Best Tools for Grooming your Chow

To keep up with your Chow’s rigorous grooming needs, you will have to buy several supplies. The following items are considered the best tools for grooming your Chow:

Best Dog Brushes and Combs

Since there are so many coat-types for dogs, there are many styles of dog brushes and combs on the market. Some great types are:

• Bristle Brush: These work well for almost all hair types. The actual bristles can range from soft to firm or from short to long.
• Wire Pin Brush: This type of brush works well for Chows and other medium to long haired breeds.
• Slicker Brush: You cannot own a Chow and NOT have one of these. A slicker brush is perfect to get rid of mats in tangles in dogs that have medium to long hair.
• Shedding Tools: There are many of these on the market, but all of them have specialized teeth made to remove excess fur from breeds like the Chow or Samoyed that have double coats. The FURminator is an example of this.
• Flea Comb: When it comes to combs, the most important type to have is the flea comb. These are perfect for helping you determine if your Chow has fleas.

Types of Dog Shampoo

Bathing your Chow works much better if you use the correct shampoo. The best types, regardless of anything else, are made specifically for dogs and are “soap-free”. The types of dog shampoo you will have to choose from are:

• Tear-Free Shampoo: Great for protecting canine eyes during bathtime.
• Oatmeal Shampoo: Specifically designed to ease itching associated with mildly irritated skin.
• Natural Shampoo: A great choice when it is an option, this kind is free of harsh chemicals and usually contains herbs to improve the coat and skin.
• Medicated Shampoo: These are usually prescribed by vets to clear-up allergies and other skin issues.
• Conditioners: Conditioners are optional, but when used after shampoo they can help make your Chow’s coat shiny, tangle-free and moisturized.

Nail Trimmers for Dogs

A very important part of every grooming routine calls for nail trimmers. The truth is that just like people, dogs need their nails trimmed down from time-to-time. When it comes time for nail trims, many dogs can become very stressed, as will the owner. Having the proper tools and knowing how to use them will make the process easier for both of you. Here are some great tools for trimming your dog’s nails:

• Claw-Style Cutters: These are spring-loaded and work in a scissor-like manner to cut the nail.
• Guillotine Trimmers: This style trimmers have blades that are replaceable and cut the nail as you depress a spring-loaded handle.
• Scissor-like Trimmers: These cutters work best for small dogs, as they don’t have springs and are great for dogs with sensitive nails.
• Styptic Powder: This is a must as it is used to stop the bleeding in the event that the nail is clipped too short.