Everything you need to know about maintaining a pet hair-free home, according to Dr Katrina Warren
By Katrina Warren|
We all love our pets for the joy they bring to our lives, but that doesn't mean there aren't some infuriating moments.
They're called furry friends for a reason, and that reason, namely, is shedding. Pet hair on floors, on clothes, on furniture, in beds จC where the pets go, so goes their hair. Such is the inconvenient price we have to pay for some cuddles, but, with the right strategies, there is a way to manage it.
Here's what you need to know about maintaining a pet hair-free home when your pet is not a low-shedding breed.
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What are low-shedding pet breeds?
All dogs and cats shed hair, but some shed more than others. Choosing a smooth or short-coated pet breed might be your best bet if shedding is a concern.
If you're looking for a low-shedding dog, Bichon Frises, Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, Maltese and Shi Tzus are among the most popular breeds that shed very little. Australian Silky Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Whippets, Greyhounds and Chihuahuas do shed hair, but because they have fine coats, they have less hair and don't require as much grooming.
For cats, the hairless Sphynx won't cause you any trouble, and the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex shed very little.
It's important to remember that low-shedding dog breeds in particular require regular clipping, which is an important expense to consider.
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Tips to reduce and manage pet shedding
Groom your pet regularly: Brushing your pets regularly ensures the removal of loose fur that would instead be dropped around the house.
For long-haired pets in particular, regular grooming is ideal to keep their coats trim. The best way to groom them is to do it outdoors whenever possible, and potentially invest in some de-shedding tools that reach through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair.
Cleaning: Again, this might be another obvious one, but regular vacuuming across your living spaces to remove hair and using a sticky roller to remove fur from clothing works wonders.
One way to make it easier for yourself if your pets are allowed on your furniture is to invest in coverings such as washable slipcovers or throw rugs, so your furniture itself is not what's getting hair on it. Be sure to wash the pet-friendly covers, bedding and towels separately to your other laundry, and regularly.
While conventionally, dark-coloured covers might seem logical as they're less likely to show dirt, owners of light-coloured pets might find it beneficial to choose light-coloured coverings so the hair doesn't show up against the dark contrast. Leather is also a good furniture option if you don't want to use coverings, as it doesn't hold hair.
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Pet management: If you don't want you, your family or your houseguests to get covered in hair when they sit down in your house, then your best bet is to make sure your pets don't climb up onto your furniture.
The best way to manage this is, if possible, training your new puppy or kitten to keep off the furniture as soon as they come into your home.
Restricting your pets to areas of the house with hard flooring, as tiles and floorboards are easier to clean pet hair from.
Shedding can also be a sign of a medical issue จC animals with fleas and skin problems can shed more often than usual, and are likely to experience secondary problems such as dandruff as a result. Be sure to your pet to the vet regularly.
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