Brushing dogs with a furminator: is it necessary?
When a dog sheds hairballs fly all over the apartment. Fluff on clothes, furniture, and food drives owners crazy. To speed up the shedding period, you should brush your dog thoroughly.
The Furminator for dogs helps remove dead undercoat on dogs. The design features a stainless steel comb with a comfortable handle. There are small excisions on the teeth.
Dead hairs cling to the teeth and rise along with the furminator. Living hair remains intact. Hair follicles are not damaged.
Furminator for dogs: Photo
Design and principle of operation
The dog comb has a simple design. Outwardly, they resemble a rake: a knife with sharpened teeth is attached to a comfortable handle. The blade can be changed, so the comb has a long service life.
The size of the working surface determines the type of dogs for which the tool is intended. It varies from 3 to 13 cm, although there are other options.
The operating principle of a dog comb is simple:
- the comb grabs dead undercoat,
- at the same time, healthy coat remains intact.
Important point! When comparing the device with an ordinary slicker, the furminator for dogs does not touch the delicate skin of your dog.
The furminator is very easy to use
This comb is widely used for pets of different breeds. It is used to comb the hair of dogs, cats, rabbits and even horses.
How to choose a furminator for dogs
FURminator was invented by groomers Angie and David Porter (USA). The couple patented a device to do their work faster and better. Their company produced a line of products aimed at solving hair and skin care issues for pets.
Furminators differ in manufacturer, shape and technical characteristics. They vary in size, ergonomics, and weight.
When choosing a tool, consider the breed. As a rule, the characteristics indicate for which breeds and what length of wool a given model is suitable.
- For example, for dogs of small short-haired breeds up to 9-10 kg, devices with a blade of 4-4.5 cm (Small) are recommended.
- For pets weighing 10-23 kg, the blade length should be 6-7 cm (Medium).
- The Furminator for large dogs (24-41kg) is equipped with a 10-13 cm blade (Large).
The tool must be made of good metal, without deformation. If there are uneven spots on the teeth, the wool will get stuck between the teeth.
Furminator size. A wide working surface is more convenient for large breeds. For small ones, the surface area of the tool is smaller.
Technical characteristics play an important role. Pay attention to the convenience of the handle, since brushing a dog takes a lot of time. The handle should have a rubber surface so that the tool is easy and comfortable to hold in your hand.
Manufacturers can equip tools with buttons for cleaning lint (Delux), adjustable tooth frequency, and batteries for vibration massage. For owners with several dogs, a device with two removable blades is suitable: for long-haired and short-haired breeds.
You can start using the tool regularly when the dog’s bones are already formed and shedding has begun.
Furminator for dogs: Photos
Slicker or slicker
Such combs for dogs, photos of which can be seen above, are popular not only among dog breeders, but also among cat owners. Not everyone knows not only how to choose this tool correctly, but also how to use it. There are several main criteria that you should pay attention to when buying a slicker:
- The teeth should not be too soft or too hard attached to the base. In addition, the tool should not scratch the skin.
- The length of the teeth must be chosen in accordance with the length of the coat. The tool should reach the skin.
- There should be no balls at the end of the teeth. This will only further injure the fur.
Furminator for dogs: which brand to choose?
It is recommended to buy products from well-known manufacturers. For example:
Furminator Ink (USA)
Tools from the Furminator brand: Photo
The quality of the tools from this company is highly appreciated by professional groomers. The service life is guaranteed for 10 years, since the tools contain self-sharpening stainless steel blades. The brand produces 2 product lines: Classic and Delux.
Trixie (Germany).
Furminator from Trexie: Photo
The working area of the tool is wide, with inclined teeth. Ergonomic handle with voluminous rubber inserts.
Foolee (France).
Furminator for dogs from Foolee: Photo
Good value for money. Wide range for all animal sizes and coat types.
Kudi (China).
Furminator Kudi: Photo
The company produces lines of furminators and combs for cats and dogs.
How it works: how the FURminator combs out fur
The FURminator is as simple as it is effective. A specially designed metal comb gently combs the guard hairs (without damaging them), captures the dead undercoat of the animal, effectively removing them. The dog does not experience discomfort, since the FURminator does not touch the animal’s skin.
On sale you can find many “Furminators” for long-haired and short-haired dog breeds; varying degrees of quality and originality. We recommend using original FURminator brand products, which since 2022 have been available in a single modification, broken down by size and length of wool.
FURminator Undercoat is a bit like a razor - the same ergonomic rubberized handle, rounded head and a specially shaped “toothed” blade made of high-quality stainless steel.
The teeth of the FURminator do not require sharpening during the entire warranty period (10 years) and are designed to comb out the undercoat without damaging the animal's guard hairs. This is achieved by different lengths of teeth on the front and back of the blade, which allows you not to tear out the hair and carefully comb out the undercoat. Also, all models of FURminators are equipped with a plastic button for instantly cleaning the tool from hair. This is especially convenient if your pet does not sit still and every second of his attention is valuable.
Furminator for dogs: price
The price of a furminator depends on the brand and type of tool. For example, consider Furminator Ink.
A Furminator for dogs of short-haired breeds can be purchased for 1.6-3 thousand rubles.
For dogs of long-haired breeds, the price fluctuates in the same way depending on the size of the dog (1.6-3 thousand rubles)
A Furminator for large breed dogs costs about 3 thousand rubles. For dwarf breeds - up to 2 thousand rubles.
Here are some examples:
Firstly, a furminator for large long-haired dogs - 2840 rubles.
Furminator for large breeds with long hair: Photo
Secondly, Furminator for small breeds of dogs with short hair -1910 RUR.
Furminator for small breeds with short hair
Furminator for small short-haired dogs
For example, for small breed dogs with long hair - the price of the tool is 1910 rubles.
Furminator for small long-haired breeds of dogs: Photo
A for medium breeds of dogs with short hair - 2370 rub.
Furminator for medium short-haired dogs: Photo
For giant breeds with short hair - RUB 3,310.
Furminator for giant short-haired dogs: photo
Furminator for giant dogs with short hair: Photo
For dogs of dwarf breeds with long hair - RUB 1,660.
Furminator for dwarf long-haired breeds: Photo
Furminator for dwarf long-haired dogs: Photo
Furminators for dogs and cats from the German company Trixie are cheaper than FURminator (800-1500 rubles).
Foollee (France) - 1500-2500 rubles. Depending on the size of the dog.
Ferplast Gro Premium tools (Italy) with replaceable blades can be purchased for about 1000 rubles.
Kudi, made in China, is the most budget option, which can be bought for up to 800 rubles.
At the same time, if you look for a furminator on the market, you can find this product even at prices of 200-300 rubles. By buying counterfeit products, the dog owner can save money. But there is a risk that such devices:
- firstly, the hair follicles of the dog's guard hairs will be damaged;
- and, secondly, they will quickly become unusable.
Features of the powder puffer
These dog combs can be used while drying the animal's fur. As a result, the hair does not become as tangled in the future. The slicker allows you to quickly comb out leaves and twigs after a walk.
These combs come in different lengths. In this case, the slicker can be with or without a handle. The distance between the teeth can also vary. A high-quality tool should comb out the fur well without scratching the skin. The teeth of the slicker should be rigid, smooth and strong enough, as well as with slightly tapered tips. There are certain selection criteria. If your pet's fur is long and thick, then you need to choose a comb with long teeth. There should also be a large distance between them. Otherwise, the wool will be injured.
Such combs for dogs are used mainly for styling hair when drying with a hairdryer. They are also used to break up stray clumps, as well as to comb out the undercoat.
Brushing dogs with a furminator: pros and cons
The advantages of the device include its ability to significantly facilitate and speed up the combing of dead undercoat.
- The device removes fluff and dead hair.
- Reduces molting period by 90%.
- Does not cause pain when exposed.
- Helps remove tangles.
- Dirt, dust and even parasites are also removed with dead fur.
- Brushing distributes the oil lubricant throughout the dog's body, protecting the skin from harmful environmental influences.
The disadvantage of the furminator is that it costs more than a comb.
- In addition, low quality fakes are often found. Counterfeit tools break quickly and can damage the dog's epidermis.
- If your dog has a lot of tangles, you must first remove them with your hands.
- The Furminator is not suitable for all coat types. For example, it is not suitable if the dog has no undercoat (blue terrier, bichon frize, Portuguese water dog).
- Do not use the tool when the animal has skin wounds or injuries.
The tool is not suitable for all dogs. For example:
- If the dog has silky hair (lapdog, shih tzu, Yorkshire terrier), it is combed out with a comb and brush.
- If the coat is hard (Airedale Terrier, Schnauzer, Irish Terrier, Spaniel) or curled (Commander, Puli), then the Furminator is also not suitable.
- Pets with very short hair or hairless dogs (Peruvian Hairless Dog, Chinese Crested Dog) do not require a Furminator.
A few care rules
Every owner of a four-legged friend should have dog combs. However, you need to know how to use such a tool. Improper care can negatively affect the condition of the animal's coat. Here are some rules:
- Do not scratch dirty or dry fur. It will break. This may cause irritation on the skin. Before the procedure, it is worth slightly moistening the animal’s hair. Water can be diluted with conditioner.
- You should not comb your pet immediately after bathing. A dog brush can deform the hairs and easily pull them out.
Brushing dogs with a furminator: algorithm of actions
- Before using a new device, read the manufacturer's instructions.
- Since grooming can take 1-2 hours, be sure to take your dog for a walk and feed him.
- Carefully inspect the skin and fur. Make sure there are no abrasions, wounds, or inflammation.
- First, brush your dog with a comb.
- Remove tangles (by hand or with a tool).
- Wash your dog with shampoo. Then dry with a hairdryer, as the device only works adequately with dry hair.
- It is convenient to comb the dog when it is standing or lying (on a lounger or table).
- Brush the dog with a furminator, smoothly passing 2-3 times in each area. Make sure your dog is comfortable. Make movements in the direction of hair growth. If the dog is a long-haired breed, treat it first on the right, then on the left.
- Brush the belly, paws and genital area especially gently.
- Regularly remove clumps of lint from the device.
- Finally, use a soft brush to remove any remaining hair.
- After grooming, wash the Furminator with soap and dry with a towel.
After 9-10 days, it is recommended to repeat the procedure to remove any remaining dead undercoat.
To keep the coat looking well-groomed and healthy, brush your dog with a Furminator once a month. During the shedding period, you can use the tool twice a month.
Watch the video on how to use the Furminator for dogs. Also, read how to bathe a Labrador and how to care for Labrador's coat at home.
Furminator for dogs , as you can see, is a useful item. But you need to choose it based on the individual characteristics of your pet.
Operating principle, advantages and disadvantages
The Furminator is a tool that is associatively reminiscent of a rake, with an ergonomic rubberized handle. The working part is made of metal and is a bit like a barber's razor knife. Due to the density and length of the teeth, it effectively captures faded wool and undercoat, carefully pulling it out without damaging the main hair coat. The inventor of the mechanism is an American groomer, so the similarity with a hairdresser's tools is not surprising.
The positive properties of the comb include the following:
- Painless removal of dead hair.
- Only removes undercoat.
- The inventor claims that it is suitable for hair of any length, but this is not entirely true: there are breeds for which the tool will not suit.
- Prevents the formation of tangles.
- Performs massage and evenly distributes fatty lubricant over the surface.
- Shedding goes much faster.
- The processing time for the animal is reduced, which is important for restless dogs.
No shortcomings were found with the brush, except for one, it is not suitable for all breeds. There is an addition that is a nice bonus. Some types of furminators have a button that quickly and cleanly removes the combed wool. This saves owners time.
To use the comb correctly, you need to follow a number of rules:
- the procedure begins with bathing and combing with a regular comb;
- tangles and tangled areas are cut out and sorted by hand;
- Check to see if the dog has any wounds or inflammations on the skin.
Smooth-haired dogs are scratched in the direction of hair growth from the muzzle to the tail and along the back towards the stomach. Long-haired animals begin to be combed from the back, moving forward, that is, first the area of the hind legs and tail, gradually moving to the stomach and neck.
Who is not suitable for?
The Furminator is not suitable for dogs with long, straight hair, such as the Australian Silky Terrier. For curly dogs - American Water Spaniel, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frize. Smooth-haired breeds - bulldogs, foxhounds, terriers, Dobermans.
Difference from the furminator for cats
There is no specialized tool designed for cats or dogs. These are the same Furminators, differing in size and divided according to the length and thickness of the coat.
So, for cats, the smallest width scratchers are purchased. If you choose by hair type, then look at the length of the teeth. The length of the coat is directly proportional to the size of the teeth and inversely proportional to their frequency. That is, for a thick coat, use a sparse comb and vice versa. The selection of tools for dogs is carried out in a similar way.
Instrument care
The Furminator needs to be properly cared for. The main rule of care is to clean the instrument after grooming. If you ignore this process, then germs and bacteria will accumulate on the instrument, which is very dangerous for the dog’s skin.
After combing the fur, you need to rinse the furminator in warm water. No need to use soap. You can additionally use antiseptic and disinfectant sprays if your pet has a lot of tangles on its body. After drying, a cap is placed on the device to protect the blades.
It is worth protecting the accessory from falls and mechanical damage. They can cause the blade to wear out. If the cutting parts are damaged, you should not use a furminator for combing.
High-quality furminator for grooming
Tips for grooming dogs
Combing the undercoat should be done in a calm environment. Before using the accessory, it is advisable to first walk the dog, feed it and make sure that the pet is not thirsty.
Experienced breeders recommend using the following tips:
- use protective equipment (muzzle) if the pet behaves restlessly and shows aggression;
- be careful when brushing the inner thigh - most pets behave restlessly at this time;
- to avoid injury, start combing from the tips of the ears, moving gradually to the undercoat;
- take your time - take the hairs in small strands, move them in rows;
- do not forget to clean the comb from dirt, undercoat and dandruff every time.
The design of furminators designed to care for long-haired and short-haired, large and small dogs is different. Here you can choose a convenient tool:
note
Quick view
FURMINATOR LONG HAIR GIANT DOG XL for long-haired giant breed dogs (1 piece)
1 PC
3 624 ₽
Show all offers
Quick view
FURMINATOR LONG HAIR SMALL DOG S for long-haired dogs of small breeds (1 piece)
1 PC
2 086 ₽
Show all offers
Quick view
FURMINATOR SHORT HAIR GIANT DOG XL for short-haired dogs of giant breeds (1 piece)
1 PC
3 624 ₽
Show all offers
Quick view
FURMINATOR SHORT HAIR MEDIUM DOG M for short-haired dogs of medium breeds (1 piece)
1 PC
2 597 ₽
Show all offers
Quick view
FURMINATOR LONG HAIR TOY DOG XS for long-haired dogs of miniature breeds (1 piece)
1 PC
1 816 ₽
Show all offers
Quick view
PerseiLine trimmer comb for long-haired dogs with cleaner S 4.5 cm (1 piece)
1 PC
1 362 ₽
Show all offers
Quick view
FURMINATOR SHORT HAIR TOY DOG XS for short-haired dogs of miniature breeds (1 piece)
1 PC
1 816 ₽
Show all offers
Remember that your pet needs regular care not only during the molting period. High-quality combing promotes normal blood circulation and metabolic processes, making the hair thick and silky.
Selection
To choose an inexpensive and suitable device for combing wool, you should focus on the following criteria:
- The size of the teeth, the distance between them. The choice depends on the breed of your pet and the length of its fur. The longer the hair, the larger the blade size should be.
- Material. The device must be made of high-quality material. If we are talking about small dogs with thin skin, then it is better to focus on rubber combs. For long-haired breeds, metal brushes are suitable. When choosing, you should carefully inspect the body of the furminator; there should be no damage or irregularities on it.
- Width of working surface. It is advisable to use wide furminators for combing large, long-haired pets. Narrow is suitable for small breeds.
- Ergonomics of the handle. It is desirable that the handle have embossed rubber inserts and a convex end. This way the device will fit comfortably in your hand without slipping.
Important! There are models of furminators that are equipped with additional functions; they will not be superfluous in caring for hair. But it is worth considering that such devices are more expensive. In addition, the price depends on the manufacturer.
A furminator for dogs is a device that is used for hair care. It helps to comb out dead undercoat, making your pet's hair smooth, beautiful and manageable. Furminators are classified by size. Also, the choice of device depends on the condition and length of the pet’s coat. The grooming device is not used on dogs with very short hair (or no hair).
