Essential tips to reduce pet shedding
If you’re a devoted pet owner who loves your furry friend but isn’t as fond of the constant shedding, you’re not alone! We understand the struggle and are here to help. Discover our essential tips for reducing pet shedding and enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable living space while keeping your pet happy and healthy.
Managing pet shedding can make a big difference in keeping your pet free from excessive hair and your home clean. Whether you have a cat or a dog or both, providing frequent coat care will help manage the shedding. Here are some effective strategies:
Frequent baths, regular brushing and professional grooming
Bathing your pet helps remove loose hair and can reduce shedding. Be sure to use a pet-friendly shampoo to avoid irritating their skin. How often you bathe them will depend on their breed and coat type.
Brush your pet regularly to remove loose fur before it ends up on your furniture and floors. The type of brush you use will depend on your pet’s coat type. For instance, a slicker brush works well for long-haired pets, while a rubber brush can be effective for short-haired ones. In addition, grooming gloves for pets is an option as it provides a calming experience.
If you have a dog bread that shed a lot like huskies, you may be familiar with popular tools like the Furminator. These are designed to reduce shedding by reaching the undercoat and removing loose hair. Other de-shedding brands are available as well. We like these tools but take care when using them on your pet by using gentle strokes.
Occasionally taking your pet to a professional groomer can help manage their shedding and keep their coat in top condition.
Healthy diet and hydration
A balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids can promote a healthy coat and reduce shedding. Some brands are better than others so make sure to review the ingredients. Consult with your vet about the best food for your pet.
Ensure your pet is drinking enough water. Provide plenty sources of fresh water where they can easily access. Proper hydration helps keep their skin healthy and can minimize shedding.
Regular vet checkups
Sometimes excessive shedding can be a sign of health issues. Regular vet visits can help ensure your pet is in good health and address any underlying issues. Make sure to discuss your pet’s shedding with your vet as they can examine your pet and provide recommendations.
Keep your home clean
Regular vacuuming and using lint rollers can help manage the fur that ends up around your home. Consider using a vacuum designed for pet hair or better yet, a pet-friendly vacuum and grooming kit you can use on your cat or dog.
Cleaning tips and tools for removing pet hair
Tired of finding pet hair on every surface of your home? Have no fear, when it comes to cleaning, you have options. Here are some simple solutions that will help you manage the web of pet hair:
Vacuums and attachments
When it comes to vacuums, I’ve owned several. By far, the best vacuum in my opinion, especially if you have pets, is the Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. This vacuum has a wonderful attachment called the Fluffy OpticTM which has a built in light and soft material — absolutely brilliant!
Floors – you can use the Fluffy OpticTM attachment on most hard floor surfaces, such as tile, hardwood, or any wood alternative like laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). The light makes it possible to see where all the pet hair is so you can easily vacuum it and avoid missing any spots. The Fluffy OpticTM is made of a material that also helps wipe your floors clean of dust and dirt. It’s like you’re wiping down your floor leaving it cleaner than any other vacuum attachment.
Furniture – there are several attachments this vacuum has that you can use to remove pet hair from your couch and chairs. I personally like the roller attachment it really grips the hair and is easier than any other attachment. For hard surfaces, such as tables, you can use the duster attachment to easily eliminate the hair.
Sliding door tracks – Often overlooked, these tracks collect pet hair and debris, which over time, build up and makes it difficult to open and close the door. This particular vacuum has the long, thin attachment but it also has a light to show more of the debris so it’s easier to see and remove. This attachment is also thin enough to slide in the track. For stubborn areas, you can also use the brush attachment and follow up with a cloth to clean any remaining debris.
Lint brushes, tape rollers and rubber gloves
Bedspread – If you have a cat or a dog that likes to sleep on your bed, you may end up with a bedspread covered in pet hair. To remove the hair, simply use a lint brush to wipe it off. For really embedded hair, a tape roller will do the trick.
Clothing – We love our pets, and it shows when they leave their hair behind on our clothes. The tape roller is your best friend in this case, though refills can be expensive. To make it last, start by using a lint brush.
Fabric couches and chairs – if you prefer not to use the vacuum attachments mentioned above, a quicker, more cost-effective solution is to use a rubber glove, such as those used for washing dishes. This method is very effective and simple for wiping away all the hair.
By combining these strategies, you can keep shedding under control and maintain a clean, comfortable environment for both you and your pet.
