I live in Israel and cannot find an apropriate brush for my toy poodle, Linda. I would like the name of an internet site where I could order one. I also need to know the name of what I'm looking for.

-- Anonymous, December 20, 1999

Answers

Well, Sharon, I'm not sure which Linda you are addressing, but since I have several catalogues at-hand, I'll try to answer, hoping that others will provide more "expert" recommendations for toys as needed.

I believe the combs are called Greyhound combs. I have a standard poodle and use a comb to brush her out; lots of work but worth the effort, as there is less breakage, given how I handle the comb.

I have also used "slicker" brushes, preferably those with a bend in the bristle. Slicker brushes are used for just about any hairy animal known to man and woman. I have one for my cat and 2 or 3 for my dogs. These do cause more breakage of the hair, which is undesirable if you are interested in a dynamite coat, however. I use these for 1/4 to 1/2 inch sections of Olivia's coat.

I also use "pin" brushes. These are similar to what we humans use; well some humans use them, anyway. I use these along with the combs to work with longer hair, combined with the combs to make sure I have removed mats all the way down to the skin.

Now then, catalogues or web sites? I have dozens of different catalogues, which will do you no good, I guess, unless you can call or write to order them (email me and I'll be happy to call the free telephone numbers to have some mailed to you). I can only find one web site listed on any of them: www.drsfostersmith.com . I just lost/reformatted my C:\ and still cannot get to my bookmarks and know there are others out here. I'm certain that someone else can provide you with other web sites.

Good luck and enjoy that tiny poodle, Linda and Olivia

-- Anonymous, December 20, 1999

You should use a pin brush that does not have the balls on the ends. A good brand is All Systems. Go to the Valley Vet website. They have free shipping on most of their items.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2000

I used a "Warners" brand rabbit brush for years until I lost it in a move. It was a slicker type but a little different than what you buy today. It was the ideal poodle brush and I wish I could find one now.

-- Anonymous, March 16, 2001

The Warner Slicker is highly recommended as the 'best' poodle coat brush. It apparently doesn't cause the breakage that other slickers cause. I just ordered mine at www.allpets.com. They have 2 sizes available, and currently have a $5 shipping special for any size order. www.pet-expo.com also has them, but shipping is more. pet- expo also charges an extra shipping fee if your order is under a certain dollar amount. Happy Grooming!

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2001

I have found that the 9" Greyhound comb in stainless steel is the best around. I just shopped on the net for best price. We have a couple around the house and use them daily. Just compared prices and the best I got was a tad under $9.00.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

I have a great site to order pet products-they sell for professional groomers: NESerum.com. I have ordered many of my supplies from them and the prices are great.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002