STOP Shedding Problems

I don't know if this has happened to you or not, but it happens to me all the time.

You have a special dinner or appointment, and you're running late. You finally get there, but when you get out of your car and look down, you notice that you are covering in pet hair! And it never fails ... if I wear black, I am covered in light hairs; if I wear something light, my clothes are covered in dark hairs.

Whether you're going to a dinner, a meeting, a party or a date, if you're a pet owner, you've been in this same situation at one time or another.

Shedding is the natural process by which old hair naturally falls out and new hair begins to grow in its place. Shedding is a difficult problem for pet owners. But if you happen to read or hear something about some dog breeds that don't shed, you can discount it. Every dog sheds. Some dogs shed more than others - but they all shed.

So why then do some dogs APPEAR not to shed while others shed so much you could weave a thick blanket out of the discarded fur? The answer lies in the growth rate of the animal's hair, which is based on genetics, nutrition and environment.

What can you do to stop shedding? -Unfortunately, the answer is, "nothing". But you CAN do some things to help control it.

Here are 6 tips that work for me:

1. Brush . Our house pets need brushing to prevent large amounts of hair from accumulating in the coat. It not only decreases the amount of hair on your clothes and furniture; it also stimulates the blood supply to your dog's skin. Once the individual old hair has been removed, new hair can form. Brushing should be done on a regular basis. About 10 minutes a day should do the trick.

2. Vacuum. Vacuum your house and car. Use a good quality vacuum that sucks up pet hair. If you have pets - especially multiple dogs - daily vacuuming is ideal. This includes furniture where pets frequently sleep or rest.

3. Wash. Weekly washing of bedding can help get rid of pet hair. Wash your dog's bedding as well as yours, if he sleeps on your bed. Do this at least once a week or more.

4. Keep your closet door closed. Don't allow your pets into the area where you keep your clothes. This won't prevent hair from getting on your clothes but it will help.

5. Use a tape roller. Tape rollers are a great way to pick up hair on your clothes. Keep one by the door and one in your glove box. This is great for getting hair off your clothes at the last minutes.

6. Bathe. Bathing your dog helps get rid of loose dead hair, while it stimulates circulation to the skin and helps your dog smell great.