While there is no magic shedding deterrent for your fur baby, there are plenty of ways to keep the hair at bay. Here are some handy tips for dealing with dog shedding to save your sanity, so you can spend more time enjoying your pup.
1. Vacuum Those Floors
Daily vacuuming is a must when your dog leaves a trail of tiny hairs all over your floor. Many brands have designed vacuums directly marketed to pet owners that quickly and effectively remove pet hair and dander from your home. Often, included vacuum attachments clean up corners and upholstery where hairs like to hide.
Consider a user-friendly option like a lightweight stick vacuum that can easily be grabbed for a quick cleanup. Program a robotic vacuum to patrol your floors every day, so you don’t need to think about it. Just remember to empty the bin regularly. You’ll see how much your vacuum will pick up each day.
2. Vacuum Your Dog
Why stop at the floors when you can go right to the source? A standard vacuum can be dangerous and pull your dog’s hair, but there are special grooming attachments that you can use with your normal vacuum to gently remove stray hairs before they reach your floor.
Get your dog used to the loud noise of the vacuum by bringing her near the device while it’s running. Be sure to offer lots of treats and praise to make the vacuuming a low-stress experience for both of you.
3. Brush, Brush, Brush!
The more you brush your dog, the more he’ll enjoy it. He’ll love the extra bonding time he gets from you, and you’ll love getting to the root of those pesky little hairs. Of course, not all dog brushes are equal in their function. Undercoat rakes and rubber bristle brushes are great options for de-shedding your dog. Be sure to select the best one for your dog’s fur type and get brushing! Pro tip: It’s best to brush outside to avoid getting more hair in the house. This is critical, especially if you have a double-coated dog, like a Husky or Alaskan Malamute.
4. Bathe Your Dog During High-Shed Seasons
Dogs tend to “blow coat” in spring and fall. If your dog isn’t on a regular grooming schedule, bathing them during these peak seasons can help curb some shedding.
Start with warm water in a tub or sink and wet your dog’s coat and skin. Gently massage a shed-controlling shampoo onto the fur and allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes for maximum benefit. With regular use, you should see a reduction in the undercoat responsible for most of those pesky hairs that inevitably end up on your floors. Bonus: Your dog will smell amazing!
5. Get a Reusable Pet Hair Lint Roller
Even with constant vacuuming, you’re bound to find tiny hairs stuck to the couch and your car seat upholstery with a high-shedding dog. When you just want to remove these hairs quickly, use a lint roller made especially for pet hair removal.
In a pinch, try wrapping sticky tape around your hand and gently brushing over furniture surfaces or clothing to pick up errant hairs.
6. Designate Snuggle Spots
Keeping your dog off the couch is easier said than done, especially when there’s nothing you both like more than snuggling up together at the end of a busy day with a new Netflix series and a sleepy-time tea. Consider keeping your dog at your feet in a comfy machine-washable dog bed.
Alternatively, throw a blanket over the couch as your dog’s spot in the living room. Any blanket will work as a barrier between your dog and your furniture. Fun specialty options provide a comfy fluffy top and a waterproof barrier for added protection from stray hairs.
7. Knit a Dog Hair Sweater
Never-ending shedding can definitely be a frustrating downside to dog ownership. When your pup is releasing what feels like his entire body’s worth of hair into your home, it can be tempting to lean into the process and just let it take over.
Why not benefit from this unfortunate side of dog ownership and embrace a new hobby? A growing number of people spin dog hair into yarn for knitting comfy sweaters. It may seem outrageous, but it’s practical. No need to source lambswool for home-spun projects when you have your very own super shedder right under your roof. Leonbergers, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundlands have the perfect fur for this eco-friendly hobby.
No relationship is perfect. Some dogs are shedders. However, there’s no reason for their tiny hairs to take over your home. Spend a little time each day addressing the problems and reinforcing the traits you love about your good boy. You’ll both be happier.
