The FURminator: Amazing, Amazing, AMAZING (And You Don't Have to Buy the Brand) 🐾

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Okay. I need you to hear me on this one. 📣

Deshedding tools are amazing. Amazing. AMAZING. Your dogs and cats will love them. 💝

And no, this isn't just about hair. Although... the hair. 😂

It's not just about the hair

Yes, it gets the hair OFF the dog. And when it's off the dog, it's not on your floors, your couch, your black leggings, or in your coffee. Hahaha.

But here's the part people miss: bonding. 💞

It really relaxes them. That slow, gentle stroke? Eyes get heavy. Bodies go limp. Somebody always leans in for more. And you get all those sticky, dead hairs out that they can't get out themselves. It just feels GOOD to them.

In my house, that's quality time. Me, my pack, a pile of fur, and a whole lot of love.

My pick: FURminator, every size

I use the FURminator. It's the OG for a reason.

Most of my pack are terrier mixes, and on them? The FURminator is AMAZING. 🙌 (Farley the Maltese is a whole different story. More on him below. 😂)

Pick by your pet's weight and coat. Short hair or long hair, the listing tells you which is which.

For dogs 🐶

• Small dogs (under 25 lbs): Short hair | Long hair
• Medium dogs (25-50 lbs): Short hair | Long hair
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): Short hair | Long hair

For cats 🐱

• Small cats (under 10 lbs): Short hair | Long hair
• Medium to large cats (over 10 lbs): Short hair | Long hair

What I love:

• Stainless steel deshedding edge that reaches through the topcoat to pull out the loose undercoat.
• The FURejector button. Push it and the hair pops right off the tool. No picking fur out with your fingers. 🙌
• Comfy handle, because a good session takes a minute.
• Cats too. FURminator says deshedding can help cut down on hairballs, since there's less loose hair for kitty to swallow while grooming. 🐱

You do NOT need the brand name. You DO need good quality.

Let me be real with you. You don't have to buy the expensive brand-name one. 💅

But please, please, PLEASE don't grab the cheapest junk you can find. A cheap, rough edge can pull their fur or scratch their skin. And then guess who doesn't want to be brushed anymore? Exactly. That ruins the whole bonding thing.

Get a good quality one. Here are two budget picks with a stainless steel edge and a LOT of happy reviews:

• MIU COLOR Deshedding Tool has a 4-inch stainless steel comb, a detachable head, and a blade cover. It looks a whole lot like the big brand for a fraction of the price.
• EquiGroomer 5-Inch Deshedding Brush has a stainless steel blade with rounded teeth. It's a good one for cats and small dogs.

Whichever one you pick, go gentle. Same rules for all of them. 👇

The honest part

• Not for non-shedders. FURminator says not to use it on non-shedding breeds or pets with especially sensitive skin. If you're not sure your pet has an undercoat, ask your vet.
• Farley, my Maltese? He never gets the FURminator. Not once. Not ever. He's a scissors and comb only kind of guy. 💅

• Check the skin first. Look for sores, scrapes, or irritation before you start, and skip those spots. Redness while you're brushing? Stop.
• Gentle strokes. Go with the direction the hair grows. Don't press hard. Don't go over and over one spot. Let the tool do the work.
• Don't overdo it. FURminator says 1-2 times a week, 10 to 20 minutes a session, maybe more during big shedding season. More is NOT better.
• Brush out tangles first. Using it on mats can be uncomfortable for them and can bend the teeth. Dry fur only.
• Pro tip: do it outside or on a floor that's easy to clean. You will not believe how much fur comes off. Then let my Shark Stratos handle whatever escaped. 😂

Real facts, no fluff

• The ASPCA says regular brushing keeps the coat in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils through the coat, preventing tangles, and keeping skin clean. Grooming time is also a good time to check for fleas. (ASPCA)
• The ASPCA also says you can't stop a healthy dog from shedding, but brushing regularly cuts down the hair in your home. (ASPCA)
• The AKC calls grooming a bonding opportunity. Most dogs love the attention, brushing feels good, and it builds trust as they learn it's okay to be handled. (AKC)
• FURminator says its tool shouldn't be used on non-shedding breeds or pets with particularly sensitive skin, and recommends 1-2 sessions a week of 10 to 20 minutes. (FURminator FAQ)
• FURminator's own guide says to stroke gently in the direction of hair growth, avoid too many strokes in one area, not press too hard, and check skin for sores first. (FURminator guide)

And for the face, the eyes, and the little detail spots? That's what my tiny combs are for. 💕

Vet note: I'm not a vet, and this isn't vet advice. Bald spots, red or irritated skin, sores, or shedding that seems like way too much are all reasons to call your vet.