REVISITING THE FURMINATOR

Spring has sprung and so has the dog show circuit with the Futurities already underway. This means that people are grooming, combing, brushing, and bathing their dogs more now than they did in the overly long winter months. I already reviewed the Furminator shedding tool last year and received a lot of positive e-mail about the product. I would like to know how many of those people that never used it before, use it now and what you think about it. Because of Furminators tremendous popularity, they offer many more products besides the original shedding tool. I’m going to share a few of them here with you today. There are many different Furminator tools and they come in different sizes, usually small, medium and large.

FURMINATOR deLUXE deSHEDDING TOOL WITH FUR-EJECTOR: This tool comes in three convenient sizes….small, medium and large. I’ve never used the large size, but I assume it takes a lot more hair out of the dog’s coat at one time. I wonder if it’s more cumbersome to use. Anyway, I like that this tool will eject the fur that you pull out of your dog’s coat by pressing a button to release it. The teeth are very small and close together to pull the maximum amount of hair from your dog’s shedding coat. It’s wise to remember when using this tool, not to press too firmly on your dog’s skin as it can hurt him. Don’t dig into his skin too aggressively with this tool.

From the products description: Reduce your pet’s shedding by 90 percent with the FURminator deLuxe deShedding Tool. Its premium stainless steel fine-toothed 4-inch blade does not cut, but reaches deep to grab and remove loose hair and undercoat hair quickly and easily, leaving a shiny, healthy topcoat. By removing loose, dead hairs, the tool also eliminates shedding and the cleanliness and allergy problems that accompany it. Less hair on your dog means less hair on your furniture and floors. The innovative ergonomic handle makes the tool easy to grip. The FURejector is a conveniently placed thumb button that lets you empty the collected fur from the shedding blade safely and quickly. Just push the button, and the fur is easily released. Get fast, amazing results every time with both long- and short-haired shedding breeds. Reduces shedding better than any brush, rake, or comb, and brings out the pet’s natural oils, which promotes healthier skin and a shiny coat.

INTERESTING TO NOTE: It says on the description page that the medium tool is recommended for dogs up to 50 lbs. and the large tool is for dogs over 50 lbs. It looks like they answered my question for me about which size to use for the German Shepherd Dog.

I know that most of you show exhibitors bathe your dogs before they’re shown. What about those other times that you just want to freshen up their coats and make them smell good without having to do all that work? I love having and using a waterless shampoo for my dogs. It’s handy and convenient. I’ve been using them for years, although I’ve never tried this one, but it has gotten very good reviews from those that have.

FURMINATOR WATERLESS DE-SHEDDING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: Product description: Promote healthier skin, shinier topcoat, and a reduction in excessive shedding by using the FURminator Waterless deShedding Shampoo and Conditioner. It helps eliminator odor and leaves a fresh, clean scent that will make you want to snuggle with your pet all day. It’s enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids loaded with vitamins and proteins. The coconut-based system lifts and attaches to dirt, allergens, and loose fur, allowing for easy removal with the FURminator deShedding Tool (sold separately). The non-drying, hypoallergenic formulation also helps remove loose hair and strengthen hair shafts. The renourishment and revitalization of the shafts prolong the growth cycle and reduce shedding to a more natural process.

When I do muster up the courage and strength to bathe my dogs in the bath tub, besides all the pain it causes me (back injury), the one other thing that I absolutely hate is all the water that’s left behind on my floors. I have tons of towels to dry them with, but it just doesn’t absorb enough of the water. I’ve seen and read about the microfiber towels in the past, but I’ve never used them. I wonder how many of you people do and what you think of them. I’m for anything that helps cut down on my work load. I’m assuming these types of towels would be excellent for the groomer and show person. It certainly should cut down the amount of time you would have to blow dry your dog.

FURMINATOR SUPER-ABSORBENT MICROFIBER DRYING TOWEL: Product description: Drying your pet after a relaxing bath can be done in no time flat with the FURminator Microfiber Towel. Its microfibers are incredibly absorbent and extremely soft, pulling the moisture quickly from your dog’s coat. Your pet will dry faster and be more comfortable. The lightweight, fast-drying towel is reusable and machine-washable. Measures 18 x 24 inches.

I think the FURMINATOR line of products has proven themselves to be a top line of grooming products for the last several years and it seems that their products have received a lot of positive feedback. As I said earlier and in my last review, use these grooming tools with a lighter hand as they can be sharp to the dog’s skin especially to a puppy.


My rating: FURMINATOR line of products: (4)