FURminator® DeShedding tool product review

Sophie along with the undercoat that was removed by the FURminator deShedding tool

Overview - The FURminator DeShedding tool is essentially a brush that “does not cut, but grabs and removes undercoat hair quickly and easily” according to company literature.

Reduces shedding up to 90% and makes his coat shiny. Tired of constantly brushing your dog (or cat) and still finding pillows of hair all over? The FURminator ® deShedding tool has a special non-cutting edge that quickly and gently removes loose undercoat hair, leaving a shinier, healthier top coat. Great for allergy sufferers – reduces the amount of dander and other airborn allergens. Surgical-grade stainless steel head with durable plastic handle.
Skymall magazine
Late Spring, 2008
p. 173

Scope - This review consists of verifying the manufacturer claims about the FURminator deShedding tool and personal observations in using the tool. This tool was reviewed on its own merits and without additional deShedding products such as shampoos, solutions, and treatments.
Criteria –
1- Tool does not cut, but grabs and removes undercoat hair quickly and easily.
2- Tool reduces shedding up to 90%.
3- Tool makes dog’s coat shiny.
4- Tool quickly and gently removes loose undercoat.
5- Top coat is healthier.
6- Reduces the amount of dander and other airborn allergens.

Observations –
1- In personal use, we found that the FURminator deShedding tool does not grab or cut. It does remove undercoat faster and easier, in that fewer brush strokes are needed than with a normal brush. The tool also seems to collect the undercoat without grabbing the topcoat. The deShedding tool was used on our short-haired dogs so we have not tested it on long- or curly-haired dogs.
2- Question to the manufacturer: The deShedding tool reduces shedding up to 90% – does this mean that the tendency to shed is reduced up to 90% or does it remove 90% of the shedded undercoat? Do you have any product test data to validate?
Response: Shedding is a natural process for dogs and cats and can vary greatly from pet to pet. Shedding is dramatically impacted by the specific breed’s hair growth cycle and coat type, as well as the pet’s health and environment. In short, shedding is the process of dead hair being on the pet to the dead hair being off the pet.
The FURminator deShedding Tool reduces shedding up to 90%. Although nothing will stop this natural shedding process, you can remove a majority of the shed hair (undercoat and loose hair) before it falls out. Once the majority of the undercoat and loose hair is removed, it takes about four to six weeks for this dead hair to return. When the FURminator deShedding tool is used on a regular basis, it greatly reduces the amount of undercoat and loose hair that is shed, and prevents it from falling off onto the carpet and furniture.
Although we are not aware of any clinical tests of the FURminator deShedding Tool, it has been tested by millions of consumers, as well as used and recommended by thousands of groomers, veterinarians, and pet professionals worldwide. The proof of its effectiveness is the experience of using it on a shedding pet, as well as the many reviews, awards, and the commercial success of the product.
3- After brushing the dogs’ coats with the FURminator, they do appear much shinier and the coat seems to lie better.
4- The deShedding tool seems to quickly remove the undercoat however it should be noted that the deShedding tool is only as gentle as the groomer. In our case, it seemed to have a massaging effect on the dogs.
5- Question to the manufacturer: Could you define “healthier” and do you have product test data to validate?
Response: When you remove the undercoat and loose hair, this allows the pet’s natural oils to come to the topcoat, promoting the pet’s healthy skin and coat.
6- Question to the manufacturer: do you have any product test data to give a range or estimate of how much these are reduced?
Response: Cat and dog dander can cause allergic reactions in people. The actual animal hair is not considered to be a significant allergen, but the hair collects dust, pollen and other allergens. In cats, it’s actually not the cat hair people are allergic to but their saliva. Since cats are known for grooming themselves frequently, the dried cat saliva is found all over their fur.
Using the FURminator deShedding Tool removes undercoat and loose hair. The amount of undercoat and loose hair that is removed varies from pet to pet, breed to breed, but is known to remove more undercoat and loose hair than any other grooming product on the market. In saying this, removing the undercoat and loose hair from the pet before it has shed all over the house, clothes, carpet, car, etc, helps get to the root of the problem.
Manufacturer Response to review – you have our permission to use the information.
Personal Notes - Product aside, I applaud FURminator DeShedding Products for providing support and assistance to rescue organizations.
One benefit that I believe the deShedding tool provides and is not included in company literature, is the effect that undercoat removal has on dogs and cats. By reducing a large amount of the undercoat, you are also reducing the amount of insulation, which therefore allows the dog or cat to remain cooler.

Tags: dog grooming, healthy coat, shedding