If your dog is a furry friend, that's probably why you have one. But the downside of those adorable furs can be a lot of shedding. It might not seem like that big of a deal on a day-to-day basis, but when you see an entire room covered in dog fur, it can definitely get worrisome.
It's important to note that shedding is a natural process for dogs, and it doesn't necessarily mean your pup is sick. I've got seven tips to help control the fur and make sure your home stays clean while still loving on your canine companion:
Brush Your Dog Daily
It's a good idea to brush your dog daily. Brushing your dog helps remove dead hair and stimulates the follicles to produce new hair. In addition, brushing in the direction that the hair grows will help reduce shedding by preventing breakage at the ends of strands.
Brush your dog regularly, ideally twice a week, with a soft-bristled brush or comb (never use wire brushes). This will help you keep up with shedding and ensure it doesn't become excessive!
Use a Good Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
Use a good shampoo and conditioner to rid your dog of excess hair. One that's designed for their breed (there are many types of dogs), coat type (long-haired, short-haired), skin type (dry/oily), and age.
Please give them a treat each time you brush them.
You can give your dog a treat each time you brush them. You can use a dog-specific treat or one that is meant for humans. The point is to make the act of brushing more fun and enjoyable so that they will want to do it more often.
Allergy Control
Many different things can cause allergies. For example, a dog with fleas or mites may have an allergy to the parasite. In this case, you should call your veterinarian to discuss treatment options with them. Your dog might also have a more generalized allergy if he is allergic to pollen or dust in your home.
In some cases, allergies can be treated with medication prescribed by your vet—this does not mean that you should stop taking action to prevent shedding! Allergies are often accompanied by secondary infections such as yeast infections (which cause scratching) and hot spots (when skin becomes inflamed). You must also be treated for these conditions before they become severe enough to warrant further medical attention from the vet's office.
Reduce Shedding by Supplementing Your Dog's Diet
The best way to reduce shedding is by supplementing your dog's diet with a product that has proven results. There are many different kinds of supplements on the market, and they all work differently.
Some are made up of natural ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, while others contain chicken protein or other meat products. You can purchase these supplements at any pet store or online retailer, or you can make them yourself using these simple instructions:
- Buy a large bag of rice cakes (or another grain-based food) from the grocery store's bulk section
- Cut open the bag and place it in water until it swells up like a sponge (this may take several hours)
- Once swollen, drain out excess moisture and add your chosen plant-based oils (olive oil works well for this purpose), then mix thoroughly until you get a thick paste consistency
- Store this mixture in an airtight container for use later when needed!
Use a Shedding Tool
One of the best ways to reduce shedding is using a shedding tool. Shedding tools have fine, close-set teeth that help remove loose hair from your pet's coat. They're particularly useful for dogs with long, thick coats, but you can also use them on short-haired breeds as well—though not as much (since their hair doesn't tend to fall out as much).
Shedding tools should not be used as substitutes for regular brushes. While these brushes are great for removing loose hair from your pet's coat and keeping them looking great between trips to the groomer, they won't do much to prevent shedding or keep your home clean. If you're looking for a way to keep your house upholstery free from pet fur and dander all year round, try using some of our tips below!
Don't Forget to Vacuum
Remember to vacuum. This is something that many people forget, but vacuuming your dog's shedding hairs will help keep them from being spread around your home by the wind. Vacuuming once a week should be sufficient for removing loose hair and dander from your living space.
- Avoid high-powered vacuum
Vacuum frequently! Many people don't realize vacuuming can remove up to 90 percent of dog fur from carpets and floors (and even furniture!). If you have hardwood floors or laminate wood flooring, it's important not to use a high-powered vacuum like those used for carpeted areas because those vacuums may damage the surface. Instead, opt for something with low suction power like the best handheld vacuum or small upright vacuum cleaner with soft bristles on its attachments.
- Use a vacuum with a beater bar:
Using a regular vacuum without attachments won't remove all of those pesky hairs from your carpet or furniture because it can't get into tight corners where most of them collect. So make sure you use one with an attachment like this Black & Decker handheld model that has both an extended reach and two different types of brushes (one soft rubberized roller and one stiffer brush set), so you can get at all those hard-to-reach places!
- Consider investing in one with HEPA filters
Pets are notorious for shedding more than their fair share of fur onto carpets (called "dander"). This can cause allergies in sensitive individuals and asthma symptoms in kids who suffer from respiratory problems such as wheezing or shortness of breath.
While we've already established how important it is to keep up on vacuuming regularly (particularly if you have any small children living underfoot), there's another way homeowners can help prevent these kinds of health issues:
Using high-efficiency particulate arresting devices (HEPA) as part of their filtration system! These work by capturing 99% -100% airborne particles such as dust mites etc., allowing clean air back into homes without negatively affecting humans living inside them. They're instrumental if anyone has asthma since they'll remove harmful allergens before reaching anyone's lungs!
Conclusion
In summary, if you want to tame your dog’s shedding and maintain a clean house, all you need is some extra brushing and cleaning, plus a few simple lifestyle changes for both you and your pet. And if it does get out of control (which sometimes happens), be patient with your furry friend—he’s trying his best!
