoos over the years and would recommend Groom Professional Baby Fresh shampoo as a great all-round option for most dogs.
This particular shampoo is ideal if your dog loves to roll around in the mud or splash in stinky puddles.
A firm favourite with dog groomers, it lathers easily and deep cleans leaving a lovely scent which isn't over-powering.
Made in the UK, it's formulated with aloe vera for it's moisturising benefits so it is gentle enough for you to use once a week to cater for seriously muddy dog walks.
The truth is that this is a great all-round shampoo if your dog doesn't have any specific needs.
Available in three different sizes so you can try it out without investing too much with the 250ml bottle or save money by bulk buying a 4lt bottle. It's worth noting that there is a range of conditioners too.
Reasons to Buy
+ Amazing smell
+ Easy to lather
+ Range of sizes
+ Great value
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn't cater for skin issues
- Creates lots of foam
———————————————————————————
2. Best Puppy Shampoo
If you're welcoming a puppy to your family, to avoid any adverse reactions opt for a dog shampoo specifically designed for puppies.
Wildwash Puppy Shampoo
Puppies have delicate and often more sensitive skin than adult dogs, so they need a much milder shampoo.
WildWash are a company devoted to creating a range of natural skin and coat care products for dogs.
We love their puppy shampoo because it uses aloe vera and evening primrose essential oils for their mild and calming properties.
So natural yet powerful ingredients and it's quick rinsing and kind to their skin, your puppy will love you for it.
Make sure that you dilute before use and leave on for 5 minutes to let those essential oils do their work.
Reasons to Buy
+ Formulated for puppies
+ Mild for sensitive skins
+ Pump action bottle
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricier than some
———————————————————————————
3. Best Dog Skin Balm
Pro Pooch offer a wide selection of dog grooming and cleaning products which are all cruelty-free.
ProPooch dog skin balm
Their skin balm is an amazing dog itch relief cream and is made right here in the UK.
It's absorbed quickly and their unique blend contains wheat and coconut oil to rebuild and protect your dog's sensitive skin barrier.
Their formula is excellent for treating canine dermatitis, dry skin, bug bites, irritated wounds and cuts, basically anything your dog picks up whilst on their adventures.
This skin balm is safe for frequent use and absorbs quickly into the skin.
somet can be applied daily to protect your dog's skin and weighing only 90g, you can add it to your dog travel bag ready for any adventures.
Reasons to Buy
+ Great for dry paws
+ Relief from insect bites
+ Safe for puppies
Reasons to Avoid
- Pricier than some
———————————————————————————
4. Best Dog Drying Coat
When bath time is over, dog drying coats are ideal for avoiding that wet dog rubbing on carpets and furniture.
We would definitely recommend a dog drying coat to wrap up your now clean but still very wet dog.
These gorgeous dog drying coats from Lucky Paws are arguably the best on the market and come in a huge range of sizes.
Made using premium microfibre these drying coats keep your dog comfortable as they dry.
Arguably the best feature is their use of high-quality velcro which won't tear or mark your dog drying coat and fastens every time. Not only perfect for after walks but a great bath time investment too.
Available in a range of 9 sizes from XXS to Giant and 6 gorgeous colours so you can find a coat to suit your perfect pooch.
Reasons to Buy
+ Quality drying coat
+ Choice of sizes available
+ Choice of colours
Reasons to Avoid
- Not an essential item
Buying Options
See on Amazon
———————————————————————————
5. Best Dog Grooming Spray
Dog sprays are lovely after a bath, adding another layer of gorgeous smell, but also incredibly useful to combat the ‘dog smell’ if you’re expecting guests and simply don't have time for a full groom.
Pro Pooch offer a wide range of dog grooming products. Their Baby Powder Cologne adds a gorgeous smell and deodorises your dog's fur while providing a conditioning boost to their coat.
It's worth noting that Pro Pooch products don't contain nasty chemicals which could cause skin problems.
A firm favourite with dog groomers, the scent is totally amazing.
Made in Britain, it's vegan friendly, PH balanced and hypoallergenic - so ticks all the boxes.
Reasons to Buy
+ Great for smelly dogs
+ Long lasting scent
+ No nasties
Reasons to Avoid
- Need to avoid eyes
Buying Options
View on Amazon
———————————————————————————
6. Best for Dog Hygiene Spray
A great alternative to Pro Pooch is D.Dog Hygiene Lotion. The D.Dog brand is Italian and they offer a range of gorgeous grooming products for your dog.
We tested one of their products, the Hygiene Lotion on our Cockapoo Freddie who loves his adventures but can get quite whiffy!
It's designed to work against bacteria, viruses and fungi whilst helping to protect and nurture your dog’s coat. Simply spray, being careful around the eyes, then massage in to your dogs coat.
As a Cockapoo with a thick curly poodle coat, we're always searching for quick and easy ways to protect Freddies coat whilst making him smell better between regular trips to the groomers.
Their Hygiene Lotion is infused with tea tree oil to cleanse, whilst chamomile and witch hazel help to soothe.
We really liked the mild and subtle fragrance which wasn't as overpowering as some other sprays we've tested.
Our verdict ? We think that D.Dog Hygiene Lotion is all about convenience. It's a great dog grooming product to keep on hand for those hygiene emergencies.
Reasons to Buy
+ Convenient spray
+ Nourishing
+ Subtle scent
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn't replace shampoo
Buying Options
See on amezon
———————————————————————————
Tags:
Cat