Written By: Bren Parker
You’ve just sat down on the sofa for a moment before you head out for the evening. Then you realize it and jump up but it’s too late. Your black pants are covered in Fluffy’s white hair.
If you have pets, you know that pet hair is like dust- you can never get rid of it completely. But you can reduce it and make your home cleaner with just a little effort. Let’s face it: we love our pets, but most of us don’t want to walk out the door covered head to toe in their hair. Depending on the breed of your dog or cat, their shedding may be only a minor problem or it may threaten to take over your house. Either way, a few easy steps can help you manage the battle.
Regularly brush your dog or cat using a pet brush or pet mitt. All of that hair that ends up on the brush won’t end up all over your home. If you dog’s hair flies all over, groom them outside. Unfortunately many pets do not like to be groomed so introducing it will need to be done slowly and using treats as rewards will help.
Consider covering your pet’s favorite spot on the sofa or bed with a pet blanket.
Regular vaccuming of floors and furniture keeps the hair from accumulating. Don’t forget to get up under the furniture. Toss area rugs into the washer.
You don’t have time for daily vacuuming but consider buying a robotic vacuum. You can run these everyday while doing other things. Just keep them away from the dog and cat. ( Yes, we’ve seen the videos of cats who ride around on them but their tail or paw can get caught underneath.)
When the time comes for new furniture, seek out fabrics that are more resistant to clingy pet hair and patterns that don’t show dirt.
Use air filters that make the air you breathe cleaner for you and your pets. When you clean the filter out, you’ll see what a good job these products do of trapping pet hair.
Sticky rollers were made for pet owners. They are a must in any home with pets and work great for clothing, furniture, curtains, the inside of your car, anywhere. They also make them with long handles for use on carpets.
If your dog’s shedding is just too much for you to manage, consider a shorter coat. You might think Phoebe looks best with a long silky coat, but if it’s more than you can handle, go with a shorter ‘do.
Finally, if you suddenly notice an unusual amount of hair around the house or you see thinning patches on your pet, check with your vet. Excessive hair loss can be a symptom of a health issue or skin condition.
