Cornstarch
Cornstarch has quite a few uses other than thickening gravy. For instance, if you quick a nail, cornstarch is great for clotting blood. Just apply a pinch of cornstarch to the nail and apply pressure for a couple of minutes. When Kwik-stop® isn't available, cornstarch is a good substitute.
Cornstarch also makes a great detangler. Rub cornstarch liberally into dry coat, let it sit on the dog for several minutes, then brush it out with a slicker brush. Mats will slide out easily — cornstarch makes hair slippery so it brushes out easier.
Cornstarch works great on cats as well. Cat hair and dog hair are very different in texture. Cat hair tends to have a lot of soft undercoat and a lot of static. Cornstarch helps the hairs slide apart, and it can prevent matting on cats if used on a regular basis. Cats also tend to have a lot of oil and dander on their skin, and cornstarch absorbs the oil. Cats with stud tail, a condition that affects many (usually male) cats, have a patch of oil at the base of their tail and cornstarch can degrease them.
If your dog crawled underneath a car and ended up with motor oil all over his coat, a dusting of cornstarch can help absorb that grease; this will allow you to brush it out. If your cat fell into a pot of vegetable oil — don't laugh, it's happened! — cornstarch saves the day once again, although you may need to apply it several times.
Dogs and cats that have very oily coats benefit from a thorough dusting of cornstarch before bathing to absorb the oil. Brush out the cornstarch before the bath and you'll use less shampoo. Cornstarch also won't hurt your pet if she licks it and ingests it. However, she can end up looking like the Pillsbury Doughboy®!
