Having pets is one of the true joys in life. However, they can prove to be a nuisance when it comes to keeping your house clean. With millions of American households containing furry companions, many people are looking for ways to reduce the amount of pet hair in their homes. These tips are the standard advice to follow.
1. Brush Your Pets
Pets with fur of any variety require occasional brushing to stay healthy. Brushing your pet in a controlled environment, such as outside or on a tile floor, is not only good for your pet’s health but will also reduce their shedding. This is especially true as the seasons change, as brushing out the undercoats that pets grow for warmer and colder weather helps keep your pet comfortable year-round. Some breeds need brushing and grooming more than others, and if you don’t brush often enough coats can become matted and tangled. This can make the animal more prone to overheating as well as invites parasites such as fleas to thrive and not only drive your poor pet crazy but also establish themselves in your home.
2. Clean and Vacuum Often
The most obvious answer to reducing the amount of pet hair in your home is to clean more often. This usually means vacuuming more frequently but could also entail doing laundry and cleaning bedding more often as well. For clothes, lint rollers can be a worthwhile investment. You may want to look into the best vacuum for pet hair. If you want to keep your home looking a certain way, you should commit to a regular cleaning schedule. Perhaps divide it up and rotate the duties through each family member. This makes it less of a burden on one individual, teaches responsibility to children and ensures your home stays clean.
3. Keep Pets Barricaded From Certain Areas In The House
Another option to avoid pet hair, especially in rooms you want or need to keep clean, is simply to keep pets out of that area. This could be your nice living room, a finished basement or the room of a family member who suffers from allergies or asthma. Baby gates can be effective, as well as shut doors. If you close doors, however, find ways to keep air circulating in the closed-off rooms to avoid replacing your pet hair problem with a mold problem. Barring off a section of your home might not always be possible due to the layout, but it is worth considering. You can also keep your pets off your furniture to the best of your ability.
4. Consider Getting A Pet That Sheds Less
If you have not yet adopted a pet or are looking to add another one to your family, you have the option of considering a pet that will naturally not shed as much. For example, most long-haired breeds of dogs and cats shed more noticeable hair than breeds with shorter coats. Some breeds have even been bred to be hairless so you will not have to deal with pet hair at all. You could also consider small animals that are contained in their cages, with or without fur. Because these pets are not free-roaming, they will not shed or make messes throughout your home. Do not abandon your existing pet because he or she sheds too much. Try every other alternative first. Remember, you made a commitment when you chose to take in an animal.
5. Check With Your Veterinarian
In some cases, the amount of pet hair in your home might point to a medical condition, especially if a pet is suddenly shedding much more than is normal. You should be especially concerned if you notice skin issues such as patches of missing fur or lesions. Conditions that can cause excess shedding include thyroid disorders, diabetes, and poor nutrition. Before getting upset with your pet or running out to buy more cleaning supplies, go in for a vet appointment to make sure the issue isn’t something they can fix.
You can experience the love of a pet and have a beautiful home. The two are not mutually exclusive if you simply take some extra steps to reduce pet hair clinging to everything you own. Try different methods and see which ones ultimately prove tenable for you.
