The Lazy Pet Parent’s Guide to a Fur-Free Home

Some dog breeds, like Yorkies and Shih Tzus, have coats that grow a lot, but don’t shed, so having to clean up pet hair is much less of an issue, says Dr. Laura Robinson, DVM, Associate Veterinarian at Antonio Animal Hospital in Southern California.

However, other pets can benefit from regular grooming to help with shedding (and your sanity!):

• Long-haired dogs: Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and Siberian Huskies who have long, thick coats with an inner and outer coat go through two shedding cycles per year: one in the later spring and one in late fall. Brushing these pups daily during those shedding cycles can make a huge difference in cutting down shedding. Plus, it limits the pet dander floating around your home, and by reducing pet dander, you can not only improve the indoor air quality in your home, but you can also help reduce allergy symptoms and asthma triggers.
• Short-haired dogs: Some dogs, such as Boxers and certain Chihuahuas, lack an undercoat and shed their hair throughout the year, but in smaller amounts. Still, brushing and bathing is important.
• Long-haired or senior cats: Cats are generally good at grooming themselves and don’t need to be brushed or bathed as often as dogs. However, some long-haired cats and senior cats may need a little assistance if they’re not good at doing it themselves. That said, it doesn’t hurt to brush cats regularly despite how fastidiously they groom themselves, as it does help cut down on fur around the home.

Dust All Flat Surfaces 

Yes, it’s time-consuming, but dusting every other day helps pick up cat and dog hair you may not at first glance see. This includes your coffee table, end tables, TV stand, shelves and bookcases, dining table, and countertops.

Mop Hard Floors

Even if you vacuum every day, sometimes not even the most powerful vacuum will remove pet hair from every inch of your home.

Mopping tile and hardwood floors is an effective way to make sure you clean up as much pet hair as possible.

For high-trafficked areas, like the living room and kitchen, aim for twice a week. For other not-so-frequently used spaces, like a guest room, aim for every 10 days.

Use a Pet Hair Removal Tool on Furniture

If your pet loves lounging on your upholstery, you may be wondering how to get pet hair off your couch. There are tools, like FURemover's Pet Hair Removal & Lint Brush ($7.50), that come in clutch to clean up all that loose fur build-up.

Wash Bedding Every Week

If you have a pet that loves snuggling up on your bed, your blankets, sheets, and pillows can collect a lot of unwanted cat and dog hair. Washing your bedding every week can help keep it fur-free and smelling great.

Make Time for Exercise

A lack of exercise can cause stress and anxiety in pets, says Dr. Robinson, which can lead to excess shedding.

Feed Your Pet a Balanced Diet

While feeding your dog or cat a balanced diet is always a good idea, Dr. Robinson notes that nutritional deficiencies can actually cause excessive shedding. She recommends fish-based diets because they’re loaded with fatty acids that support a healthy coat and skin.  

Stay Up to Date on Vet Visits

If you stay on top of your pet’s annual exams and vaccinations, your pet is more likely to be healthy and shed the normal amount for their breed. Sometimes, Dr. Robinson says, excessive shedding may mean there’s a health issue, like an allergy, parasite, hormone imbalance, or even cancer.

If you’re concerned with the amount of hair your pet is shedding, schedule an appointment with your vet.