Buying guide for best furminators
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Pets give us so much joy, but we need to give a little back, too. Regular grooming is essential for dogs and cats, especially long-coated individuals, to keep the skin healthy and the coat tangle-free. The FURminator brand produces a range of brushes, combs, and other grooming tools to help achieve this task.
FURminators are quality grooming tools at the higher end of the market with innovative designs that make grooming simpler for everyone involved. There are a wide range of FURminators on the market, however, so we've created this detailed guide to help you pick the right one.
Keep reading, and you'll soon be saying "hasta la vista" to mats and loose fur.
Types of FURminators
Deshedder
The FURminator deshedding tool was the first item the brand created. Its teeth are designed to reach into the undercoat to remove hair that's already loose, thereby reducing the amount of fur that your pet sheds around the house. It does so gently without cutting the fur (or your pet), scraping the skin, or pulling the hair.
Dematter
FURminator's dematting tool is the last defense to remove extremely stubborn mats. It features a curved stainless steel cutting edge to cut through seriously matted areas without injuring your dog. The cutting edge is adjustable for different coat lengths.
Dual-sided brush
One side of this brush features natural bristles, and the other has wire pins with rubberized ends for comfort. The pins work through small tangles and massage the skin, while the bristles smooth and shine the top layer of your pet's fur.
Grooming rake
The FURminator grooming rake features a single row of metal pins designed to remove loose fur, comb through tangles, and prevent serious matting (when used regularly). Each metal pin rotates so it can work through tangles without too much uncomfortable pulling.
Slicker
With its thin wire pins, the slicker brush detangles your pet's top coat without pulling. It is specially designed for dogs with wiry and silky coats. There are firm and soft versions available depending on what your pet prefers and how prone the coat is to tangling.
Finishing comb
The purpose of a finishing comb is to remove surface mats and tangles in long, wiry, silky, and curly coats. It leaves fur looking smooth and promotes the dispersion of natural oils.
Curry comb
Thanks to its short rubber bristles, the FURminator curry comb provides a great all-over massage for short- and medium-coated dogs. It also removes dirt, debris, and loose hair.
Hair collection brush
The hair collection brush is designed to collect hair both directly from your pet and from fabrics. It has a versatile four-sided design and can be used on either wet or dry pet hair.
Considerations for selecting a FURminator
Pet type
You'll need to choose the right type of FURminator for your pet. The vast majority of FURminators are designed for use on dogs, but you can also find some FURminators for cats. What's more, FURminator says that its deshedding tools are suitable for use on any animal with an undercoat. So, for instance, you could use a small FURminator deshedder on a rabbit or chinchilla, or a larger model on a pet goat.
Pet size
Select the size of your FURminator according to the size of your pet. The deshedder has the most size options, with choices ranging from extra-small to giant; there is an even smaller model designed for cats. As such, you should be able to easily pick a size that suits your pet. Other FURminator grooming tools with size options generally only offer a choice between small and large. These sizes are suitable for the vast majority of pets, but they may be slightly large or small for pets on the extreme ends of the size spectrum. You'll also find a couple of one-size-fits-all FURminator products.
Coat length
Another important factor to consider when selecting a FURminator is the length and type of your pet's coat. Some FURminator tools are designed for long-coated pets only, whereas others work best on short-coated pets. For example, FURminator's curry comb is perfect for short-coated pets, but it won't do anything much to work through long fur. On the other hand, grooming rakes are perfect for detangling long and silky coats, but they are totally unnecessary for short-coated pets. Carefully check the product description to be certain the tool you're buying is suitable for your pet's coat length.
Did you know?
FURminator brushes have ergonomically designed handles that make them comfortable even for long grooming sessions.
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FURminator prices
You'll pay a little bit more for a FURminator than you might for a similar grooming tool, but you can be assured of the quality that comes with the FURminator name.
You can find inexpensive FURminators, such as finishing combs and curry combs, starting between $5 and $10.
Mid-range FURminators, including slickers and grooming rakes, cost between $10 and $20.
High-end FURminators, such as the deshedding tool, cost between $20 and $35.
Tips
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Think about how you groom your pet and any problems you experience. For example, if you struggle with mats, a dematter or grooming rake would be ideal. A curry comb or dual-sided brush would probably be better for daily grooming or smoothing the coat.
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Take it slowly when introducing your pet to a new FURminator. This is especially important if your pet isn't accustomed to regular grooming. Start out by brushing for just a minute or two at a time. Give treats and praise to build a positive association for your pet.
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Use an appropriate amount of pressure when grooming your pet with a FURminator. If you press down too hard, it could be uncomfortable for your pet, so use a light touch. You can always run the grooming tool over your own skin to see how it feels and gauge how much pressure is too much.
- Consider buying more than one FURminator. Unless your dog has very simple grooming requirements, you're likely to need a few different grooming tools to keep their coat in proper condition.
Other products we considered
Our shortlist of FURminator products isn't an exhaustive list. Depending on the needs of both you and your pet, you might find some FURminators that are better suited to you. The FURminator Firm Grooming Slicker Brush is great for removing small mats and tangles on the surface of the fur and for creating a smooth finish. There are both firm and soft options available.
The FURminator Dual Grooming Brush has bristles on one side and wire pins on the other. It's a versatile brush that's great for a range of basic grooming tasks. However, it's better at maintaining your dog's healthy-looking coat than it is at workout out existing tangles.
Finally, you might want to consider the FURminator Finishing Comb, which is meant for giving a final once-over after brushing to remove surface tangles, particularly in dogs with long, curly, silky, or wiry coats.
FAQ
Q. How often should I use the FURminator deshedding tool for best results?
A. Use the FURminator deshedding tool once or twice a week for approximately 10 to 20 minutes each time. Short-coated pets who don't have lots of hair to shed might need a little less time. On the other end of the spectrum, long-coated pets with thick undercoats are likely to need the full 20 minutes each time.
Q. Do I need to clean my FURminator?
A. All pet combs and brushes need occasional cleaning to wash off built-up grease and dander. Clean your FURminator tools by hand with warm, soapy water. Rinse them well, and allow them to dry naturally. We recommend cleaning your FURminator monthly or when you notice a build-up of grease.
Q. My long-coated pet has matted fur. What should I do?
A. First, you need to tackle the matted areas. For severely matted fur, use the FURminator dematting tool, or use the grooming rake for lesser mats. Once you've gotten rid of all the matted fur, you'll need to start grooming your long-coated pet at least every other day (but ideally daily) to prevent future matting.
