How to Handle Living with a Hairy Pet?
Who doesn't love cuddling and playing with their fluffy buddies? Be it a dog, cat, or a chinchilla - pets make absolutely the best companions of a person.
But, the aftermath of all this love is no different than a nightmare. Layers of hair blanket your clothes and upholstery. There are even hairballs stuck under chairs and tables - yikes!
If you find this situation relatable, then you've arrived at the right place. In this article, we'll discuss 5-amazing ways that can help living with a hairy pet. Read more!
Brush Your Pet Regularly
Brushing your pet is an essential part of the grooming routine. It's because animals shed hair regularly. However, the intensity of shedding depends mostly on the coat's thickness.
Dogs tend to have around 150,000 hair strands per inch of skin. Meanwhile, cats have up to only 120,000. It means that the thick dog coat sheds more heavily than cats.
So, you will find yourself brushing a dog for a longer time. It's recommended you spend at least 15 to 30-minutes brushing a dog. Make sure to brush until there are no tangles or loose hair on the comb.
Invest in the Best Pet Hair Remover
A pet hair remover is an innovative tool designed specifically for dogs and cats. It lets you collect bulks of hair in a single swipe. Just move it along the surface and watch the hair vanish!
You can use it on your pet too. It's especially great for Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and Golden Retrievers. These dogs can leave your hand wrapped in hair after a single belly rub.
For cats, a pet hair remover will work well on all long-haired breeds. However, there are several different designs available in the market today. So, make sure to select only the best pet hair remover for your furry buddy!
Don't Forget the Grooming Gloves
Besides pet hair remover, you will want to consider investing in high-quality grooming gloves. These rubber gloves have bristles protruding from the backside. So, when you run them across the pet's body, all loose hair is caught between the bristles.
It is an amazing tool for pets who give a hard time in regular brushing sessions. The hand-like appearance doesn't give it away as a brush to your pet. Plus, the gentle stroking functionality makes it seem like you're patting - how clever!
But, when buying this tool, make sure you buy a dedicated dog and cat grooming glove set. There are different options available for different pets. The gloves for cats and dogs typically have short and soft bristles.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner for Pet Hair
One mistake that all new pet owners make is using a general vacuum cleaner for hair removal. These standard vacuums do not get designed to handle that much stress and load. As a result, they become inefficient and practically useless.
So, it's best to purchase a pet hair-specific vacuum cleaner. These robust vacuums have a powerful suction force and filters to remove even the most stubborn hair layers from your home. A single swipe across the carpet would get the work done.
Plus, you won't have to suffer the loss of buying a new cleaner again and again. The pet hair vacuum cleaners easily last around 8 to 9-years.
Learn About the Shedding Patterns
Another great way to handle living with a hairy pet is to learn about its shedding patterns. Some breeds shed more hair during specific months. We also call them the shedding season.
For example, while Golden Retrievers shed throughout the year, their hair shedding becomes the worse in spring and fall. They literally blow their coats for a period of three weeks. Don't worry - it's a natural process that prepares the dog for summer and winter.
Knowing about these shedding patterns of your dog can help minimize the impact on your life. You can make brushing sessions longer or increase the number of times you vacuum the home.
You can also supplement the pet's diet. Olive and flaxseed oil are two popular options to reduce dog hair shedding. However, you should consult a professional for all the adjustments to the pet's eating routine.