Shedding Season is Upon Us!

Summertime is in full swing, and that means sunshine, vacations, and, for humans with dogs and/or cats, shedding. It’s coat-blowing season, and regardless of your dog’s size or coat, you’re likely seeing hair on everything you own. While shedding is a normal thing and most of us know this going into this whole living-with-a-pet thing, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make life bearable during the shedding season.

Brush Your Pet. Brush Him Constantly.

Okay, maybe not constantly, but daily brushing, especially for long-haired pets, is essential to keeping not only shedding, but also hairballs and mats away. Use a brush that pulls out loose undercoat, and also a slicker brush to remove what’s left behind. Just a couple of minutes a day can drastically reduce the amount of hair covering every surface in your house.

Provide a High-Quality Food

The quality and texture of your pet’s coat is often a reflection of her diet. High-quality foods with excellent protein sources like beef or chicken are easily digestible and the healthy fats in them make your pet’s coat shiny and soft (and manageable). Also consider adding a fatty acid supplement like Vitacoat or fish oil (break open a capsule and sprinkle on your pet’s food).

Bath Time!

Bathing your dog with an oatmeal or deshedding shampoo helps keep his coat healthy, and keeps shedding to a minimum. Use lukewarm water to avoid drying out his skin, and give him a good brushing when he’s completely dry. Bathing is also effective for long-haired cats, but to a lesser extent that hardly justifies the hassle and blood loss.

Vacuum Frequently

This seems like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating: shedding is a fact of life. Despite your best efforts, you will still likely find pet hair around the house until early Fall, although the tips recommended here should make a considerable difference in keeping shedding to a minimum. Be vigilant and remove pet hair from clothes and furniture quickly, as it tends to weave its way into the very fabric of the thing it touches within moments. Pet hair pick-up brushes, lint rollers, and vacuums are your best line of defense against stubborn pet hair.

Of course, when all else fails, you can give up and incorporate pet hair into your home décor. But rest easy; Fall will be here before you know it! Despite the shedding, enjoy a safe and happy summer with your pet!