Your pets provide you with companionship, snuggles and endless entertainment. However, dog owners are well aware of the pet hair that can pile up over time throughout the home. While shedding is a part of pet ownership, you can reduce the amount of dog hair you have to deal with through housekeeping services and the following tips. 

A Guide to Managing Your Dog's Shedding

1. Groom Pets Regularly

The process of shedding is simply your dog ridding itself of old fur, which usually ends up on your clothes, your furniture, and all over the floor. To help them speed up the process and control where most of the fur will end up, it's a good idea to consistently brush your dog. If your pet has a longer coat, it's best to brush them weekly to prevent matting, while dogs with shorter coats only need a brush once every couple of weeks to remove loose hair. During the warmer months, they’ll shed the fur they used to keep warm in the cold, so be sure to run a comb through your pet's fur around this time to remove their winter undercoat.

2. Use the Right Tools

Proper grooming all starts with the right brush. Use a slicker-style brush, which is designed to get rid of loose hair and knots with wire-like, close-set bristles. If your dog or cat isn’t a fan of brushing sessions, a grooming mitt used during baths may be the answer, as this allows you to wash your pet while simultaneously removing its loose fur. 

3. Schedule Housekeeping Services

Over time, your pet's hair will begin to accumulate throughout your home. Luckily, a deep clean will leave your home sparkling and hair free. To save time, consider scheduling housekeeping services once a month so you can spend your free time with loved ones while a professional removes pet hair and dander. 

4. Commit to Flea Treatments

Unfortunately, fleas can lead to more shedding in dogs. This is because your pet's chewing and scratching will remove hair around the flea bite. To prevent increased shedding from fleas, seek help from a veterinarian who can help you find the right flea medication or treatment for your furry friend. 

5. Remember Soft Surfaces

Soft surfaces like your couch or bed can accumulate hair to the same degree as your floors and counters. If your pet has a favorite spot, such as the armrest on a chair, plenty of fur will pile up there as well. To minimize the accumulation of pet hair, place blankets over these favorite spots so you can easily remove and launder them. A cleaning company will also effectively remove hair from soft surfaces with equipment like industry-grade vacuums. 

While there's no way to completely prevent your dog from shedding, A Affordable Cleaning By Diane's Service in Anchorage, AK, can help you manage pet hair and eliminate it from both hard and soft services. Since 1994, they’ve provided residential and commercial cleaning services using effective cleaning supplies and equipment. Call (907) 301-3329 to schedule housekeeping or visit them online to learn more about their services.