Winter is winding down, and warmer weather is just around the corner. While many of us are more than happy to say goodbye to the snow and ice for a while, there are a few downsides to spring. For people with pets, shedding is definitely one of them. Here, an Oshawa, ON vet offers tips on helping your pet change into their summer clothing.
Brush
The best way to keep that fur under control is brush your pet daily. There are several benefits to this. First, you’ll be grabbing that dead fur with a brush before it gets stuck to your sofa. Your pet will also feel better: dead fur can be itchy and uncomfortable! With cats, you’re also reducing the risk of Fluffy getting hairballs, which are no more fun for her than they are for you. If you have a dog, you may want to take Fido outside to brush him. The extra fur will just blow away!
Fur Busting
The vacuum is your best weapon in the war against pet fur. We recommend vacuuming high-traffic areas and your pet’s favorite lounging spots daily, and following up with more thorough cleanings every week. Try using a rubber squeegee to get fur off your furniture and upholstery. You can also use dish gloves or a damp sponge.
Bedding
This is a good time to give your pet’s bedding a good washing. Use unscented detergent, and the hoot cycles on your washer and dryer. Things that can’t be washed can be vacuumed or, in some cases, ironed.
Slip Covers
Even if you don’t use slipcovers all year long, it’s a good idea to put some on your furniture at this time of year. Choose machine-washable ones that are easy to get on and off. Throw blankets will also help.
Lint Rollers
No matter how diligent you are about keeping up with your pet’s fur, sooner or later, you’re going to end up wearing some. Keep a few lint rollers handy. You may want to put one in your car and one in your desk or locker at work. If you want to quickly remove fur from a piece of clothing, toss it in the dryer with a damp washcloth for a few minutes. Voila!
Please contact us, your Oshawa, ON vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
