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 petโs medical records will be important
to have on hand if you need to leave the house during an emergency.
Put a copy of your petโs 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 petโs 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 petโs 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
veterinarianโs 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 doesnโt
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 petโs favorite things in their emergency
kit.
Donโt put off getting your petโs 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.
More
on Grooming Pets
How to Groom a Dog
Puppy Grooming for Beginners
How to Clean Cocker Spaniel Eyes
This information is for informational purposes only and is
not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or
diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian. Always seek the
advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professional with
any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never
disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to what you may
have read on our website.
