Our furry friends bring a great deal of happiness and joy to our lives, but as dog owners, the one big drawback of having a dog, especially one that sheds a great deal, is dog hair, and lots of it, everywhere! Dealing with dog hair can be time consuming and a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few good strategies in place, you can manage your dog shedding and also keep your carpets and soft furnishings looking their best. Below, we’ll cover all you need to know about dog hair and how to deal with it.
What is Dog Shedding?
Just as there are a multitude of dog breeds, in all shapes, sizes, and colors, there is also different types of fur. Some dogs have short smooth coats, while others are long-haired. Some have thick dense hair, while others have a thinner, wispier coat. Each type of coat creates its own unique challenges when dealing with dog hair.
It doesn’t matter what type of hair your dog, or pup, has, every dog will shed, even so called non-shedding dogs, will shed to some extent at some time. With all the different breeds though, and different types of coats, some dogs will shed more than others. Shedding isn’t an ailment or a health issue with dogs, it is a natural process that helps to keep your dogs coat clean and healthy. It’s when it starts to accumulate on your fittings and furniture, carpets and clothes, that it can become a real nuisance.
What Causes Dogs to Shed?
Dogs have a natural shedding cycle. They shed their old fur to make way for new healthy fur. This is normally a seasonal process, though it can also happen throughout the year in some breeds. Other factors that can be related to shedding could include changes in diet, stress, illness, parasites, and even a changes in climate. Shedding is normal, but any sudden or unexplained increase in shedding, or patches forming in your dog’s coat, may warrant investigation in case there is an out of the ordinary underlying cause.
How Can I Minimize Dog Hair Shedding?
The best, and easiest way, to minimize dog shedding is to regularly groom your pet. Brushing often will help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and reduce shedding. The brush will capture the loose hair that would otherwise end up on your carpets or furniture. It is much easier to deal with loose hair on a brush than removing it from a carpet.
A healthy diet can help to reduce shedding as well. A good nutritious diet will ensure your dog gets all the goodness it needs to keep it’s coat in fine condition. A healthy coat will shed less, though if you do notice your dog shedding more than is usual, check for any changes in their environment that may be causing them stress. Stress could be a result of a change in environment, changes in temperature, excessive noise, or even the addition of another pet, or a new member of the family.
You can also regularly give your dog a bath, using a specially formulated shampoo for dogs. This will help to remove from their coat any dirt, debris, and excess fur, and therefore can help reduce shedding.
How Do I Clean Dog Hair from Furniture?
One of the best, and cheapest ways, to deal with dog hair on furniture is with a decent lint roller. Lint rollers are great for picking up pet hair from furniture, carpets, bedding and clothes. You can also use a vacuum cleaner; some have special attachments to help you hoover up dog hair.
If you don’t have a lint roller, or vacuum cleaner available, try wiping down furniture with a damp cloth. Scrubbing carpets with a damp cloth will also pick up dog hair, though clean and rinse your cloth often for better effect.
See Also: What Are the Longest Hair Dogs?
And: Quick and Easy Home-Made Dog Treats!
Can Supplements Can Help Reduce Dog Shedding?
There are a variety of supplements on the market that state they can reduce shedding in dogs. A good nutritious diet should keep your dog healthy and its coat in great condition, but if you want to try supplements to see if it makes a difference, omega-3, vitamin E, and biotin, are all available to help support a healthy coat and reduce shedding.
Conclusion
Dealing with dog hair is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal, or a thankless chore. With the right strategies and tools, you can easily manage your dogs shedding without too much effort. The best advice is to be proactive, regular grooming with a good brush can help to reduce shedding and keep your dog’s coat healthy. Use a lint roller, vacuum cleaner, or a damp cloth, to remove dog hair from furniture and carpets. Regular bathing with a good dog shampoo will help keep your dog’s coat in fine condition and remove dirt and grime. A good diet is also essential to keep your dog’s coat healthy.
Using the above advice will cut down on the time you spend cleaning up dog hair and give you more time to attend to your dog. Your dog will thank you for it!
