Grooming your pet doesn't have to be something to dread. If you are properly equipped, it can become a great bonding experience, and you will both be grateful for the result.

Grooming a pet can be anything from buckets of fun to buckets of soapy water all over the floor. Which way the experience goes can largely depend on having the right tools for the job.

We've picked out the best brushes, shampoos, and more, so you'll know you're getting the right tools and products.

Here's to more shiny coats and trimmed nails, and less mess!

Pet Brushes

Brushes help to remove loose fur, get rid of tangles, and generally sruce up your pet's coat. Whether you have an outdoor pet that likes to accessorize with mud pies or an indoor pet whose extra fur would be better in the bin than all over your couch, these brushes will get the job done.

Designer Slicker Brush

Professional quality brush
Comfortable handle
Exceptionally gentle on pets' coats

Four Paws Cat Combo Brush

Long-lasting cat brush
One side has reinforced wire bristles with plastic no-scratch tips
Other side has gentle nylon bristles

Safari Combo Brush

Excellent for breaking up knots
The bristle side of the brush will fluff and soften the coat
Gives a soothing massage as you brush

Vista Pin Brush with Ball Tips

Tips on bristles prevent scratching
Will remove tangles and soften your pet's coat

Nail Trimmers

Cat's and dog's nails are sometimes easily overlooked, until a play session turns into an unintentional scratch. Dogs prefer their nails trim for easy movement, and cats will do less damage to your new pillows or your favorite jeans. These clippers will make trimming easy and safe.

JW Gripsoft Cat Nail Clipper

Made especially for cat's claws
Ergonomically correct handles
Non-slip grip ensures that you have total control when clipping nails

Four Paws Nail Trimmer

Features a moveable safety bar to prevent over-cutting
Large and comfortable handle
Stainless steel blades ensure clean trimming

Miller's Forge Dog Nail Clippers

Designed for use on all breeds of dogs
Surgical steel blade will have a long-lasting sharp edge

Miller's Forge Pet Nail Clipper with Safety

Features a safety bar to prevent over-cutting
The heat-treated steel will retain its sharpness
Designed for precision

Pet Shampoos

When it's time to lather up your pet, you want to be sure to use a product specifically designed for bathing pets. No-tear and sensitive skin options will leave your pet clean and their skin and coat shiny and not over-dried.

Groomer's Blend Itch Calm Shampoo

Formualted to reduce irritation from allergies, insect bites, and more
Reduces swelling and inflammation
Cleans and eliminates bacteria

Bio Guard Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

Gentle cleaning shampoo for pets of any age, including puppies and kittens
Won't wash off some spot-on flea and tick treatments
Protects against fleas and ticks

Bio-Groom Silky Shampoo for Cats

Tearless shampoo
Made from baby coconut oil to clean without stripping natural oils
Won't leave any residue

Veterinary Formula Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo

For use once or twice a week to keep skin healthy and soft
Relieves fungal and bacterial infections
For use on dogs and cats over 12 weeks old

Conditioning and Grooming Sprays

These handy concoctions can be used after bath time or in between washes to keep your pet's fur smooth and clean longer. Leave-in sprays will make brushing easier, and some even provide UV protection.

Perfect Coat Clear Choice Grooming Spray

Will help you get rid of mats and tangles
Can be used on wet or dry coats
Perfect for use in between baths

Bio-Groom Anytime Leave In Conditioner Spray

Light and non-greasy
Aids in brushing by removing tangles
Special formula with chamomile and UV protection

Ear Cleaners and Wipes

You may not think much about the insides of your pet's ears, but cleaning and removing debris can greatly reduce their risk for ear infection or mites. Ear cleaners can even reduce odors and remove excess ear wax.

Four Paws Ear Wash

Cleans and removes odor-causing ear wax
For both cats and dogs
Won't irritate your pet's skin

Epi-Otic Ear Cleanser for Dogs and Cats

Can be used to clean ears of pets with ear infections
Prevents buildup of bacteria and yeast
Non-irritating

Four Paws Ear Wipes for Dogs and Cats

Will clean ears and prevent ear mites
Safely remove debris and stains

Eye Wipes

If your pet produces excess tears, tear stains can form under their eyes. You can get your pet back to looking their best with simple wipes that will remove the stains. Even if your pet doesn't have excess tears, eye wipes can help prevent eye infections if used to remove dirt or debris from around your pet's eyes after digging or playing outside.

8in1 Excel Eye Wipes

Safely remove tear and saliva stains from your pet's coat
Non-irritating formula
For both cats and dogs

Four Paws Eye Wipes for Dogs and Cats

Removes eye stains with a single wipe
Can be used frequenly to prevent staining

Don't let all the options out there for grooming dogs and cats overwhelm you--try some of these suggestions and see how fun bath time can be.

Emergency Pet Supplies: Disaster Preparedness for Pet Parents

Chances are that you keep some emergency supplies around the house in case of a disaster -- maybe a first aid kit, important phone numbers, non-perishable food items, and some bottles of water. But did you ever think about what your pet might need?

For most owners, pets end up becoming members of the family, and just like any other family member, you want them to be safe during an emergency. Here is a useful list of supplies to have on hand for your pet in case you need to take shelter at home or leave to get help.

Emergency Pet Supplies

1 week supply of food - You may not be able to make your way to the store to purchase pet food during an emergency. A 1 week supply of pet food stored in an airtight, waterproof container will give you peace of mind and your pet something to eat if disaster strikes.

3 day supply of water - Many disasters can disrupt water systems and make drinking water unavailable or unsafe to drink. While stocking up on water for you and your family, think about your pet, too.
Pet first aid kit
You never know what kind of injuries could result from a disaster. Additionally, your pet could suffer an unrelated injury while you are hunkering down at home or taking refuge in a safe haven. A first aid kit that includes supplies especially for pets will prepare you to handle minor injuries at home or on the road.
Any medications your pet is taking - Many pets take regular medications such as insulin, anti-inflammatories, and flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. If your pet is taking any medications regularly, ask your veterinarian about getting additional doses that you can put in a waterproof container and add to their emergency kit.
Medical records - Your pet’s medical records will be important to have on hand if you need to leave the house during an emergency. Put a copy of your pet’s records in a waterproof bag or container and add it to their emergency kit.
Microchip number - If your pet is microchipped, keep a copy of the microchip number in their kit. Unfortunately, some pets can get lost in the chaos of an emergency, and having your pet’s microchip number will make it easier to find them.
Collars & ID tags - For their safety, pets should always wear a collar with a rabies tag and identification tag. Keep backup collars and ID tags in your pet’s emergency kit.
Leashes - Avoid getting separated from your pet during an emergency by keeping them on a leash. Extra leashes put in your emergency kit may come in handy should something happen to your old standby.
Recent photos - Keep recent photos of you and your pet together in their kit. Include on the photos information such as breed, species, color, age, sex, and any distinguishing features. If your pet becomes lost during an emergency, these photos can establish your ownership and allow others to help you find your pet.
Emergency sticker for your door - Should you need to flee your home without your pet, an emergency sticker placed on a door or window will let rescue workers know that a pet is inside. Most of these stickers allow you to write in how many pets are inside, your veterinarian’s name, and their phone number. If you are able to take your pet with you when you leave, write EVACUATED across the sticker.
Litter and tray for cats - Having extra litter and an additional tray packed up and ready to go will allow you to leave the house more quickly with your cat in case of an emergency.
Poop bags and cleaners for dogs - As with the bathroom supplies for cats, a readily available supply of poop bags and cleaners for your dog will be one less thing to worry about if disaster strikes.
Pet carriers - It may be safer for your pet to travel in a carrier should you need to flee your home. Even if your pet doesn’t usually travel in a carrier, having one on hand is a smart idea.
Blankets and Toys - Blankets, toys, and any other items that bring your pet comfort can help reduce stress during an emergency. Keep a few extra of your pet’s favorite things in their emergency kit.

Don’t put off getting your pet’s emergency supplies together, and visit ready.gov for more information on preparing your pet for disaster.

Top Trends in Pet Care Supplies

Green Pet Food, Specialty Diets, Pet Fashions, and More

Pet care trends are following human trends, meaning there's a boom in green, organic, and other fair-trade type pet supplies out there. Find out how you can treat your pet to the latest and greatest!

The pet care supply business is booming, even in tough economic times. We often look at our pets as equal members of the family, so pet care trends are following human health care trends, showing boosts in organic options, supplements, fashion and others.

Going Green

A healthy pet is a top priority for every pet parent. Premium pet foods and healthy organic choices for dogs and cats are among the top sellers in the pet care supply market. Most animal food companies have some version of a natural or organic pet food available today. These organic pet food options are often replacing the old Alpo bags that we used to see in pet supply stores. Even local grocery stores are reserving aisle space for trendy pet foods. Refrigerated raw dog and cat food is available in many national grocery chains. Alongside people food, pet food is becoming healthier and more nutritious with fewer additives or preservatives.

This taste for all things "green" extends outside of food and toward products like leashes and collars made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials. Hemp collars and clothing are another part of the sustainable pet market. Pet parents are already the type of people who are concerned with animal welfare and health, so it is just a small step for them to become concerned with the environment. Sensitive pet parents enjoy purchasing products which have little or no impact on the planet.

Specialty Foods

It seems our health conscious society has put a greater value on specialty foods for humans and pets alike. New foods are appearing to cater to the needs of diabetic and obese animals. Foods designed for urinary health or hairball control in cats are also among the top sellers. The manufacturers have even designed foods specifically for pets with tooth loss or damage because of their advanced age.

Pet medications and vitamins are another huge trend that contributes to the health and well-being of today's pets. Many people are choosing to give their dog or cat a daily vitamin just like they would for the rest of their family. Pet parents are increasingly aware of the impact that good health can make on the lifespan of pets.

Increased Protection against Flea and Tick

Flea and tick control products, which are applied to the skin or fed to the pet, are also among the latest pet supply trends. Products like Advantix or Comfortis are extremely effective against pests like ticks, which are known to carry disease. More and more pet parents are spending their money on products to prevent unnecessary suffering from the bites that these pests inflict. Veterinary clinics and pet supply stores are filled with pest control products for dogs and cats. These products are also available for large animals like horses or donkeys. Because of the research and testing that goes into the creation of these products, prices tend to be quite high. Most pet parents find that the money is worth spending to protect their pets.

Making Pets Fashionable

On the opposite side of the spectrum, glamorous clothing is also a hot trend, especially for dog parents. Rhinestone collars, flashy colors, and even genuine gemstones are incorporated into the standard doggy jackets and hats. Leashes with personalized messages and even necklaces for your dog are on the menu at many pet stores. Cat clothing is not quite as popular as the items meant for dogs, but cat toys and houses are fun items for cat parents. Cat houses with multiple stories and cute accessories can be found in most pet supply stores.

Pet supply trends like organic foods, green products, and vitamins help increase the welfare of everyone's pets. Since so many of us own pets, the pet supply market has to change constantly to keep up with consumer demands. The top trends in pet care supplies are those which are good for the planet and the pet, while increasing pet health and happiness.