Poodle Grooming Tips – Products
Essential grooming products:
Bathing Supplies
- Shampoo: A high-quality, moisturizing dog shampoo (e.g., Chris Christensen Spectrum One, Isle of Dogs No. 10, WhyBitch, or Hydra Moisturizing Shampoo) in a foaming shampoo dispenser.
- Conditioner: A hydrating or detangling conditioner. For growth, add Protein (strengthens) and/or Keratin (soothes dry, brittle hair). I also like WhyBitch Protein Shampoo for this reason.
- Clarifying Shampoo: For occasional deep cleaning and before shows (Chris Christensen Clean Start, iGroom Clarifying Shampoo, Hydra X-Treme Clarifying Shampoo).
- Leave-In Conditioner or Detangling Spray: Helps prevent matting after maintenance baths (Chris Christensen Just Divine, iGroom Magic Mist Spray).
- Eye Cleaner: helps loosen and remove hardened eye drainage (Artero Pretty Eyes).
- Cotton Balls: Helps prevent water and other products from getting in the ear canal during baths and helps mute the sound of the HV dryer. Push into ear canal with some ear cleaner on them. Sometimes you have to unroll the cotton ball to get it down the ear canal.
- Towels: Microfiber towels for quick drying.
Brushing, Combing & Banding/Wrapping
- Brushing Spray: Commercial product, a few drops of conditioner in water, or plain water (Chris Christensen Just Divine, iGroom Magic Mist Spray).
- Detangling/Conditioning Spray: For easier brushing and combing (Lisa Leady Mat Magic Plus, Secret Weapon, iGroom Magic Detangler Conditing Spray, MarshMello Dematt,).
- Cornstarch: Save your money for day to day dematting and use cornstarch. This helps remove burrs as well. I buy a plastic tub and poke holes in the lid to sprinkle it on, then shake the hair and then brush (Big K) or comb (wide tooth to start).
- Bands: For banding hair to keep hair cleaner and prevent mats from forming (Lainee Ltd.).
- Wraps: For wrapping hair to keep hair cleaner and prevent mats from forming (Lainee Ltd.).
Ear, Eye and Skin Care
- Ear Powder: Helps grip hair for plucking (Groomer’s Ear Powder, Miracle Care Ear Powder).
- Ear Cleaner: Clean out dirt, wax and debris (I prefer K9 Ear Solutions as it has the ingredients I would use if I made it at home but do NOT use after plucking as it will burn. Use it on the cotton balls in the bath).
- Ear Treatment: Soothes irritation and reduces risk of infection (Zymox).
- Eye Wipes: Gentle wipes for tear stains (Optixcare Eye Cleaning Wipes).
- Sprays or Ointments: To treat clipper burn or small injuries (Sulfodene 3-way Ointment, iGroom Skin Rescue, Silver Honey Hot Spot & Wound Care, SOOS Rescue Cream, Artero Soothing Spray).
Dental Care
- Dog Toothbrush: Soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Dog Dental Powder: My first choice is PetLab Co. – it works wonders!
- Dog Toothpaste: Enzymatic toothpaste (never use human toothpaste).
Finishing Products
- Finishing Spray: Adds shine and keeps the coat in place (AKC only – lots of products to choose from. I do not have any recommendations).
- Styling Products: For show grooming or maintaining topknots (AKC only – iGroom Magic Boost Scissoring Spray, iGroom Texturizing Spray, Artero Loop Texturizing Spray, Crown Royale Bodifier Texturizing Spray, Chris Christensen Thick N Thicker Bodifier Texturizer).
- Styling Removal Products: For breaking down hair spray and conditioning coat (Chris Christensen Ice on Ice, Chris Christensen Show Off).
- Sanitary Wipes: For quick clean-ups (Groomer’s Goop Shampoo Wipes, Petkin Germ Removal Wipes).
I receive no compensation for recommending these products or sellers. Feel free to look elsewhere for alternatives and/or best prices, including shipping.
More on Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a handy tool for dematting poodle hair and removing burrs because of its unique properties:
1. Reduces Friction
- Cornstarch acts as a dry lubricant, making hair strands more slippery and easier to separate.
- This helps loosen tight mats and reduces the tugging and pulling on the dog’s skin during brushing.
2. Absorbs Excess Oil and Moisture
- Mats and burrs often become tighter and harder to detangle when the hair is oily or damp.
- Cornstarch absorbs excess oil and moisture, allowing hair strands to move more freely.
3. Adds Volume to the Hair
- Cornstarch can fluff up the hair slightly, making it easier to see and separate individual strands while working on a mat.
4. Creates a Barrier Against Breakage
- When brushing through a mat or tangled burrs, cornstarch helps reduce the risk of hair snapping or breaking by providing a bit of cushioning.
How to Use Cornstarch for Dematting or Removing Burrs:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch directly onto the mat or burr.
- Gently work the cornstarch into the hair with your fingers.
- Use a softer slicker brush with more space between longer pins to carefully start working through the edges of the mat or around the burr (see photo below).
- Follow with your fingers or a steel comb to separate any remaining tangles.
- Repeat if necessary, and then brush out the area completely.
Cornstarch is an affordable, non-toxic, and gentle solution—perfect for Poodles’ sensitive skin and fine, curly hair! I take them outside and have them shake, or I use my dryer to blow it off afterwards (if they are not going right into the bath).
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