Dog and Cat Hair Brushes

The effect of a bad hair day on a woman is almost legendary, but what people don’t know is that pets are equally distressed by tangled or messy fur. Dogs and especially cats love to groom themselves, by licking their fur until it is slick and neat.
Mother Nature prepared them well for this task—cats’ tongues have the texture of sandpaper, which gives their fur a good scrub. This doesn’t mean they can’t use a little help from their owners. By keeping them well groomed, using the wide variety of accessories and products available in the market today, you can keep their coat shiny, tamed, and free from loose hairs. (It doesn’t hurt that they won’t be shedding as much fur on your furniture, either.)

Pet Hair Brushes

Pet hair brushes are very similar to those designed for women. They remove excess hairs and tangles, and keep fur neat and beautifui. If your pet has short hair, use a soft-bristled slick brush. If your pet has long hair, find one with pin-bristles. In general, you should dry your dog or cat’s hair before brushing it. If you really need to brush out wet fur, look for a rubber brush—it’s less likely to hurt your pet or break the hair strands.

Pet Combs

The one-lined stiff bristles found in combs are essential for giving short-haired dogs and cats a neat, sleek look. Combs can also be used on pets with long hair, but only after they have been given a thorough brushing.

Specialty Combs and Brushes
Some pet grooming tools have been designed to meet special needs. There are products designed specifically for pets with short or long hair. You’ll also find flea combs, whose fine spacing can help trap insects.
Other brushes and combs are supposed to be used on specific parts of your pet’s body, such as small narrow brushes for areas around the eyes and muzzle. You can also buy tangle removers for matted hair—a must for long-haired pets like shih-tzus.

What to Consider Before Buying
If budget is a problem, or if you’re unsure what kind of brushes your pet realistically needs, start with dual-purpose tools. Look for brushes that incorporate two kinds of functions, like those that have a hair brush on one side and a detangler on the other. You can also find sets which contain everything you need, which may come out cheaper in the long run. Just remember there are specific brushes that will work just for dogs or cats, so ask assistance from the pet store clerk to help you choose the right products.
When choosing between different brands of brushes, consider how easily you’ll be able to use the product. Even if the brush is for your pet, you’ll be one wielding it. Examine the handle of the brush and comb and see how much control you get and how comfortably it fits into your hand. Handles are made from different kinds of material—wood, rubber or plastic—all of which can provide variety, comfort and durability.