Furminator and Irritated Skin :[

[krashx6]

I use a Furminator brush on Berto several times a week in attempt to control his shedding. I was brushing him this afternoon, and I noticed he was bleeding in one spot. I was immediately alarmed and started checking out the rest of his skin, which I noticed was very red and irritated in the same spot and one other.

I am assuming I was brushing too much in these areas, and it made me feel like the worst mom EVER to have made my baby boy bleed like that. At least it didn't seem to bother him. I immediately rushed to the bathroom to gently wipe the irritated spots down with cool water and cotton balls and fed him a treat in hopes that he would forgive me, lol.

Has this happened to anyone else before? And is there something topical I could put on his skin to alleviate any discomfort?

Thanks in advance.

[CountryPug]

I've never had that happen, but I don't use it that often. I would'nt do it more than once a week, that is probably too much.

[T'spugs]

As a groomer, I would say you are using it to much, and thinning his coat a little bit... It really is easy to do, I have almost balded a spot on one of my cats on accident when I first got it. To test the pressure you are using it, try it on your arm, you don't need much pressure on coat for it to work.

Have you heard of a zoom groom? It is like a rubber curry and that is what like the best on the pugs myself. You can use it while bathing and on a dry coat. Again, not much pressure is needed.... Good luck, your baby will forgive you!

[lisamak]

Your local pet supply shop should have a variety of skin sprays that will soothe the irritation. Look for sprays designed for hot spots has those will have some ingredients to help the irritation/inflammation (most will have tea tree oil, Richard's Skin Spray is one of the best). If there's an open wound (not sure if just like a rash/irritation or if actual scratches) use neosporin ointment (same you'd use for you) or if you want a dog-specific product try Halo's Derma-Salve or Cloud Star's Buddy Boo-Boo. And as above, a couple times a week with a furminator is too much - its very easy to brush a bald spot or irritate the skin.

[Squeezable Beasties]

Thanks for the post, and others replies. Sorry to hear about the skin irritations. Hopefully, with the already posted suggestions, they will clear up in a short time.

We finally ordered a Furminator (small, original model, not the newer Deluxe), with an ETA of Tuesday, and now will be even more careful in it's use.

We have used the Top Paws Curry brushes for years, but are going to be trying a new one from Dr.'s Foster and Smith, for the twice weekly flying fur reduction ritual.

[Rosiepug]

It sounds like you've been a little too enthusiastic albeit with good intention.

Whatever brush you decide to use, only the slightest pressure should is needed or most will scratch the skin, the same with a zoom groom used with too much pressure and you could bruise the dog.

I also brush daily so never really have much hair around.

[Fla. Pugs]

We only furminate every ten days. Maybe you need to cut back to once a week.

[Snifter]

I tend to stick to a zoom groom or regular brush and only about once a week or so.

I only use a furminator when they are shedding heavily and then probably only once every couple of weeks.

Keep a very close eye on the sore spots in case they develop into hot spots which spread very quickly and are the devil to get rid of. I agree that using a product designed for hot spots is a good idea.

[krashx6]

Thanks for everyone's insight!

I do own a Zoom Groom, so maybe I will just stick to that, and definitely use it for my frequent grooming. I guess I was being Furminator-Happy. That thing takes out so much fur, and Berto sheds atrociously :\

His skin irritation has cleared for the most part, so I'm assuming it was definitely due to over-Furminating.

[Squeezable Beasties]

Glad to hear the skin irritation is mostly cleared.

Our brandy new, shiny yellow Furminator arrived yesterday, but in an exercise of practiced restraint, we are just managing, somehow, holding off. Even. Opening. It. So far ....