How to Minimize Dog Hair in Your Home

Some breeds shed more heavily than others.

If dog hair is all over your house and clothing and you are tired picking dog hair off your clothes, you are one of the 39 percent of Americans who have a dog in your house; you are not alone. If your canine has coated your belongings with fur, it is time to take back your home. With a bit of discipline (on your part, not the dog's), you can reduce the amount of loose dog hair in your house.

Things You'll Need

• Lint roller
• Vacuum
• Dog brush

Instructions

1. 

   Take your dog to the groomer frequently.

   Brush your dog outdoors frequently to remove loose hair. Do not brush your dog inside, where the hair will settle on your floor and furniture. Depending on your dog's hair length, you may want to brush every other day or weekly.

2. 

   Vacuuming will help keep it all under control.

   Vacuum your carpet and furniture weekly to remove dog hair. Pay close attention to crevices and edges of carpet where hair likes to collect.

3. Use a sticky lint roller to remove stubborn dog hair from upholstery, drapes and clothing.

4. Dust flat surfaces, such as tables, weekly to remove settled dog hair.

5. Bathe your dog monthly (or more frequently if necessary) to remove loose hair and condition the skin and coat. Never bathe more once every two weeks.

6. Ask your dog groomer about shedding treatments if your dog sheds excessively.

7. 

   Feed a quality, brand-name dog food.

   Feed your dog a healthy name-brand dog food to promote a healthy coat and prevent excessive shedding.

8. Train your dog to stay off the furniture to minimize the amount of hair on your upholstery.

9. Limit your dog's access to areas that you want to protect from dog hair.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep control over the dog hair in your home, stick to a cleaning schedule and prevent it from building up. Use the crevice tool on your vacuum to remove dog hair from carpet edges and between sofa cushions. All dogs shed, even those with short hair. Do not presume that a short-haired dog will not leave hair behind.

• Dogs typically build a thicker coat during cold months and then shed more when the weather turns warmer. You may need to adjust your cleaning habits accordingly.

• If you brush or bathe your dog too much, he can develop skin dryness or irritation. If you notice your dog is scratching frequently, or has flaky or dry skin, cut back on the brushing and try a moisturizing dog shampoo.

References

• PetsCA: TIP 80 – CAT AND DOG FUR – REMOVING CAT HAIR – REMOVING DOG HAIR
• Dr. Foster Smith: 10 Tips for Controlling Shedding
• Humane Society of the United States: U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics