Pet Product News - November 2017

KEEP IT FRESH

New grooming products give retailers the opportunity to generate excitement and help keep the category fresh and interesting. Earth Heart Inc. in Dundee, Ill., recently launched Canine Calm aromatherapy wipes to help calm dogs during storms, fireworks and other stressful or unsettling times.

Earlier this year, John Paul Pet in Ventura, Calif., introduced Lavender Mint Shampoo and Detangling Spray, both of which are tea tree products that help fight a multitude of issues that affects dogs, according to the company.

In March, Bio-Derm Laboratories released its Bio-Groom Facial Foam Cleanser. Because the product is designed to be used around a pet’s face, “Bio-Groom formulated the mildest sulfate-free, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free Facial Foam on the market, that also doesn’t leave your hands or your pet’s face sticky and oily,” said Justin Pohl, vice president of the Longview, Texas-based company.

EW PRODUCTS
Odyssey Pets uses a bookshelf to separate grooming
products from the rest of the displays in the store.
THREE TIPS FOR AT-HOME
GROOMING MAINTENANCE
BY MEGAN MOUSER

During autumn and early winter, pets often catch potentially harmful debris in their coats. Pet owners can take proactive steps to keep their dogs healthy between professional grooming sessions with two must-have tools: a two-sided pin brush and an adjustable blade clipper.

At-home grooming not only keeps dogs healthy, but it also gives proactive owners the chance to bond with their pets. Share these tips with customers to help them make the most of their grooming tools for healthier, happier pets during the cold weather season:

1. BRUSH UP ON DAILY CARE

Brushing is the essential first step to at-home care, whether the dog’s hair is short and smooth or long and prone to tangles. Brushing not only increases circulation and overall skin health, it also stimulates follicles to release natural oils. This will combat dry skin brought on by cold weather and leave the coat shiny. To start, use the coarse pins on one side of the brush to loosen debris and excess fur, and then follow with the fine bristles for a shiny finish.

2. CLEAN FROM HEAD TO TOE

Pet owners who are comfortable using a clipper can keep pets clean beyond brushing.

Trimming around the eye area can decrease irritation caused by natural tearing, which is common during cooler months. Typically, clipping occurs after bath time, but it is ideal to trim around the eyes before bathing. Set the adjustable-blade clipper, like Andis’ ProClip Pulse Ion Clipper, to #10 or #15, and gently scoop out hair in front of the dog’s eyes. Continue at #10 or adjust to #30 when moving to the paws. Excess fur between paw pads can trap everything from dry leaves to rock salt, but shaving between pads every two to three weeks will keep paws free of potentially harmful debris.

3. TIDYING SANITARY AREAS

A clean, dry sanitary area minimizes the risk of infections and is vital during cold months. After sanitizing the clipper, set it to #10. Remember to never run a clipper or trimmer blade over a pet’s sensitive parts, as it can cause injury. Rather, work around in gentle scooping and skimming motions, going up, then down, then side to side. Clippers should be cleaned both before and after grooming the dog’s sanitary areas.

Megan Mouser is education manager for Andis Co.’s animal division. With more than a decade of professional experience in the pet industry—ranging from corporate management roles to being a certified groomer—Mouser is responsible for developing and managing Andis’ global animal grooming education strategy and content.