Keeping Your Home Pet Hair Free

Although I have had an accumulation of pet hair since I’ve started boarding dogs, I’ve been battling this ever since I got Ginger.  If you have come across a Cavalier or have ever owned one, you know how much they shed. For some people this may be a deal breaker, but in my opinion, it’s a small sacrifice being that these guys are the cutest, most loving, adorable, heart-warming little love bugs that ever existed.   When I had both Charley and Ginger, they shed so much that their loose fur looked like tumbleweeds rolling across the living room.

Below are some things that I have done that have helped to control pet hair accumulation throughout my home.

The first thing I did, and yes they are pricey is purchase a Dyson Upright Animal vacuum cleaner. In my opinion, this has been the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair. I have tried 2 others and they just did not compare. The suction is powerful and the hose is small enough where I can place it under the sofas, inside the cushions, corners, etc.   I absolutely love it and it’s what I have been using for the past 10 years.  Again they are a bit pricey, but definitely worth the investment.

When you have dogs, one must clean, clean, clean.   That means sweeping, vacuuming and yes dusting. This will keep pet hair accumulation to a minimum and will help with allergies as well.

Keep your bedding clean and fresh. Ginger likes to snuggle with us in bed so changing and washing our sheets often reduces the accumulation of dog hairs.

Keep carpeting to a minimum if possible. I have area rugs in my house as well as runners. They work like hair magnets since that’s where Ginger enjoys rolling around the most. I just vacuum the rugs and then mop the rest of the floor.

Brushing your dog will also help reduce shedding. They sell special dog grooming brushes that actually collect the hair and you can just remove it and throw it out. Remember to always be gentle with your pup. Don’t press the bristles to hard against your pet’s skin.  When brushing, be aware of tangles and knots, but especially stay away from any warts, moles, and/or bumps your pet may have. It’s also a good idea to get your dog groomed on a regular basis. The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog every 3 months or so.

Below are some products that come highly recommended:

SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool – this brush boasts an ergonomic design and non-toxic finish. It has been crafted from durable poplar wood, and features a high carbon steel comb in a specialized wave pattern to help remove loose hair from your pet.

Pledge Fabric Sweeper uses two rollers to lift and trap pet hair, and the attached handle/hair trapper can be emptied between rounds.

FURminator, helps keep your dog’s coat in great shape, and reduces shedding by removing loose fur from the undercoat before it has a chance to hit your furniture. Used appropriately on the right dog, it can help prevent excess hair mess and minimize your need for other tools on this list.

Lastly, if you notice excess shedding and/or bald spots, please contact your dog’s vet so that you can bring them in to get checked.  You want to rule out any illnesses.

If you know of any products that work, please leave them in the comments below.  I am always looking for new items to try.

Happy Cleaning!