Spring can be a great time for dogs and their parents alike. There’s the ideal weather for long walks and longer evenings spent outside. But among all of the excitement, however, might be an awful lot of hair.
Double-coated breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, and German Shepherds, shed their winter coats in spring to prepare for the warmer weather and this can lead to lots of hair around the house.
To ensure your dog’s shedding doesn’t threaten to ruin your spring cleaning plans, Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer at Woofz by nove8, has some valuable advice to share with five key tips.
1. Sort through your dog’s things: “Dog toys and gear can pile up quickly,” says Levy. “Sort them into three categories – keep, donate, or toss. Donate gently used items, throw away the damaged ones, and store the essentials neatly in bins or organizers.”
2. Buy a high-quality pet vacuum cleaner: Spring is the perfect time to treat yourself to one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair. Invest in one that specifically targets pet hair with strong suction and the right attachments, and make sure you clean frequently, targeting your pet’s favorite places. Levy suggests looking into a robot vacuum (like this one on Amazon), as these can help reduce your workload.
3. Deep-clean dog beds and blankets: Odors and dirt can build up on dog beds and blankets, so it’s a good idea to regularly clean them with hot water and a pet-safe detergent, adding vinegar to neutralize smells.
“Rotate multiple beds so one is always in use while the other is being cleaned,” Levy adds. Here’s how to get dog pee out of the carpet and floors, too.
4. Remove fur from furniture efficiently: “Fur buildup on furniture is inevitable,” says Levy, so she advises using a damp rubber glove or a squeegee to remove hair quickly. You could also try a reusable pet hair remover tool (like this one on Amazon) or even look at buying washable covers.
5. Keep your air fresh: As well as washing beds and blankets, open your windows each day and use an air purifier. You could try neutralizing any odors with baking soda or use enzymatic cleaners if your pup has any accidents.
If you have cats, too, give these eight vet-approved cat litter hacks a go to help keep your home cleaner and fresher
