As any pet owner knows, pet fur clings to furniture and clothes like a magnet to the refrigerator. Although longhaired animals may shed more than their shorthaired counterparts, the hair flies from them as well. Outdoor animals normally shed twice a year, in the spring and then again in preparation for their winter coat but indoor pets may shed all year long.
Shedding pet hair can be a nuisance. It seems that no matter how much you dust and vacuum no amount of cleaning can totally eliminate pet hair. It flies through the air, settles on tables and counter tops and adheres to carpets and other fabric. As soon as you put on your black pants or skirt you find yourself picking off the pet hair. For those that take their dog along in the car, vacuuming the vehicle can become a frequent and necessary chore.
So what can you do about the shedding problem? Well, other than shaving your pet bald or finding him a new home, shedding won’t be eliminated completely. But there are steps you can take to help lessen the amount of hair your pet sheds. There are many products on the market from topical products to nutritional supplements that can help reduce shedding. Besides conventional products, there are a number of all natural herbal products that may work well.
In many cases, proper grooming can help to alleviate a shedding problem. Regular bathing and
brushing can remove loose hair. Although most cats have an aversion to water and don’t require regular bathing as dogs do, both cats and dogs can benefit from regular brushing. Not only does it remove loose hair, brushing is also good for the skin and fur. Brushing stimulates the oil glands, which in turn makes the fur soft and shiny and even helps to reduce the chance of flea infestation.
Although a certain degree of pet shedding is normal, excessive shedding can be caused by allergies, poor nutrition or other illness. Special combs such as
Shed Ender may prove helpful in proper grooming. If you have a dog with extremely long, thick hair you may want to consider taking the pet to a professional to be groomed and to have his hair thinned. This may help reduce shedding.
If a pet seems to shed excessively it is best to check with a veterinarian to make sure there is no underlying illness. With all the pet products on the market it may be wise to ask the vet if he or she can recommend an over-the-counter product to help control shedding. This can be important especially if the pet has allergies or any skin sensitivity.
tweet this!