How to Minimize Dog Hair in Your Home

Has dog hair taken over your home? Are you tired picking dog hair off your clothes? If your canine has coated your belongings with fur, it is time to take back your home. With a bit of discipline, you can reduce the amount of loose dog hair in your house.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lint roller
• Vacuum
• Dog brush

1. 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. 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.
6. Ask your dog groomer about shedding treatments if your dog sheds excessively.
7. 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.