Is your dog shedding? Here are 9 Best House Cleaning Tips for a Shedding Dog. Did you know that 67% of U.S. households own either a dog or a cat. That’s means every year 85 million families are dealing with a shedding dog.
Spring means blooming flowers and shedding dogs!
Doesn't it seem like overnight, you start to notice dog hair on the couch, your clothes or beds.
It's an every year occurance. As winter ends, your dogs shed their thicker winter coats to prepare for those hot summer days.
Does this sound familiar? You sit down and there’s dog hair on the couch, floor and your clothing!
This is my exact embarrassing situation right now.
My lab, Callie, is a white lab on a tan couch! And she is shedding! A friend came to visit when she stood up my dog's hair covered her backside! It mortified me.
I’m not the only one this has happened to, am I?
After using a lint roller specific for dog hair on my friend and my couch, I got serious about finding a solution to cleaning dog hair during those high shedding seasons.
I also don’t want people walking into my house, taking a sniff and thinking “Hmm….a dog lives here!”
I’m happy to report after implementing these strategies my friends can come visit without having to use a lint roller before heading out the door.
My house smells so good, you wouldn’t even know a dog lives in the house, much less two dogs!
9 Best House Cleaning Tips for a Shedding Dog
By staying consistent with these strategies I can say that my home, dogs and guests are sparkly clean.
1. House Cleaning Tips During Shedding Season - Have a Scheduled Bath time
It’s springtime here in Seattle. That means my Labrador Retriever, Callie is shedding like crazy.
Regular baths are the most important step in keeping your dog and house smelling clean and fresh. By bathing your dog every couple of weeks, during shedding season, you can help reduce shedding.
Remember, though, that too many baths can cause dry skin. Most dogs only need a bath every few weeks or if they get especially stinky.
Here are some bath time ways to reduce stress and the mess of bathing a shedding dog.
1.) A dog bath tool like the Kong Zoom Groom can really help to loosen and remove dog fur in the tub.
2. Use an extra large non-slip bath mat in the bathtub to save your tub and help your dog feel more secure standing in the tub.
3. Use a bath buddy with some peanut butter to help keep your dog occupied during bath time.
3. Run lukewarm water on your dog's coat to prevent dry skin.
4. Always use a hydrating conditioner after shampooing.
5. Dry your dog with an ultra absorbant dog drying towel.
6. Make your bath time a routine during those shedding months.
2. Brush your Dog Often
Brushing your dog during shedding season will do wonders for keeping dog hair off your floors and furniture.
Always look for a brush appropriate for your dog's hair. For example, my Goldendoodle needs a Chris Christensen Slicker Brush with the tines that will get down to her coat.
However, my Goldendoodles brush does nothing for my Labrador Retriever.
For my Lab, Callie, a silicone brush works wonders. You can literally see the hair falling off her backside with this brush.
While it doesn’t work on my Goldendoodle, she thinks it’s a massage tool and is always first in line to get a rubdown with her sisters brush!
3. Use Pet Wipes between Baths and Brushing
By using either pet wipes designed for dogs or by using a damp towel, you can easily remove loose dirt and keep your dog smelling fresh and clean between bathing.
4. Wash your Dogs Bedding on a Weekly Basis
My dogs beds and blankets seem to be a magnet for many dog hairs and unpleasant odors.
By tossing them into the wash, you’ll keep your house smelling clean and fresh. Plus, you’ll help keep your dog clean.
5. Other Tips for Keeping your House Clean with Dogs
- Move your couch regularly and clean underneath it. Everyone of my dog’s balls seems to land under the couch.
- Wash your dogs toys on a monthly basis.
6. Use the Best Household Tools
In keeping your house clean with a dog, it’s best to choose vacuum cleaners and cleaning products designed for doggie households. Click here for a post I wrote about which vacuum cleaner works great for my household.
- 1. Use a vacuum made for picking up pet hair.
- 2. Keep a lint roller for your couch, chairs and your guests!
- 3. Use spot removing cleaners especially for pets.
7. Choose your Furniture and Flooring For Pets
When choosing furniture, go for materials like leather or microfiber that can be easily cleaned and wiped down for dogs.
I have microfiber couches and chairs. They are soft, comfortable, not cold, and cleaning is a breeze. Wiping them down with a wet cloth makes an older microfiber couch new again.
By using tile or wood floors, you can easily sweep up dog hair. If you prefer carpeting, using a good vacuum cleaner in every nook and cranny when vacuuming.
8. Keep the Dogs Toys and Clutter Picked Up
Does your dog have 10,000 toys and balls? I can always find my dogs under the couch!
By keeping your dogs toys in cute baskets throughout your home, it will keep your house clutter free.
Plus, your dog will have a great time rummaging through the baskets to find their favorite toys.
9. How to Minimize Dog Smells when Company is Coming
Many people like to use household sprays and candles to make their homes smell good. Unfortunately, a lot of dogs can be sensitive to the chemicals in commercial candles, air fresheners or cleaners.
Here are a few good alternatives to making your house smell good:
Essential oils - Mix water and about 20-25 drops of your favorite essential oils in a spray bottle. Spritz this around your home before company arrives and you’ll have a great smelling entrance to your home. (Some essential oils aren’t good for pets. Do your research on which ones are good to use.)
Simmering your Spices - This is one of my favorites. It makes the entire house smell like baked cookies. Boil some water, turn it down to simmer and add in ingredients like cloves, orange rinds or cinnamon sticks. Let it simmer and your house will smell like a christmas cookie.
Beeswax or Soy Type of Candles - By using non-toxic candles designed for pet homes, you can have a slow simmer of good smells wafting around your home.
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