Every pet owner knows there is something they can’t avoid – fur around the home. Regardless of their breed, at one point or another, shed happens. And, having your house covered in pet hair isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Read on to learn some dos and don’ts of pet hair management to keep your home and pet squeakily clean.

Do’s to Control Fur Around the House

Keeping fur under control is all about getting into a routine. Following grooming appointments, cleaning schedules, and more will help you control hair around the house.

1. Regular Grooms

Start by targeting hair before it even gets to your home. Depending on your pet’s breed, you want to get into a regular grooming schedule with their vet or grooming salon. Most pets need growing twice or once a month.

2. Add More Baths

Bathing your pet not only removes dirt and unpleasant smells but it can help remove loose fur that would otherwise end up on your floors. Try bathing products formulated to help reduce shedding, and don’t forget to brush before and after bathing.

3. Vacuum Daily

Yes, we know… but vacuum is the one way to manage pet hair in the house. If you can, vacuum every day to prevent fur buildup. If a traditional vacuum is too much to fit your busy schedule, consider getting an automated vacuum that will handle the work while you work.

4. Keep Pet Hair Removal Tools Handy

Every pet owner has their own set of pet hair removal tools. From lint rollers, duct tape, and hair removal tools, these are a must-have. Keep them close to major areas like the couch and bedroom for quick touch-ups throughout the week and in-between deep-clean sessions.

5. Designate Off-Limit Areas

Finally, you want to keep your pet away from specific areas. For example, if you have a couch with a fabric that catches pet hair, then that’s a designated off-limit area. This won’t help manage all the pet hair around your house, but it will make it easier to control.

Don’ts of Grooming your Pet

When keeping hair at bay, what you don’t do is equally important. Neglecting or forgetting to do these things can make your pet’s shedding worse.

1. Overbathe Your Pet

Most vets recommend bathing your pet less than most people do. Overbathing can strip them from their skin’s natural oils, which help keep their hair healthy. When you over bathe your pet, it can cause skin irritation which then leads to more shedding.

2. Try to Vacuum Your Pet’s Hair

It might be tempting to vacuum your pet’s hair, but try to avoid this. Not only does the vacuum noise make them uncomfortable, but the suction nips their skin and can cause severe lesions. If you want to use a vacuum, ensure you get a grooming extension designed for this purpose.

3. Use Regular Shampoo

If you bathe your pet at home, try to use a de-shedding shampoo to help get rid of loose fur. Check the formula and find ones designed to help control shedding and maintain their hair in perfect health.

4. Neglect Walks and Exercise

No matter your pet’s size, they need walks and exercise. Plus, when your pet spends more time outdoors, there’s a greater chance that a lot of their loose fur will end up outdoors and not inside your house.

5. Forget About Professional Grooms

Finally, don’t forget about professional grooming sessions. While you might take the time to brush and clean your dog, a professional groomer knows how to deal with shed. They will use the right products and tools to leave your pet fresh and clean.

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Geraldine Orentas is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with dog hip harness manufacturer, Walkin’ Pets