Owensboro natives Les Bumm and Kevin Humphreys recently launched Doctor Bum’s, specializing in wellness pet healthcare and grooming products. Right now, they have two products on the market: an anti-itching, hot spot and wound care spray, and a dirt and deodorant spray.
With time on their hands during the pandemic, the two brainstormed potential business opportunities. Bumm is a medical sales representative, while Humphrey is the CEO at Holllison, which specializes in innovative and improved food safety sampling solutions.
The two combined their knowledge and experience, began their research, and landed on pet hygiene products.
“These are great products, and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback,” Bumm said. “We know we have a great product, and there is no real competitor because our products are natural rather than man-made. Most competitors will put lavender oil and other synthetic fragrances in their products that will make the animals sick if they lick it.”
The main ingredient in this antimicrobial wound and skin care spray is Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a powerful natural substance that is considered 200 times stronger than bleach but is safe to consume. Due to its short shelf life, the product’s popularity slowly declined, regaining traction to combat COVID-19.
Through other experiences, Bumm stumbled upon a company in Florida that had developed a machine that could combine water, salt pellets, and water softener and then electrolyze it to form the compound.
Bumm and Humphreys immediately wanted to go to the market with cleaners but soon realized they had to deal with some government regulations. Furthermore, their leading competitor is bleach.
So, they shifted their gears to domestic animals, showing little regulations. The body’s white blood cells naturally produce HOCl as part of its immune system response, and veterinarians already use it as drops and for other prescriptions.
“As we do the mixture on one side, what’s left moves to the other side and forms sodium hydroxide, a natural degreaser that’s usually found on the shelf,” Bumm said. “Because of this, we can make 2 products in 1.”
Sodium hydroxide is the main compound in dirt and odor removers.
“You can use it on your actual pet for eye discharge, ear wax, or to remove dirt and outside odors without bathing the pet,” she says. “You can also spray it on dog beds, toys, and even around the pet’s mouth to prevent bad breath – it’s 100% safe.”
To learn more about the products or company or to place an order, visit doctorbums.com. Sprays are also available at walmart.com and amazon.com.
