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What are the Best Tips for Pet Hair Removal?

Kaiser Castro
Kaiser Castro

Pet owners will need to cut the pet’s hair on a regular basis. Most animals with fur can especially benefit from their owner removing shedding hair during the winter months. Tips for easy pet hair removal consists of creating a regimen, sticking to a schedule, proper pet preparation, and usage of hair clippers.

Start a pet hair removal regimen early in the animal’s life. Creating a regimen while the animal is still young will help to facilitate a positive connection with the hair removal process. A bath should also be included in the regimen. Simply allowing the animal to play in water while they are still young will help to promote comfort with the sensations of being wet.

Brushing removes shedding hair.
Brushing removes shedding hair.

Stick to a schedule for a streamlined pet hair removal experience. Following a schedule will help reduce the animal’s stress, which, in turn, can lower the groomer’s stress as well. A schedule will also make the animal expectant of a haircut, subsequently reducing the chance of trauma. No matter if grooming a cat, dog, or horse, a groomer should give ample amounts of their pet’s favorite treats to reward cooperation and good behavior throughout the removal process.

A pet bath should include shampoo specifically made for pets.
A pet bath should include shampoo specifically made for pets.

Make sure to thoroughly brush the coat, as regular brushing will remove tangled knots. After a thorough brushing, give the animal a bath, making sure to use a shampoo designed specifically for it. A shampoo will remove dead skin and further remove any loose fur, as well as promoting health hair growth and natural skin oils.

Larger animals like show horses can benefit from having a towel or cloth over the animal’s eyes during the hair removal process. A cloth will remove the visual stimulation of incoming scissors or hair clippers. Draping a cloth over the animal’s eyes will calm the animal down and reduce the chance of it kicking or lashing out.

Electronic clippers may be used to trim a dog's fur.
Electronic clippers may be used to trim a dog's fur.

Consider purchasing silent hair clippers, which are hair clippers that produce noise at lower frequencies. Most clippers produce a shrill nose, potentially alarming the animal into a panic craze. Use the them to cut hair from the main parts of the body, and use the scissors to cut hair in the extremities.

Some pet owners may have a hard time completing the pet hair removal process by themselves. Pet owners that find it hard to go about the hair removal process may consider going to a groomer. For a fee, a professional groomer will remove hair, fix hooves, and attend to any other part of the animal that requires grooming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most effective tools for removing pet hair from furniture?

Establish a routine for trimming or removing hair from pets when they are young.
Establish a routine for trimming or removing hair from pets when they are young.

For furniture, rubber squeegees or gloves are highly effective as they create static that helps lift hair from fabric surfaces. Upholstery vacuum attachments with rubber bristles are also excellent, as they can pull hair from deeper within the furniture's fibers. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), regular grooming of your pet can reduce shedding and consequently the amount of hair on furniture.

How can I prevent my pet's hair from sticking to my clothes?

Lint rollers can be used to remove loose hair from a shedding pet.
Lint rollers can be used to remove loose hair from a shedding pet.

Preventing pet hair from clinging to clothes starts with your laundry routine. Use a half cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle; its natural fabric softening properties can help release hair. Additionally, tumble drying clothes before washing can loosen hair. The American Cleaning Institute suggests using dryer sheets or dryer balls to minimize static, which attracts pet hair.

What's the best way to remove pet hair from hardwood or tile floors?

For hardwood or tile floors, microfiber mops are superior because they trap hair in their fibers more effectively than traditional brooms. A vacuum designed for hard surfaces, with strong suction and a good filter, can also be very effective. The National Wood Flooring Association recommends using a vacuum with a setting specifically for hardwood to avoid scratches while removing pet hair.

Can diet or supplements reduce the amount of hair my pet sheds?

Yes, diet and supplements can influence shedding. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve skin and coat health, potentially reducing shedding. Consult with a veterinarian before adding supplements to your pet's diet. The Journal of Veterinary Science has published studies indicating that omega-3 supplements can lead to improvements in coat condition and reduced shedding.

Is there a particular grooming technique that helps with shedding?

Regular grooming with the right tools can significantly reduce shedding. Use a de-shedding tool or brush appropriate for your pet's coat type to remove loose fur. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing in the direction of hair growth and being gentle to avoid irritating the skin, which can actually increase shedding if done improperly.

Are there any home remedies for dealing with pet hair?

Home remedies for pet hair include dampening a kitchen sponge or rubber glove and gently running it over surfaces to collect hair. DIY lint rollers made from packing tape wrapped around your hand (sticky side out) can also pick up hair from clothing or small areas. The effectiveness of these methods can vary, but they are cost-effective and worth trying.

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    • Brushing removes shedding hair.
      By: fotosmile777
      Brushing removes shedding hair.
    • A pet bath should include shampoo specifically made for pets.
      By: Michael Pettigrew
      A pet bath should include shampoo specifically made for pets.
    • Electronic clippers may be used to trim a dog's fur.
      By: exopixel
      Electronic clippers may be used to trim a dog's fur.
    • Establish a routine for trimming or removing hair from pets when they are young.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Establish a routine for trimming or removing hair from pets when they are young.
    • Lint rollers can be used to remove loose hair from a shedding pet.
      By: Brooke Becker
      Lint rollers can be used to remove loose hair from a shedding pet.