Living with a furry friend can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to dog hair everywhere. The average dog sheds around 2-3 cups of hair per week, which can quickly add up to a mountain of mess.
One of the main reasons for excessive dog hair is the breed's coat type. Dogs with double coats, such as Siberian Huskies and Newfoundlands, shed more heavily than those with single coats, like Poodles and Bichon Frise.
Regular grooming is essential to managing dog hair. Brushing your dog at least twice a week can help reduce shedding and prevent hair from getting all over your home.
Home Maintenance
Vacuuming daily is one of the best ways to prevent dog hair from building up. I've found that a standard vacuum works, but an automatic vacuum like the iRobot Roomba i6+ can be a game-changer.
Dog hair tends to build up in hidden areas, such as under the beds and around table legs. Regular vacuuming of these spots can make a big difference.
Regular vacuuming can also decrease the doggy odor from becoming too strong around your home. I've noticed a significant reduction in dog smell since I started vacuuming daily.
You may want to consider investing in an automatic vacuum to help manage all the dog hair daily. They're worth the investment if you have a furry friend at home.
Understanding Shedding
Dogs shed for a few reasons, but it's helpful to understand why your dog sheds so you can prepare for the cleanup.
Some dogs shed a lot due to the type of coat they have, with dogs having lots of fur, long hair, and thick undercoats being the biggest shedders of excess dog hair.
Dogs with these types of coats include breeds like German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Great Pyrenees, Chow Chows, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.
These dogs continually shed hair as their coat constantly replaces itself, with old fur falling off as new fur grows into place.
For another approach, see: Do Maltese Dogs Have Hair or Fur
The weather also affects this cycle, with dogs growing a thicker coat to keep themselves warm during cold weather and then shedding that excess fur when the weather warms up again.
This process is often referred to as "blowing coat" and can be a short period of extreme shedding.
Some dogs, on the other hand, shed significantly less, but still require regular grooming to prevent them from looking unkempt.
Breeds like Bichon Frise, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, Scottish Terriers, and Havanese fall into this category, with their hair continually growing instead of going through regular shedding cycles.
These dogs will need regular hair cuts and grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and to keep them looking their best.
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Seasonal Considerations
As a dog owner, I've noticed that my furry friend sheds heavily during these seasons, leaving a trail of hair everywhere.
Seasonal shedding happens as a consequence of temperature change. Dogs shed their winter undercoats to make way for a lighter summer coat, and then shed their lighter undercoats to grow thicker, warmer coats for winter.
Some breeds, like Newfoundlands, have heavy, thick undercoats that make shedding much more visible. This is especially true during spring and fall.
Additional reading: How to Groom Your Dog during Quarantine?
Reducing Shedding
You can't stop your dog from shedding, but you can take some steps to make the shedding more manageable. Brushing your dog's coat regularly makes a huge difference in reducing loose dog hair.
Choose a brush wisely, as coarser coats benefit from a stiffer bristle brush, while curly, woolly coats are better suited for a wire-pin brush. Regular baths can also cut down on shedding by removing loose hairs.
Special de-shedding shampoos with moisturizers help hydrate the skin and create stronger hair follicles, reducing shedding. Groomers are trained in deshedding services and can be an excellent option, even just a couple times a year, to help manage hair loss.
Using a humidifier in your home can be helpful if the air is overly dry, as it makes dog hair cling to fabrics less. This can be especially helpful if your dog is dealing with skin dryness.
Grooming Techniques
Regular brushing is a crucial part of reducing dog hair. Choose the right brush for your dog's coat type, whether it's a stiffer bristle brush for coarser coats or a wire-pin brush for curly, woolly coats.
Brushing frequency depends on your dog's hair type, ranging from once a day to once a month. If you're unsure what type of brush to use, ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice.
Regular baths can also cut down on shedding, especially with special de-shedding shampoos that moisturize the skin and create stronger hair follicles.
Getting Off Furniture
Removing dog hair from furniture can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Static electricity and low humidity make dog hair cling to surfaces, so addressing these issues makes cleanup easier.
One solution is to dampen a rubber glove and run your hand over your couch to watch the hair magically bunch together for easy removal. Once the glove gets hairy, simply rinse and repeat.
You can also lightly run a damp sponge over most fabrics to clump up the hair – just make sure not to make anything too wet. A light misting with a spray bottle should also work well.
Treating your furniture with anti-static spray can help eliminate the cling factor, making it easier to remove hairs. You can also use dryer sheets, pumice stones, and other objects to loosen those hairs as well.
Grabbing a lint roller or a piece of duct tape can also be an easy fix in a small area, even if it's not the quickest method of fur removal.
Here's an interesting read: Guard Hairs
Removing Clothing
Using a dryer sheet can help prevent dog hair from sticking to your clothes, making it easier to remove them.
This trick works because dryer sheets reduce static electricity, which is what attracts dog hair to your clothes.
A lint roller is also a lifesaver when it comes to snagging stray dog hairs that get stuck to your clothes.
Keep one handy in your house and car to make quick work of pesky dog hair.
Passing a dryer sheet over your clothes can even help pick up stray dog hairs when you're getting dressed.
This is a great trick to keep in mind for busy mornings when you don't have time to run clothes through the dryer.
For your interest: When Did It Become Ok to Take Your Dog Everywhere?
Regular Bathing
Regular bathing is a crucial part of your dog's grooming routine. It not only eliminates that bothersome doggy odor but also removes loose fur.
Different dog bathing products are formulated to help decrease shedding, so be sure to use a shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for dogs. I like to use Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo because it helps with my dog's sensitive skin.
Bathing your dog occasionally during the summer can be especially helpful in reducing shedding. A gentle oatmeal shampoo once a week or so can clean without drying the skin and rejuvenate a lackluster hair coat.
To bathe your dog effectively, follow these tips:
Remember, regular bathing is just one part of a comprehensive grooming routine. Be sure to brush your dog regularly and consider professional grooming services if needed.
Health and Allergies
Excessive shedding could be a symptom of an allergy or some other health issue, so getting your dog checked by a vet is a good idea.
A well-nourished dog's coat should be smooth and relatively soft depending on your dog's breed. If this isn't the case, it's time to look at the food bowl.
Feeding your dog a high-quality food like Bil-Jac Super Premium Dog Food can help protect the key nutrients dogs need every day to be healthy. This includes protein and essential fatty acids that support your dog's skin and coat, as well as everything inside.
Dehydrated skin doesn't hang onto hair as well and can contribute to your dog's hair problem. Having a fresh water bowl ready will help your furry friend maintain a nice healthy coat over time.
Regular vet appointments can rule out the possibility of any other underlying condition that may be causing excessive shedding.
A fresh viewpoint: Is Canidae Dog Food Good for Dogs
Expert Advice
As a dog owner, you're likely no stranger to the frustration of dog hair everywhere.
Regular grooming can significantly reduce the amount of dog hair in your home. According to experts, daily brushing can remove up to 90% of loose hair.
Brushing your dog regularly can also prevent hair from getting tangled and matted, which can be painful for your dog and cause skin irritation.
The type of brush you use is also important - a slicker brush is best for dogs with long hair, while a rubber brush is better suited for dogs with short hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to deal with pet hair everywhere?
Sweep or vacuum pet hair daily, and consider using a pet hair removal broom with soft, scratch-proof rubber bristles for efficient cleaning
What do dog groomers do with all the hair?
Dog groomers collect and properly dispose of dog hair, or they may repurpose it into useful items like yarn, felt, or offer services like fur trimming and de-shedding treatments. They also offer creative ways to reuse dog hair, making it a valuable byproduct of their services.
Sources
- Hair everywhere! Tips for keeping your home clean with pets (hollywoodhillanimalhospital.com)
- Everything Dog Hair, How to Manage Shedding (goldenretrieverlife.com)
- How to Reduce Dog Shedding and Keep Your Home Clean (elliotshouse.com)
- Hairy Situations: How to Deal with Dog Hair Everywhere (bil-jac.com)
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/bathing-your-dog (aspca.org)
- https://www.dfordog.co.uk/article-dog-nail-cutting.html (dfordog.co.uk)
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/trimming-your-dogs-nails (aspca.org)
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/groom-your-dog (aspca.org)
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