It’s almost that time of year when we can enjoy the sun in our T-shirts and shorts. In a way, this includes our pets – but they can’t just take off their winter coat as quickly. Instead, they shed the excess fur over 2-4 months, contributing to allergies, and all the fur seems to stick to everything. Let’s avoid that this year. Here’s a list of ways to help you reduce that extra dog and cat fur.
Brushing
One of the best ways to help prevent your pets from shedding fur all over the house is to remove that excess fur yourself before it can go everywhere. Using a pet-friendly brush, run it over their entire body multiple times. A thorough brushing session is a safe and easy way to grab the loose fur, plus your pet will like the attention they get from you while you are doing it. Clean out the brush every so often so that it grabs as much loose fur as possible.
Bathing
Another way to help reduce fur around the house is to bathe your pet. Grab some pet-friendly soap and get the warm water ready. The water temperature can be similar to what we would use; just check that it’s not too hot. Wet their fur all over (you can use a plastic cup to help with this or use a shower sprayer hose), and then squirt out some shampoo and give them a good scrub with your fingers. This action will work to remove loose fur while also cleaning off excess pet dander, which causes most pet allergies in your house. Routine baths can also help prevent hairballs in cats.
If you find that bathing your pet or the amount of shedding is too much for you to handle, we can help. Check out our professional grooming services and call to learn more or book an appointment.
Proper Nutrition
What your pet eats really affects their fur. Good food is key for healthy skin and a nice coat of fur. If their diet lacks the nutrients, their fur can get dull, weak, and break easily and fall out before it should. To help your pet have strong, healthy fur, feed them a complete and balanced pet food. Look for one with high-quality proteins, essential fats (like Omega-3s and -6s), vitamins, and minerals.
Home Humidity
If the air in your home becomes too dry, like it tends to in the winter months, it can lead to your pet developing dry skin, just as it would for us. With their flaky, dry skin, they’ll shed more fur and create more dander in your house. If you notice the dry air in your house, you may want to get a humidity meter and a humidifier to add moisture. Extreme temperatures in your home can also cause your pet to shed more than usual, so keep the house nice and comfy for everyone.
Frequent Vacuuming
Unfortunately, your pets will always shed some amount no matter what, but that’s normal. A regular vacuuming routine can help remove fur caught in your carpet. Before you vacuum, dust off solid surfaces around the house that might have fur and dander on them so you can capture as much as possible each time you vacuum.
Following these tips can make a real difference during the summer shedding season. Bonus Tip: Add on a grooming session when your pet boards with us. Your furry friend will head home looking and smelling great!
