Our Favorite Dog Grooming Products

Australian cattle dogs are known as “wash and wear” companions — but we swear by a few grooming staples.

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Our heeler’s grooming routine

Thankfully, Scout’s a pretty low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming.

We prioritize regular nail trims about once a week, occasional brushing (especially around her hind end), and as-needed ear cleaning (particularly after any beach visits). We really own bathe her if it’s absolutely necessary because she rolled in something super gross — otherwise a quick rinse now and then does the trick!

Some related reading

• Sean’s thoughts on having a “mostly groomed” dog
• How we keep our van clean living in it with Scout
• How we kept our home clean

Nail and paw care

• Pet Dremel
  Our go-to for weekly nail filing. We’ve had this for years and it’s still holding up well — we simply replace the heads whenever they start to get dull.
• Millers Forge nail clippers
  These are the sharpest clippers I’ve ever used. Cannot recommend them enough.
• Bag Balm
  Bag Balm saved us from cracked paw pads in the Florida heat so many times when we lived in the sunshine state. As always, check with your vet before using something new on your dog, especially if they’re a big licker.

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Fur and skin care

• Legendary Canine Fur Fresh spray
  This is great for softening Scout’s coat (and getting rid of any bad smells) when she isn’t actually dirty enough for a full bath. We can use it on fabric around the van, too!
• Standard comb brush
• Slicker brush

Ear care

• Legendary Canine Ear Cleaner
  Our cattle dog has thankfully only had one ear infection. This gentle cleaner seems to help when we apply it at the first signs of irritation.
• Cotton balls or reusable pads
  Scout doesn’t like when we squeeze the cleaner directly into her ear, so we always put it on a cotton ball or similar wipe first.

Bath supplies

• Legendary Canine Healer Bar Soap
  Full disclosure: I use this on my own body too. It smells amazing and leaves us both very soft 😂