Shedding Season Survival Tips

Spring is just around the corner! As you get ready to pull your lighter clothes out of storage, your pet will also soon be experiencing a wardrobe change. Unfortunately, Fluffy and Fido’s outfit change may very well leave you and your home more or less covered in fur. Read on as an Oconomowoc, WI vet offers some shedding season survival tips.

First things first: as shedding season approaches, start brushing your pet regularly. This will trap that dead fur in a brush before it ends up plastered to your sofa or clothing. If you have a dog, brush Fido outdoors on warmer days. That way, the extra fur will just blow away. As for Fluffy, keeping her indoors can actually reduce the amount of fur she sheds. That’s because indoor kitties aren’t as exposed to the seasonal weather changes that trigger shedding.

Did you know that a squeegee can be very helpful at getting pet fur off your clothing and furniture? A damp sponge or washcloth will also work. You can also use rubber dish gloves. If you’re trying to get pet hair out of a carpet and your vacuum isn’t quite cutting it, try using a thick broom, like a janitor’s broom, before vacuuming.

Speaking of vacuuming, we recommend vacuuming daily, at least while your pet is in a shedding cycle. In fact, the vacuum may be your best defense against all that fur!

During shedding season, opt for clothes that don’t trap fur. Denim is a good option, as are silks and satins. Polyester and nylon blends are also good bets.

If you want to get pet fur off a single piece of clothing, toss it in the dryer with a damp washcloth for a few minutes. You may also want to keep some lint rollers handy.

This is a great time to pick up some furniture slipcovers. Choose ones that are easy to toss in the wash.

Feeding your furry pal a good, nutritious diet can also reduce the amount of fur they shed. Vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids will keep your pet’s coat nice and shiny, and cut down on the amount of dead fur he or she has.

Do you have question about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Oconomowoc, WI pet hospital, today. We’re happy to help!