August, 2020 | SMF-Animal

Cat Grooming Supplies

August 26, 2020September 11, 2020 - by Jarrod Marcelino

Cat grooming is a great activity that can build up a strong bond between you and your cat. To perform this correctly then you will need to ensure that you have the correct grooming supplies to do the job properly. A lot of people are unsure of whether or not you should groom your cat. Some people do it and some do not. It mainly comes down to personal preference.

If you do decide to do a little bit of cat grooming in your spare time then having the right supplies and doing it properly will ensure that both you and your cat enjoy the experience. After you have decided to groom your cat then you will have to decide upon what cat grooming supplies you need. Below is a list of some of the more common supplies that people purchase and their uses.

List of Cat Grooming Supplies

Wire-toothed combs

These are the perfect way to remove any dead or clumped hair on the longer-haired breeds of cat. They will help to thin out your cat’s undercoat and remove any tangles or matted areas.

Brushes

These are also great for removing any excess hair but are mainly used to fluff up your cat’s hair. A pin brush is designed to get more air into your cat’s coat to give it a thicker and fuller look. Slicker brushes are usually used on cats with shorter hair.

Finger Brushes

If your cat has a bad case of bad breath then using a finger brush like a toothbrush is the perfect way to go. Use a small amount of cat toothpaste and your cat will have a perfect smile and fresh breath in no time. Brushing your cat’s teeth from a young age will help to ensure that their teeth stay healthy …

Dogs

Can I Wash My Dog If He’s on Frontline Or K9 Advantix?

August 20, 2020September 11, 2020 - by Jarrod Marcelino

You’ve just given Rex his monthly flea and tick treatment, and now he’s come in from the garden looking like he’s found the biggest and best mud pool in town. He may be overjoyed but you’re not. He needs a bath NOW! But will a bath wash away his flea treatment?

It’s a common question and given the expense of monthly applications of Frontline or Advantage, you don’t want to apply any more than is necessary. So what should you do?

In line with the manufacturers’ directions, you must wait for 48 hours right after applying Frontline or Advantage ahead of bathing your dog. The main ingredient in Frontline, fipronil, stores itself in the dog’s oil glands, reapplying itself constantly through the hair follicles. Meanwhile, Advantage’s main ingredient is imidacloprid, which coats the skin.

Although both claim to be waterproof, some dog owners have found that the treatments do seem to be less effective after bathing. Regular washing with medicated or flea shampoos can dry the skin, making flea treatments weaker and less likely to work. There’s also the problem that many commercial flea shampoos contain harsh chemicals. Do you want to apply those on top of the regular monthly treatment? One alternative is to use a natural shampoo after flea treatment applications; a gentle shampoo (like Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo) can help moisturize the skin while cleansing.

Or perhaps you want to consider a switch from chemical flea and tick treatments to something more earth-friendly. Most natural products can be used on their own, or as a complement to Frontline and Advantage.

Some natural alternatives to try include:

Garlic and brewer’s yeast tablets. Added to your dog’s food, or given as a daily treat, these are full of nutrients to help improve your dog’s skin and coat, plus you