Home Ashley's Picks
Groomer-Approved

Ashley's trusted picks
for home grooming

Products I personally use, recommend to clients, and trust with my own animals. Everything here is chosen because it's genuinely good — not because it's popular.

ℹ️ Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only ever recommend products I actually use and believe in.

A note from Ashley

Between professional grooms, what you use at home matters more than most people realize. The right shampoo, brush, or calming aid can make your next grooming appointment so much easier — for your pet and for me! These are the products I reach for every day in the salon and recommend to my clients. I update this list whenever I discover something new worth sharing.

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Shampoos & Conditioners

Gentle, high-quality formulas I trust on every coat type

Amazon

TropiClean Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo

A soap-free, gentle formula safe for dogs and cats of all skin types. Perfect for sensitive skin and puppies. Tearless and residue-free.

Sensitive skin Puppy-safe All breeds
Ashley says: This is my go-to for first-time grooms and dogs with unknown coat history. It never irritates and rinses clean every time.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonPrime eligible
Amazon / Chewy

Chris Christensen White Ice Shampoo

Professional-grade brightening shampoo for white, light, and silver coats. Removes yellowing and brings out brilliant shine without bleach.

White coats Brightening Pro-grade
Ashley says: I use this in the salon on white doodles and Maltese. The difference is immediate — coats look luminous. A little goes a very long way.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso on Chewy
Chewy / Amazon

Bio-Groom Super Cream Conditioner

Rich, concentrated conditioning cream that detangles, moisturizes, and adds incredible softness. A must for doodles, Pomeranians, and long-haired breeds.

Doodles Long coats Detangling
Ashley says: If your doodle comes in matted, chances are they need this at home between visits. It transforms the coat texture.
🛒 Shop on Chewy
ChewyAlso on Amazon

Brushes & Combs

The tools that make the biggest difference between grooms

Amazon / Ryan's Pet Supplies

Chris Christensen Butter Comb

The gold standard stainless steel comb for all coat types. Seamless, rounded teeth glide through coats without snagging. Professional groomers' most-used tool.

All coats Stainless Pro favorite
Ashley says: This is the single most important tool you can have at home. If your dog tolerates a comb through their full coat, your groom will be dramatically easier.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonRyan's Pet Supplies
Amazon

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Fine bent wire bristles effectively remove loose fur, dander, and tangles without scratching skin. One-click self-cleaning button. Great for everyday brushing routines.

Self-cleaning All sizes Cats too
Ashley says: Perfect starter brush for families who are just building a brushing routine. Easy to clean and dogs don't mind the feel of it.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonPrime eligible
Amazon / Chewy / PetSmart

FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool

Reaches through the topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging. Dramatically reduces shedding for double-coated breeds like huskies, goldens, and labs.

Double coats Shedding control Seasonal
Ashley says: Use this once a week during shedding season and your furniture will thank you. Don't overuse — once or twice a week max.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso at PetSmart

Nail Care

Keeping nails maintained between appointments

Amazon / Home Depot

Dremel 7300-PT Pet Nail Grinder

Battery-operated rotary tool designed specifically for pet nails. Two-speed settings, whisper-quiet motor, and a safety guard to prevent over-grinding. Far less stressful than clippers for most dogs.

Anxiety-friendly Cordless All sizes
Ashley says: Many dogs that panic with clippers are completely fine with a grinder once introduced slowly. I use this exact model in the salon. Introduce it gradually — let them sniff it before turning it on.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso at Home Depot
Amazon / Chewy

Kwik Stop Styptic Powder

Fast-acting powder that stops bleeding immediately if you accidentally cut the quick. Every home groomer should have this in their kit. Safe for dogs and cats.

Safety essential Fast-acting Dogs & cats
Ashley says: Keep this on hand any time you trim nails at home. Accidents happen even to professionals. Apply with a cotton swab and light pressure.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonPrime eligible

Anxiety & Calming

Products that support nervous, sensitive, or reactive pets

Amazon / Chewy / Vet Clinics

Adaptil Calming Collar for Dogs

Releases synthetic dog-appeasing pheromones that mimic the calming signals mother dogs give puppies. Clinically proven to reduce anxiety from grooming, travel, and new environments.

Pheromone Drug-free 30-day wear
Ashley says: I recommend this to clients whose dogs have genuine grooming anxiety. Start wearing it a few days before their appointment. Pairs beautifully with Reiki work.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso on Chewy
Amazon / Chewy / PetSmart

ThunderShirt Anxiety Jacket

Applies gentle, constant pressure — similar to swaddling — to calm dogs during grooming, storms, travel, and separation anxiety. Over 80% of dogs show improvement.

Pressure wrap Reusable All sizes
Ashley says: Several of my most anxious regulars wear this to their appointments and it genuinely makes a difference. Also great for thunderstorm anxiety at home.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso at PetSmart
Amazon / Chewy

Zesty Paws Calming Bites

Soft chews with suntheanine, melatonin, and organic hemp to support relaxation without sedation. Great for grooming day prep and everyday stress management.

Suntheanine Non-sedating Natural
Ashley says: Give one or two about an hour before their appointment. Works best combined with regular desensitization and positive reinforcement at home.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonSubscribe & save

Finishing & Spa

The extras that make your pet smell and feel amazing

Amazon / Target

Burt's Bees Paw & Nose Lotion

100% natural moisturizer for cracked, dry, or rough paw pads and nose leather. No parabens, sulfates, or colorants. Safe if licked.

Natural Lick-safe Vegan
Ashley says: Especially important in Rochester winters when paw pads dry out from salt and cold. Apply after walks when pads are clean and dry.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso at Target
Amazon / Ryan's Pet Supplies

Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Detangler Spray

Leave-in conditioning and detangling spray that eliminates static, adds brilliant shine, and makes brushing effortless. Professional-grade and safe for daily use.

Daily use Anti-static Pro-grade
Ashley says: Spray this on before every brushing session and your comb will glide through effortlessly. It's what gives show dogs that unmistakable coat.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonRyan's Pet Supplies
Amazon / Chewy / Walmart

Arm & Hammer Fresh Breath Dental Spray

Easy no-brush dental spray that fights tartar, freshens breath, and supports gum health. Just spray directly into the mouth — no toothbrush needed. Great between professional teeth cleaning add-ons.

No brush needed Daily use Vet approved
Ashley says: Dental health affects overall health. This is the easiest way to maintain fresh breath between grooms when your dog won't tolerate a toothbrush.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso on Chewy

Tools & Equipment

Gear worth having for home grooming and bath days

Amazon / Bissell

BarkBath Portable Dog Bath System

Quiet, low-stress bathing system that uses minimal water and a quiet motor. Great for dogs anxious about traditional baths. Works anywhere without a tub.

Low-stress Quiet motor Water-saving
Ashley says: For pet parents who need to bathe between appointments, this makes the process so much calmer. The quiet design is huge for anxious dogs.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso at Bissell.com
Amazon

SHELANDY 2-in-1 Pet Hair Dryer

Variable-speed, low-noise pet dryer with a slicker brush attachment. Designed to be less frightening than human hair dryers. Safe heat settings for all coat types.

Low-noise Variable speed Brush attachment
Ashley says: Never use a human hair dryer on high heat — it can burn skin fast. This is specifically designed for pets and makes a real difference in the finish.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonPrime eligible
Amazon / Chewy

LickiMat Splash — Suction Bath Mat

Suction-cup mat that sticks to tub walls. Spread peanut butter, wet food, or yogurt on it and your dog stays distracted and calm through the whole bath. Brilliant for anxious bathers.

Distraction Suction cup Dishwasher-safe
Ashley says: This is genuinely one of the best ideas in pet care. The licking motion itself is calming for dogs — it releases endorphins. Highly recommend for any dog that hates bath time.
🛒 Shop on Amazon
AmazonAlso on Chewy
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Don't see what you're looking for?

Ask Ashley directly! Whether it's a specific coat type, a breed challenge, or a product you've heard about — reach out and she'll give you her honest professional opinion.

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