Minimizing The Amount Of Dog Hair Or Fur In Your Home

Here are some simple methods you can use to begin minimizing the amount of dog hair or fur in your home.

Tip #1:  Vacuum Your Home Daily

Vacuuming your home daily can go a long way to keeping the amount of dog hair and fur in your home to a minimum.  I recommend the Dyson DC25 Animal which has a washable HEPA filter.  This vacuum in incredible for picking up pet hair especially when you think you’ve got it all already.  Another great vacuum for removing pet hair is the Dyson DC28 Animal but if you are looking for something a little less expensive; you can try their handheld model which is the Dyson DC31 Animal.

Tip #2:  Brush Your Dog Outside Daily

Brushing your dog helps remove the loose hair and minimizing the amount your dog will shed in your house.  Look into getting a Furminator as it can reduce the amount of shedding by 90% as it removes your dog’s undercoat.  I wouldn’t recommend using this more than twice a month but ideally you should always consult with your vet or groomer regarding your dog’s specific needs.  They offer multiple different sizes and also carry specific brushes for short-haired dogs or for long-haired dogs.

Tip # 3:  Have Your Dog Groomed Regularly

Some breeds require special grooming or professional clipping.  Speak with your vet or a professional groomer as different breeds have different needs.

Tip #4:  Bathe Your Dog With Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains Vitamin E which is good for a dog’s skin and coat.  Oatmeal also has anti-inflammatory properties which provide some pain relief caused by dry itchy skin.  I recommend RenuPlexRX from Evolution Pets.

You can also create your own home made oatmeal bath if you are looking to save a few dollars.

What You Will Need:

• 2 Cups of Ground Oatmeal (use blender until you have a powder form)
• Bathtub Full of Lukewarm Water

Method:

• Add the ground oatmeal to the lukewarm water and mix until the oatmeal has completed dissolved
• Place your dog in the tub and let them soak for approximately 15 minutes
• While your dog is soaking, massage some of the oatmeal bath into their coat
• Once the 15 minutes is up, rinse your dog off with lukewarm water and dry with a towel

Tip #5:  Alter Your Dog’s Diet

Try to incorporate flax seed oil and cooked salmon into your dog’s diet.  Both flax seed oil and salmon are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the skin and coat.

Also feeding your dog a dry kibble can cause dry skin and coat so look for dog foods that contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to ensure good skin and coat health.  Your dog will still have normal shedding, but he won’t have dry, flaky skin or fur that is dried out.