Disclaimer

General information only

Coat & Clipper publishes general information about routine grooming of dogs and cats at home. It's written by Megan Lowry, a pet-care writer and owner, who is not a veterinarian or a professional groomer. Nothing on this site is veterinary advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan.

See a vet for

• Signs of ear infection: smell, discharge, redness, pain, head shaking or tilt
• Skin problems: redness, sores, scabs, hair loss, lumps, persistent itching
• Bleeding from a nail or cut that doesn't stop with steady pressure
• Mats tight against the skin, especially if the skin underneath may be sore
• Dental signs: foul breath, bleeding gums, loose or broken teeth, trouble eating
• Signs of heat stress, which can be an emergency
• Any sudden change in how your pet tolerates handling, which can signal pain

In an emergency, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately. If you think your pet has swallowed something toxic, call your vet or an animal poison control service.

No medication advice

We don't recommend medications, supplements or doses for animals, and you should never give a pet any medicine, including human medicines, without veterinary advice.

Your judgment and your pet

Animals can react unpredictably, and grooming tools can cause injury. Use our guides with care, stop if your pet is distressed, and hand over to a professional groomer or vet whenever a task is beyond your comfort or skill. Product labels and your vet's instructions always override general information.

No endorsements

We describe types of tools and products, not brands. Mentioning a type of product isn't an endorsement of any particular one. See our terms of use for more.