Anyone with furry family members knows that having pets around, even long-haired ones, is a joy. The downside is that pet hair can be a real challenge to keep under control. Whether you have a dog, cat, or other furry friend, it seems their hair is constantly shedding and planting itself all over your home.
If you’re tired of being covered in pet hair, these tips will help you keep your house and your clothes free of that fur, so you can spend less time pulling fur off your clothes and more time with your pets.
Be Proactive! Lighten the Hair Load Every Day
If you don’t want a home that resembles a hairy mess, be proactive every day about getting rid of the hair. You’ll save a lot of time later wiping up the hair before it can be embedded in your carpets and furniture. Invest in a good lint roller or use rubber gloves dipped in water to remove loose fur from your furniture, rugs, bedding, clothing, and other surfaces.
Daily Grooming Will Reduce Pet Hair, Too
Whether you have a dog or cat, brush them regularly to reduce shedding, especially in the spring when they shed more than usual. Brush your pet regularly, especially if they’re long-haired. This will help remove loose hair before it gets all over your carpets and upholstery.
As you brush your pet, collect the hair in a dustpan or vacuum it up with an attachment designed for pet-hair removal. This will not only minimize the amount of hair they leave behind on the furniture but also prevent excess fur from getting caught in their throats as they groom themselves.
A thorough brushing will remove dead hairs and distribute natural oils through the coat, and it’s a great bonding activity for you and your pet. Don’t be surprised if your pet looks forward to it!
Vacuum and Wipe Down the Furniture Weekly
Vacuum your floors at least once a week. If you have carpets or rugs, vacuum them weekly with a strong vacuum cleaner. If you have hard floors, sweep up the hair with a broom and dustpan. Empty the vacuum bag or bin when it gets full to prevent clogging and odors, as well as maximize suction power.
I bought one of the top Shark vacuum models years ago as they are known for being able to handle pet hair. If your vacuum isn’t up to the task, it might be time for an upgrade!
Wipe down your furniture with a damp cloth. Furry pets often leave hairs stuck to furniture upholstery and leather surfaces. Using a damp cloth, wipe down your furniture once or twice a week to remove any pet hair that has accumulated since the last cleaning session.
Don’t Skip the Bath!
Don’t forget to bathe your furry friends. Depending on their breed and fur type, some pets are naturally more prone to shedding than others. Giving them regular baths can help reduce shedding by removing loose fur. When a pet is clean and well-groomed, loose hair is more likely to be brushed out during grooming than shed all over the furniture.
To minimize the amount of hair your pet sheds around your house, bathe your cat or dog at least once a month and brush their coat regularly but talk to your veterinarian first. When you bathe your pet, use shampoo specifically made for pets, so it won’t irritate their skin. Make sure you rinse the shampoo completely off of your pet, so they don’t lick it off their coat while grooming themselves.
If your dog or cat has certain skin problems, such frequent bathing may not be advisable. A waterless shampoo treatment, like a spray or foam between baths, also helps cut down on shedding if you don’t have time for an actual bath.
Make Sure There Isn’t a Medical Reason for Increased Shedding
It’s normal for shedding to increase in the spring but if you suddenly notice an increase in shedding that’s not tied to the warming days, it may be a sign of something more serious. A number of health problems may cause dogs and cats to shed more than normal.
These include hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, skin infections, and parasites. In addition, dogs can develop a condition called hypothyroidism, which causes abnormal shedding and hair loss. Food allergies and stress are other conditions that can cause hair loss in dogs and cats. Make sure your pet is in good health with regular visits to the vet.
The Bottom Line
Being proactive with pet hair can help alleviate many issues related to regular shedding and ensure your home still looks, feels, and smells clean. At the least, it will help slow the fur-ball party. Plus, these tips will help keep your furry family friend much happier.
Barbara is the mom behind the blog. She began writing in 2012 as the creator of Hello Life, a craft & lifestyle blog. As life evolved, and her kids became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. Like many of today’s mamas, she loves being creative, cooking, and fashion, and when there are a few minutes to spare, a good book. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.