The Doggy Hair Conundrum

My dog Nikki sheds everywhere. It is relentless. I find her hair in every corner of my home, from the oriental rug in the living room to the cracks in the bathroom tiles. Sometimes I’m left wondering just how Nikki’s hair could have possibly ended up on the clean clothes that I just took out of the dryer—damn, she gets around! And nothing beats the moment when I’m on the way to meet with some friends and I realize there is a sea of dog hair covering my black button-up shirt. I think, there is no way I can walk into this restaurant with all of this dog hair on me, so I end up arriving twenty minutes late because I had to stop at Walgreen’s for a lint brush. SHEESH.

I love my dog, dearly, but I simply cannot deal with living swathed within a dog hair coat every day. It’s a constant battle, and sometimes I feel like I’m losing the war. But I refuse to give up! There has to be a way to manage this shedding situation and reclaim my home from the furry takeover. After all, I chose to welcome Nikki into my life, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. I just need to find a way to coexist peacefully, without feeling like I’m drowning in a mound of dog hair every single day.

Brushing: Your New Best Friend

The most effective way to keep your home hair-free is through regular, even daily, brushing. Brushing will not only remove excess fur, but it will also make your dog’s coat softer, cleaner, and less likely to shed. Just keep a small trash barrel nearby to dump the remains.

As the experts at Elliot’s House recommend, a dog’s coat is often a reflection of what they eat. So, feeding your pup a high-quality food with good digestible protein sources can work wonders in reducing the amount of hair on the ground. And don’t forget about those all-important fatty acid supplements, like Vitacoat Plus. They’ll do wonders in helping to keep your dog’s coat healthy and well-groomed.

Upholstery is a magnet for pet hair, so investing in some throws to cover your furniture can make a big difference. Not only will they keep your couch and chairs looking (and smelling) better, but they’ll also make your home more inviting to guests. And don’t forget about car seat covers – another wise investment to keep your vehicle hair-free.

Veterinary Assistance

If your dog seems to be shedding excessively or losing hair in patches, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian. Skin infections, allergies, and even cancer can all cause excessive shedding in dogs. Your vet may be able to diagnose any underlying issues and provide the necessary treatment to minimize the shedding.

They can also recommend the right products to help with flea and allergy control. Using a product like bioSpot SPOT ON or Advantage can prevent and control infestations, which in turn will stop the incessant itching and scratching that can lead to even more shedding.

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum

As much as we may not want to hear it, one of the best ways to keep your home hair-free is to be diligent in your vacuuming efforts. Frequent vacuuming is a must, especially during the peak shedding seasons of spring and fall.

And don’t forget to use the right tools for the job. Slicker brushes, shedding blades, and love gloves can all be incredibly helpful in removing that stubborn dog hair before it has a chance to work its way into your upholstery and carpets. A tape roller is also a lifesaver for quickly removing hair from clothing and furniture.

A Cleaner, Happier Home

With a little bit of diligent effort and the right tools, you can absolutely reduce the amount of dog hair in your life. It may take some time and persistence, but trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end.

Your home will feel so much cleaner and more comfortable, and you won’t have to worry about showing up to that important event looking like you’ve been living with a pack of dogs. Plus, your dog will thank you for keeping their coat in tip-top shape.

So, don’t give up the fight against the furry takeover! Head on over to ihavedogs.com to stock up on all the essential grooming tools and supplies, and get ready to reclaim your home from the dog hair plague. Your future self (and your four-legged friend) will thank you!