Dr. Joi's Favorite Pet Grooming Products

If you have a diabetic pet the odds are high that you may have spent a small fortune in medical bills. Having pets can be an expensive habit. ADW asked me to suggest to our customers some of my favorite grooming supplies – products that I have found invaluable over the years. Perhaps with the right tools, folks will be able to maintain a pet’s hairdo and pedicure without constantly paying the groomer or vet clinic for these simple tasks.

The FURminator
	I really like The FURminator! I use one in my practice and I use one in my home. If you have a smooth coated pet, you may have no use for this magical de-shedding tool. However, if you have a real fuzz bucket in your home, you will probably forever thank me for introducing you to the FURminator. One of my cats has a very plush and soft fur coat and she loves it when I furminate her. I figure one way or the other I will be dealing with her cat hair: I will either be lavishing her with furminating attention or I will be forced to vacuum my house daily. On the other hand, my male cat has sleek fur with many guard hairs. The FURminator doesn’t do much for his coat. There are copy cat de-shedding tools on the market, but the FURminator gets my thumbs up.
Oster Grooming Tools
	Long haired pets often get mats behind their ears, in their armpits, around their private parts and elsewhere. Cutting such mats with scissors could result in a skin laceration if the pet is wiggly. Hair clippers are much preferred. There are numerous brands of hair clippers, but my long-time favorite is the Oster brand. The clipper blades vary in size with the larger number providing a finer clip. Size 40 and 50 blades are used for very close clips such as prior to surgery in a veterinary hospital. Size 10 is the most common grooming blade. I use both corded and cordless Oster clippers in my house-call practice.
Jorgensen Nail Trimmers
	Extremely long nails can be uncomfortable for the pet or even break. During puppy exams, I always remind clients to handle their pet’s feet often to desensitize the pet to foot touching. Without routine handling some pets end up foot sensitive, and the family is doomed to a life of nail trims done by a professional. Proper, sturdy nail trimmers are a must. Dull, ancient tools may pinch the nail bed or not cut completely through the nail. I personally like the side trimming nail cutters over the guillotine style trimmers. Also, it is best to have some qwik stop powder handy in case you accidentally cut a quick and make your sweetie bleed. Hopefully one bottle of qwik stop will last you a lifetime!
CET Toothbrushes & Toothpastes
	ADW now carries the full line of CET brand toothpastes and toothbrushes. Virbac offers a variety of CET toothpaste flavors that appeal to pets. Virbac makes several CET toothbrush styles to fit most pet mouths. You will remember Virbac is the company who makes the delicious CET chews which many dogs and cats adore. Good oral hygiene is essential for diabetic pets.