Cats and dogs make wonderful companions and very few homes are without these furry friends. Of course, pet owners do not love everything about living with them. The most common complaint about pets is their shedding. Pet hair seems to infiltrate every part of the home and the dander that spreads with it causes many allergic reactions. Controlling pet hair does not have to become a full time job, but it does take some effort. Here are some tips for reducing the amount of pet hair circulating through the home.
- Choose a non-shedding breed of dog or cat, but remember that good grooming is even more important with these pets because their hair clumps and tangles easily. Hairless cats are an option as well, but they require extra care to prevent sunburn and control body temperature.
- Pay attention to their nutrition. Buy a high-quality pet food and speak to a vet about supplements that may help.
- Have cats and dogs that shed excessively tested for allergies.
- Add olive oil to dog food, but be cautious with adding fish oil to control cat shedding. It is possible to give them too much, so discuss it with a vet first.
- Keep cats and dogs on flea medication year round to prevent any risk of infestation. Many pets have severe reactions to fleas and the constant scratching causes hair loss.
- Brush pets weekly and have them groomed monthly. The professional groomers at Luck Dawg Pet Grooming uses moisturizing shampoos to keep the skin soft and healthy and to prevent dryness.
- Use the right brushes for the type of fur the pet has to make certain all dead hair is removed. The groomer will provide recommendations for the tools that work best for each pet.
- Purchase cleansing wipes designed for cats to remove some fur between grooming. Many cats will not tolerate brushing and the wipes are a fresh-scented alternative.
- Make certain that all pets have access to plenty of clean drinking water to keep their skin properly hydrated.
Cats that shed too much often end up with hairballs that cause discomfort and become dangerous if they lead to a blockage in the intestines. Hairballs are less common with dog shedding, but it can happen. Good nutrition, health care and grooming are the keys to controlling the amount of fur pets leave behind and help to keep the all happier and healthier.
