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TOO MUCH HAIR!!!!

One of the biggest problems faced by dog owners is too much dog hair in their homes. Nearly every dog, regardless of their breed will shed. Some breeds have more hair or thicker undercoats and will shed in higher quantities. Some breeds shed very little, but virtually all of them will shed hair. While we cannot stop a dog from shedding, we can help reduce the amount of loose hair, and also remove the hair so it doesn't create a problem in the house.

Dogs shed to get rid of old, damaged, or extra hair. They grow a heavy coat in the winter to help insulate themselves and then shed the extra hair in the summer. This is perfectly normal. However, dogs will also shed broken or damaged hair, and if their skin is irritated from conditions such as allergies, they can shed excessively. Keeping your dog's skin and hair healthy will reduce shedding as well as effectively removing the hair. Here are some tips to help keep the hair from taking over your house.

Brush your dog! Regular, even daily, brushing is the single best thing you can do to keep your home free of hair. Brushing will also make your pet's coat softer, cleaner, and less likely to shed. A FURminator or other deShedding Tool will do wonders to remove dead undercoat hair.

Feed an appropriate high quality dog food. A dog's coat is often a reflection of what they eat. Feed a high quality food with good digestible protein sources. The first ingredient should be meat. There are lots of websites that can help you pick good quality food.

Give a fatty acid supplement to your dog keeps his coat healthy. Your vet may be able to recommend a good one for you. Fish Oil & Derm Caps are just a couple of products that may help.

Cover your furniture and car seats. Upholstery can be a magnet for dog hair, and removing hair from them can be a tedious task. If you allow dogs on your furniture or bed, you would be wise to cover with a few furniture throws. Throws will keep your furniture looking (and smelling) better, and make your home more inviting to guests. Car seat covers are also an excellent investment and are highly recommended. Look for throws or covers that can be thrown in a washer for easy cleanup.

Control allergies and fleas. These can cause skin problems and increase shedding. See your veterinarian if your dog is itching/scratching to make sure he is getting proper relief. Use a high quality flea/tick preventative to protect and control infestations such as Frontline Plus.

Vacuum often, very often. Be diligent Frequent vacuuming is the best way to keep your home hair free.

Bathe your dog occasionally. A clean dog will have a healthier coat. A gentle oatmeal shampoo once a week or so will clean without drying the skin and rejuvenate a lackluster coat. With bathing, some of the loose hair is also washed away.

Have regular vet checkups. Many diseases can affect the skin, hair and coat. Regular visits to your veterinarian will help identify problems early.

Use the right brush. Slicker Brushes, shedding blades, matbreakers, pin brush and natural bristle brushes each have a specific function and work best on the type of coat they are designed for. Check the packaging or instructions. Groomers can also suggest the best brush for your dog’s breed. Most dogs need more than one type of brush to remove all of the dead hair.

Remove hair from upholstery and beds as soon as possible. Hair that is newly shed is easier to remove before it works its way into fabric. A tape roller is one of the best tools for removing hair. There are several products on the market that will help remove hair.

Remember that routine brushing and grooming along with a proper diet are an important part of every dog's care. Following the ideas above, you can significantly reduce the amount of dog hair in your home.