The 7 Best Pet Grooming Gloves
This wiki has been updated 35 times since it was first published in October of 2016. Many dogs and cats shy away from the rough bristles of a regular brush, which can tug at or scratch an animal's skin. If you have a sensitive pet, try one of these grooming gloves instead. They are designed to take hair off easily while letting your furry friend think he or she is simply being stroked, so brushing and bathing becomes a bonding experience rather than a confrontational one. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
December 04, 2020:
We removed the Pet Thunder Better Petter and the HippiePet Combi due to availability concerns and replaced them with the Cheermaker Deshedding Brush and the Sopownic Gentle. The Sopownic Gentle includes a brush for more serious grooming. While gloves and mitts are gentle on your pet, sometimes their soft rubber bristles don’t cut it. Sopownic’s brush has metal bristles that effectively grab excess fur from the root. It also has a self-cleaning feature to make removing the hair it collects quick and easy. The Cheermaker Deshedding Brush, on the other hand, is a good pick for bathtime. The wrist straps are adjustable so you won’t have to worry about them sliding off your hands when you’re shampooing your furry friend. The HandsOn Original has remained our top pick because of its versatility. These gloves come in multiple sizes, so they’ll fit your hands snugly, and they can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses.
November 19, 2019:
Pet grooming gloves can be more or less effective depending upon the length and thickness of an animal's fur, but we've looked for a variety of options that do more than just cut down on shedding. They can help relax your pet, for instance, or remove dead skin cells. Because it does all of this and more, the HandsOn Original set remains the one to beat. Where some cheaper versions have small, weak nubs, this pair gives you robust construction for effective grooming. They also distinguish themselves by coming in a range of sizes and in several colors. We know that the color doesn't change how they work, but if you like your pet accessories to match, from dog beds to deshedding tools, this could be a good thing.
We also like the Sweetsweet Mitt on the strength of its ambidextrous design. The other mitt-style models we've kept at this time, including the Pet Thunder Better Petter, are only made for righties, making the Sweetsweet the go-to for southpaws. But we have removed the Mr. Peanut's Han-D, over concerns about its long-term durability, as well as the Bemix Pets Long and Short, which is currently experiencing availability issues.
The Benefits of Using a Pet Grooming Glove
Grooming gloves are especially useful for owners of particularly furry beasts, like long-haired cats and shaggy breeds of dog.
If you're the proud owner of a dog or a cat, chances are you've dealt with your share of fur. But did you know that brushing your pet doesn't have to be such a chore? Give the grooming glove a try and transform the way you care for your pet.
Grooming gloves serve a primary purpose: to keep your pet looking and feeling good. These gloves pick up all that loose hair clinging to your pet, restoring their coat back to its original shiny, healthy state. Grooming gloves are especially useful for owners of particularly furry beasts, like long-haired cats and shaggy breeds of dog. If you happen to share living quarters with a Maine Coon kitty or a fluffy sheepdog, you'll want to pick up one of these gloves sooner rather than later.
This kind of product will also help your pet learn to cope with being brushed. Taking your dog or cat to a professional groomer can be a traumatic experience for them. Most pets would prefer to be groomed by someone they trust. The feeling of being stroked with one of these gentle gloves is pleasant and soothing, and it's likely your furry friend will willingly stay put during the process — news that should come as a relief to owners of skittish critters.
Lest we forget, grooming isn't just about appearances but also health and wellness. It's important to brush your pet's coat to prevent dander build-up and matting. Pets that aren't regularly groomed can suffer skin infections and other avoidable ailments. With grooming gloves, you can become closer with your pet, help them look their best, and improve their health, all in one simple session. You'd be petting your furbaby anyway, so why not do it while wearing one of these cool gloves?
Finally, let's talk about the advantages of owning a grooming glove with regard to your home. Pets who aren't brushed frequently enough will end up unwittingly depositing their loose hair all over the place. You won't catch yourself constantly picking fur off of your furniture, tabletops, and floors after investing in a grooming glove. These gloves will assist you in your quest to keep a neat and tidy home.
How to Choose the Right Pet Grooming Glove
Grooming gloves are available in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you're certain to find one that meets your needs. But before you load up your shopping cart, consider which grooming glove features are best for your situation. Here, we've outlined some common glove details to help inform your decision.
As a rule, longer bristles are a better option if your pet has longer fur, whereas short-bristled gloves work best on short-haired cats and dogs.
First, you'll want to think about shape. There are two varieties of grooming glove out there: mitten-style, and those with individual fingers. Some grooming mittens can be worn on either hand, which makes this style a smart choice if you like to switch hands as you work. Glove-style groomers offer a more secure fit and added maneuverability, which can come in handy if you're dealing with a squirmy pet. Believe it or not, there are lots of pets out there that don't exactly love the grooming process and will do pretty much anything to wriggle away.
Bristle length is another factor that should influence your choice. As a rule, longer bristles are a better option if your pet has longer fur, whereas short-bristled gloves work best on short-haired cats and dogs.
Individuals who prefer to pick products according to their appearance will appreciate that grooming gloves come in a range of colors. Grooming a pet may not be the most glamorous activity, but a brightly colored glove can make the experience just a little bit more fun.
If your grooming sessions devolve quickly into wrestling matches, opt for a glove that comes with an adjustable wristband. This feature will keep your glove attached securely to your hand, so you can rest assured it will stay put no matter what.
Anyone with hands that are prone to perspiration should be on the lookout for gloves constructed from breathable fabric. Keeping your hands cool and dry during grooming will allow you to work comfortably. With a quality glove, you'll be able to get the job done quickly and easily.
A Few Quick Grooming Tips
If you're a longtime pet owner, you probably already know a thing or two about how to properly care for animals. Those who have only recently entered the world of pet ownership might benefit from reading the following hints for grooming your furball.
If you're a longtime pet owner, you probably already know a thing or two about how to properly care for animals.
All pets need to be cleaned and groomed, but you may be wondering how often your pet requires this kind of maintenance. Cats should be brushed at least once every week to keep their coats healthy and free of dirt and dander. It is recommended that dogs be brushed several times a week. The length of your pet's fur may require more frequent brushings.
Besides the coat, there are other areas on both dogs and cats that also need regular attention. Nails, teeth, and ears are three zones that should be checked often. Aim to brush your pet's teeth once daily, though any amount of teeth brushing is beneficial.
Dog nails should be trimmed every two weeks. If nails are left to grow freely for too long, they can cause discomfort and interfere with a dog's ability to walk. Cat claws should be trimmed every few weeks, too.
When it comes to ear hygiene, cleansing routines should be tailored to the animal's ear shape and size. Most dogs do well with monthly ear cleanings. If your dog has long, floppy ears, moisture can become trapped inside, which promotes bacterial growth. These kinds of ears should be cleaned more frequently with guidance from your veterinarian.
Cats aren't quite as high maintenance in the ear department. But, if your feline appears to be scratching their ears more than usual, they might be asking for some assistance. Dirt and earwax can accumulate in their ears, causing irritation. Luckily, this condition can be easily remedied by way of a gentle cleaning.