How to keep your pet’s ‘hair-raising issue’ under control
As hair-raising as excess hair and hairballs may be there are some really simple ways pet parents can lessen the hair load in their homes.
The love that a pet brings into your home cannot be quantified; the cuddles, the laughs, the playtime, the companionship, and yes his fur around the house too.
“For pet parents the unconditional love and bond between them and their pet are worth every white hair on their black pants or furniture. In fact, no outfit or home is really complete without it!” said Carla Bath, Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s marketing manager.
She said when it comes to dogs, different breeds shed differently – more or less, shedding during seasonal changes, stress, hormonal changes etc.
Despite your best efforts, some dogs will shed, and your pet’s hair may be left on the furniture, the floor, and your clothes.”
According to Carla, cats’ fur is finer than dogs, meaning it stays airborne for longer, often making it more noticeable than dog hair. Just as with dogs though, it really does depend on your cat. Those with longer hair are prone to heavier shedding. Unlike dogs, however, cats may present you with a hairball every now and then.
“When it comes to hairballs, it’s important to understand that they form as a result of your cat’s healthy grooming habits. During the efficient grooming process, tiny hook-like structures on your cat’s tongue will catch the loose, dead hairs and he swallow them. Most of the hair will pass through the digestive tract problem free, however if some of the hair remains in the stomach it may clump together forming a hairball. This is when your cat will usually vomit the hairball out,” explained Dr Guy Fyvie, Hill’s veterinary advisor.
As hair-raising as excess hair and hairballs may be, there are some really simple ways pet parents can lessen the hair load in their homes.
Aside from the obvious, such as heavy-duty vacuum cleaners and lint rollers, to get rid of pet hair, consider these top tips:
• A good place to start is with your pet. Regular grooming and brushing can help eliminate the amount of hair that lands up in the house. Not only will they love it, but you will be getting rid of most of the hair that would have landed up on your furniture or clothes. Plus, it’s great pet and pet parent quality time.
• A nifty trick is to wet a rubber glove and run your hand over your furniture. The static created will attract the hairs to the glove and off the furniture. To help stop hairs clinging to your furniture, you can also spray the upholstery with a mix of water and fabric conditioner and wipe off.
• If you’ve got carpeting, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda over the carpet before you vacuum. This will help loosen the hair and deodorise the carpet.
• Add white vinegar to your washing machine, it loosens the hair and makes it more likely to come off in the wash.
• Wash your pet’s bedding regularly in the washing machine. Check for pet hairs sticking to the inside of the machine afterwards and run through a short rinse cycle if necessary.
“A simple solution of changing your pet’s diet to a scientifically formulated food aimed at helping you manage their skin and coat could mean a healthier and happier life for both of you. The change can be profound,” concluded Dr Fyvie.
