Doggy Shedding Season

Spring is just around the corner! As you pull your summer clothes out of storage, our canine friends will also be exchanging their winter wardrobes for summer coats. You know what that means: fur everywhere! In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local vet offers some tips on getting through shedding season.

Brushing your furry pal daily won’t reduce the amount of fur he sheds, but it will cut down on the amount of hair you find on your clothing and furniture, as you’ll be capturing that dead fur with a brush before it gets stuck to everything. If it’s warm enough, take Fido outside for his grooming sessions, so the dead fur just blows away. (Tip: you may want to wear an apron when you do this.)

Did you know that offering Fido a good, nutritious diet can reduce the amount of fur he sheds? Feed your furry pal a premium brand of dog food, and choose healthy snacks. If your canine companion has issues with his skin or coat, ask your vet for recommendations, including advice on vitamins and supplements.

Slipcovers can really help protect your furniture, and keep it from getting covered in dirt and dander. Choose ones that can go right into the wash and are easy to get off and on.

When it comes to dealing with pet fur, the vacuum cleaner may very well be your new best friend. Vacuum high traffic areas and Fido’s favorite hangout spots daily, and follow up with more thorough weekly cleanings.

Did you know that a squeegee works very well at removing Fido’s fur from your sofa or armchair? Rubber dish gloves can also do the trick, as will a damp sponge. If you want to quickly get fur off a single piece of clothing, toss it in the dryer with a damp washcloth for a few minutes.

If your four-legged buddy is a heavy shedder, a lint roller may come in very handy at this time of year. You may actually want to get several, and keep extras in your purse, car, and desk.

Please reach out to us here at Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, for all your dog’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!