5 Easy Steps To Remove Pet Hair From Air
Sure, you love everything about your cute furry friend, but you probably hate the fact that its hair is all over the place! Pet hair can be genuinely irritating, especially when it starts accumulating in your carpets, furniture, clothing etc.
But there is no need to give your beloved pet for adoption just because you are tired of seeing its hair scattered all over your home. There are many ways you can deal with those pesky hairs.
Below are some tricks that can help to minimize the number of pet hairs that will spread all over the air in your surroundings.
Get An Air Purifier
One sure way to remove the presence of pet hair in your indoor air is to use a good air purifier. These purifiers can help to circulate air indoors and remove pet hair, including the microscopic allergens and invisible particles that might pose a danger to your health. Remember, some of these hairs are so tiny that it's difficult to see them with a naked eye. Thus, the best way to filter them from your indoor air is to use a purifier.
If you or any member of your household is suffering from pet allergies, an air purifier will undoubtedly be a big help. It can help to eliminate the presence of allergens in your home, including pet hair and dander. Even if you regularly dust, clean, and vacuum your home, there are still some particles that will be released into the air that are not visible.
Limit The Area Where Your Pet Can Move
If you have big spaces inside your house, limiting your pet's area of activity should be easy. You simply have to rope-off certain areas to prevent your dog from getting into them. In doing so, you will be able to minimize the spread of dander and hair in your house. This is very important if someone in your family suffers from pet allergies.
Some of the areas in your house that should be off-limits to your pets are your kids' bedroom and the kitchen. You don't want your kids to get sick because of pet hair. Also, your kitchen is where you prepare your food so it should be clean at all times and free from any pet dander or hair.
Use A Damp Cloth
Pet hairs don't go well with water. Therefore, if you notice any presence of pet hair in your furniture, simply wet a cloth and wipe it into the affected area. The hair will clamp easily into the cloth because of the presence of water.
Aside from damp cloth, you can also use rubber gloves to remove these hairs. Simply dip the gloves in water and rub them directly to the surface. You'll notice that this will make it easier for you to take them all off.
Buy A Dander Remover Spray
A dander remover spray is effective at removing not only the presence of dander in the air but also pet hair as well. The spray contains natural enzymes that can effectively eliminate pet hair and dander while reducing odor as well. Thus, your home will smell fresh at all times.
The dander remover spray is ideal for pet owners who have dogs and cats at home. If a visiting guest is allergic to your pet, you can simply spray the place with the dander remover spray, and that should take care of the problem. Choose a dander remover spray that comes with disposable wipes so it will be convenient for you to wipe off any excess.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning your house regularly can help to minimize the presence of pet hair and dander. Invest in a powerful vacuum that can suck pet hair and other small particles even from the most challenging areas to reach, such as carpeted stairs and thick carpets. When buying a vacuum cleaner, look for an efficient machine that has adequate filtration. This vacuum could suck up all the pet hair even before they get into the air.
Aside from vacuuming regularly, you must also take the time to dust off your furniture, wipe the tables, cabinets, and other furniture in your home. This should help to remove pet hairs that have gotten into these items. Finish off with a damp mop to make sure that all hair and other particles are entirely removed.
What Is Pet Dander And How Do You Get Rid Of It?
You might have heard the term pet dander several times but you're not really sure what it is. These are basically tiny flecks of pet's dead skin cells that are microscopic. This means that they are so tiny that you have no way of detecting their presence. But despite being so small, these particles can cause serious allergic reactions to some people.
If you've got pets in your home and you or any member of your family is allergic to pet dander, then you should find ways to get rid of these allergens. Remember that these microscopic substances could spread anywhere in your home. The best way to minimize the amount of dander that your pet will shed is to groom your pet well and make sure that your house is clean at all times.
Below are tips on how you can effectively get rid of pet dander.
Use An Air Purifier
Pet allergens like dander are airborne and lightweight. Therefore, a high-quality air purifier should be able to capture them. Using an air-cleaning system equipped with HEPA technology is truly the best way to remove these extremely tiny particles. Of course, you need to replace the filter regularly to make sure that the purifier will remain effective against removing the presence of allergens in your home.
Consider installing filters on your bedroom's ventilation grids as well because forced air conditioning and air heating are also responsible for the spread of these allergens.
Give Your Pet Regular Baths
Given our busy schedules, we sometimes neglect washing our pets, which could be the reason behind the spread of allergens in our home. If you want to minimize and prevent the spread of pet dander, you need to allocate some of your time to washing and bathing your pet at least once a month or ideally once in every two weeks.
Use A Dander Remover Spray
If you don't have the time to wash your pet regularly, a dander remover spray might be a good purchase. These sprays have natural enzymes that can effectively eliminate the presence of dander and minimize odor in your home.
If you are expecting a visitor in your home that happens to be allergic to pets, this spray would be very useful. You can simply spray it to your pet's fur and wipe any excess. Some of these sprays also come with disposable wipes, which allows for more convenient usage of the spray.
Get Allergy-Free Covers
Most pet owners give their pooch the freedom to roam around the house, including in the bedroom. In fact, some people even prefer to sleep beside their pets. To keep your bed free from dander, consider covering it with allergy-free covers. Use these covers to cover your mattresses, pillows, beddings, etc. These covers can help to effectively prevent pet dander from getting into your sleeping area, which is very important for people with pet allergies.
But just because you've got allergy-free covers doesn't mean you'll no longer clean or vacuum your room. You still need to clean your house regularly because these dead skin cells could accumulate in the carpet, floor, and other areas in your home.
Allocate Pet-Free Spaces
Although most pet owners consider their dogs to be a family member, it would help if you keep some spaces in your home “pet-free.” You can perhaps train your dog not to go to your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and other areas that you believe should be off-limits to pets.
5 Hacks To Deal With Your Dog’s Shedding
Just like humans, dogs get old too and will naturally shed some hair during the process.
Although shedding is just a normal process in dogs, the frequency and the amount of hair that they shed will greatly vary depending on the breed and health conditions.
Hair shedding on pets will also depend upon the season. Most dogs develop a thick coat during winter and shed it in spring. Dogs that are mostly kept indoors are prone to some fluctuations in coat thickness and shed fairly evenly during the entire year.
Pregnancy, lactation, and hormones are also some of the reasons behind hair shedding on dogs. Furthermore, dogs will also shed if they are extremely stressed. Indeed, shedding is a normal process for dogs, and there's no way of stopping it.
However, taking good care of your dog can help to somehow minimize excessive shedding, and keep your home free from hair.
So here are five hacks to help deal with your dog's shedding.
Prepare A Healthy Diet For Your Dog
One factor that could affect the shedding of your dog's hair is the diet. If you feed your dog with a nutritious diet, then the coat of your dog will remain healthy and shiny, with only a little bit of shedding.
However, if your dog has an unbalanced diet, then there's a tendency that it will shed hair excessively. An unbalanced diet may also lead to brittle fur and drying of the skin. This is pretty common in dogs that feed mainly on dry food.
Try to limit dry food as much as possible. These foods contain an excessive amount of fillers and have no moisture, which is why they can make your pet's skin dry. So to minimize the shedding, take the time to evaluate the nutrients of the food that you give to your dog. Make sure they are filled with essential nutrients. You can ask help from your vet for recommendations on the proper diet that your dog should follow to avoid excessive shedding.
Brush Regularly
Brushing your dog's hair regularly is one of the most effective ways to manage hair shedding. Regular brushing can help to catch loose fur right before it gets to your couch or carpet. Brushing your pet's hair can also help to minimize matting, which could result in the growth of bacteria and infection.
When it comes to brushing your dog's hair, it's essential that you choose the right type of brush. Also, you need to adhere to a proper brushing routine that can work well for your pooch. Regular brushing can also help promote blood flow, which is good for your pet. Furthermore, brushing your pet's hair distributes natural oil evenly.
Remember that regularity is the key to brushing. Longhaired dogs must be brushed almost every single day. On the other hand, short-haired dogs only require brushing 1-2 times each week. If you're not exactly sure how often you should brush your dog's hair, start by brushing once every day. After a while, you should be able to gauge how often you should be brushing, depending on the amount of hair that comes off from the brush.
Take Your Dog Outdoors Regularly
For dogs that are considered seasonal shedder, there's no way to prevent shedding. But take advantage of the changing of the season by spending more time with your pooch outdoors. You should take your pooch out regularly for long walks so it can shed hair outdoors.
Don't Overdo Bathing
Regular bathing is important for your dog. Aside from helping to keep it clean, bathing can also help your dog's fur and skin to stay healthy. However, excess bathing might dry out your dog's skin and could lead to more shedding. Therefore, you should try to minimize the frequency of your dog's bathing.
Also, when bathing your dog, always use a shampoo that's designed specifically for dogs. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best shampoo to use for your dog that will not contribute to the shedding of the hair. If shedding comes as a result of dry skin, then use pet shampoos that are soothing for the skin of your pooch.
Use An Air Purifier
As mentioned, hair shedding on dogs cannot be avoided since it's a normal part of growing. While the hacks above can help to minimize the shedding, the best way to remove the presence of hair inside your home is to use an air purifier. A good quality air purifier can help to keep your surroundings clean and fresh by removing dust, dander, and pet hair.
7 Tips To Get Rid Of Dog Smell In House
Sure, you love your pet but that doesn't mean you have to live in a stinky house. Aside from being embarrassed when guests come over for a visit, a house that smells of pets could lead to many problems.
This could be a sign that there are some bacteria lingering somewhere in your house and if you have small kids whose immune system is weak, then it could be a huge risk.
Therefore, you should not ignore the pet smell in your house.
You need to do something to get rid of it and here are some tips on how to do just that.
Mop The Floor Daily
You should keep your house clean at all times to prevent it from smelling bad. Therefore, mop your floors regularly to remove all the dander and other particles that could be causing the bad smell. Aside from the dander, hair and dust particles coming from your pet may be the reason behind the smell.
Sweep the floor gently and properly and don't do it in haste. Otherwise, these particles could spread all over the place. Delicately sweep the floor and try to find time to mop once a day.
Use An Air Purifier
Getting an air purifier for pet odor is a great idea. An air purifier can help to keep the air inside your home stay clean and fresh, which masks out the pet odor. You’ll find different kinds of air purifiers in the market now but choose a model that’s designed specifically for pet odors.
High-quality air purifiers are a great investment because aside from filtering particulate matters from the air, they are also capable of killing fungi and bacteria. This can help minimize the presence of odor-causing particles in your home.
Wash Your Pet's Bed
Perhaps, it is your pet's bed that's causing the bad smell in your home. As you know, it's a place that your pet lingers every single day, so there's a good chance that it's now filled with saliva, dirt, dander, urine, hair etc.
Therefore, take the time to wash and clean your pet's bed. If possible, buy a bed that is machine washable. That way, you just need to take the cover off when it's time to wash and place it in the washing machine.
Check the bed carefully, if there are stains and make sure to remove them because that might be the reason for the awful smell in your house.
Steam Clean Your Carpets
As soon as you remove the dry materials, grab a steam cleaner to remove any odors that might have been trapped somewhere in the fibers of the carpets. If you don't mind spending a little bit of money, consider hiring the services of professional carpet cleaning services.
Otherwise, you can do it yourself. Just make sure you use cleaning products that are pet-friendly.
When cleaning your carpet, secure your dog in the backyard or garage. Make sure that the carpets have been dried completely before you put your dog back into the house.
Wash All The Linens
Almost any kind of fabric in your house is capable of absorbing odors. Therefore, wash all the linens and everything else that is made of fabric. This should include the bed linen and covers for the throw pillows, couch etc. Before you put them back to where they belong, make sure that you first dry them completely.
If you spend a lot of time cuddling with your dog, then there's a good chance that your clothes might smell like your pooch. Therefore, make sure to wash your clothing well to remove any dog smell. Use a fabric freshener afterward.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Take the time to replace the air filters in your home regularly, as this might be the reason behind the smell. Clogged air filters can also make your HVAC system to work less efficiently by reducing the amount of air that flows into your house daily.
Changing the air filter should be easy. Even if you're someone who is not an expert on home improvement, you should be able to replace it by yourself.
Vacuum Everywhere
After you clean the hardwood, tile floors, and linoleum, it's time that you wash and clean your carpets thoroughly. Remember that the carpet in your living room that's exposed to your pet might be filled with lots of dander, dust, and hair.
Therefore, make sure you vacuum it and all the rugs in your house where your pet might be stepping regularly.
After cleaning and vacuuming the carpet, it's time that you clean your furniture. Vacuum your sofa to remove the pet dander that might have gotten into it. Check the crevices and cracks of your wooden furniture and clean them too. Don't forget to wash the curtains as well.
For more tips, check out our thorough list of steps in this article.
Allergic To Your Dog? Here’s 5 Things You Can Do
Pet allergies are common, most especially among those who have asthma or are suffering from other types of allergies as well. In fact, 3 in 10 people are said to have pet allergies. These individuals suffer from allergic reactions when they get close to dogs and cats. Cat allergies are usually more common than dog allergies.
If you are allergic to dogs but you would want to adopt a pet, don’t worry because there are solutions to your dilemma. As a matter of fact, a lot of pet owners have pet allergies, yet they can successfully and harmoniously live with their pets in their home.
Here are some of the things that you can do if you’re allergic to dogs but would like to become a pet parent.
Don’t Bring Your Pets to Your Bedroom
If you’ve got pet allergies, then you should keep your pet from your bedroom so their fur doesn’t get into contact with your blanket, pillows, and sheets that could make you suffer from allergic reactions. As much as possible you should keep your bedroom free from allergens so you can restfully sleep at night.
Regularly Clean Your Rugs
First of all, it’s not the pet itself that you’re allergic to. Instead, it’s the hair and dander of your pet. Thus, you need to make sure that you clean your rugs and carpets regularly, ideally, once a week.
Use a vacuum with HEPA filter that’s capable of removing tiny bits of debris, including pet dander. Some other vacuums tend to miss out on these, so it is best to invest in a vacuum with HEPA filter.
Remember that pet dander may also stick to some hard surfaces in your home such as in the doors and walls so try to clean these areas regularly as well.
Get An Air Purifier
Sure, vacuums that have HEPA filter may be able to clean your rugs and carpets. But if you’ve got pets at home, dander could spread all over the surroundings, including the air. Using an air purifier can help to minimize the presence of these allergens in the air, which is vital for people with pet allergies.
Keep Allergy Medications With You At All Times
No matter how careful you are, if you’ve got pets at home and you’re allergic to them, your allergy could attack anytime. So always have your medicines ready to be sure, including antihistamines. This medicine is effective at managing even the worst allergic reactions.
Depending on when and where your allergies will attack, you must have nasal sprays and soothing eye drops on hand. Make sure you follow the instructions thoroughly before using any of these treatments.
For instance, using nasal sprays consecutively for more than 30 days could constrict swollen blood vessels, and you could end up with some unpleasant conditions known as rebound congestion.
Avoid self-medicating if you have pet allergies. Always consult with a doctor or a medical expert before taking any medication.
Consider Allergy Shots
Immunotherapy or allergy shots are injections that can help to prevent allergy triggers. Usually, it’s administered in a period of 3 to 5 years. It works by convincing your immune system not to react with the allergens. The shots are done twice a week or once every four weeks, depending on your doctor’s advice.
But medical experts say that the effectiveness of immunotherapy will vary in terms of relieving you of your allergy symptoms. If your doctor or allergist believes that you are a right candidate for allergy shots, then you should take advantage of them. That way, you will be able to take care of your furry friend without the risk of suffering from an allergic reaction.
How To Get Dog Hair From Clothes Without Lint Roller?
If you live with a dog in your home, then you need to get used to the idea of having pet hair all over the place, from your clothes, carpets, rugs, upholstery, and pretty much anywhere! Most pet owners rely on a lint roller to remove pet hair. But there are instances when the lint roller gets misplaced somewhere. If you’re wondering how to remove these hairs without using a lint roller, then here are some tips.
Sprinkle a Small Amount of Vinegar
One way you can prevent these pesky hairs from your clothes is to simply add a small amount of vinegar when you wash your clothes. You only need a ½ cup of vinegar for this. Add it on the water and detergent that you use to wash your clothes, sheets, upholstery, or any fabric.
By washing the fabric with vinegar, you will minimize and eliminate the static in your fabric that attracts pet hair. The vinegar will react with your clothes and produce a non-sticking surface so your dog’s hair will not stick to it. Aside from preventing pet hair from sticking, it can also help minimize lint from the fabric.
Keep Your Closet Closed
Make sure that your closet door is always closed to prevent the pet hair from getting into the clothing inside the closet. Remember, pet hair can spread all over the place. So make it a habit to close the closet door after every use.
Pet hair can easily find their way towards any fabric, including the clothes inside your closet. You might say that it’s impossible for the hair to get there because you don’t allow your pet inside your room, but these pesky hairs could travel through the air and land anywhere in your house. So always keep your closet door closed at all times.
Use Damp Hands
Another way to get rid of pet hair from your clothes is with your damp hands or you can also use rubber gloves. Simply run your hands or gloves in cold water and wipe your clothes using your hands. This should remove the presence of unwanted hair in your clothing. Just make sure you maintain a downward motion so that the hair doesn’t ball up, making it easier for you to take the hair off and throw away.
Get An Air Purifier
As mentioned, pet hair could spread quickly all over the place even if you restrict your dog to certain areas in your house. That’s because these hairs travel through the air in your surroundings. So aside from removing unwanted pet hair from your clothes, you must also consider removing the hair from the air in your home. When it comes to this, an air purifier for pets would be a great help.
Use Dryer Sheets
Another great alternative to lint roller when it comes to removing pet hair is the dryer sheets. You simply have to run these sheets to your clothes after washing, and it can help to remove any unwanted hair that has gotten into your clothes. This is because the dryer sheet will suck those loose pet hairs out.
If you’re worried about pet hair sticking on clothes that you plan to wear for an important event, simply toss the clothes in the dryer real quick. Then slip it into the dryer sheet and let the machine run on cool. This can help to resolve your problem. You may also add some wet clothes made of microfiber and set your machine on tumble to allow for the easy removal of pet hair.
Why Do Wet Dogs Smell So Bad?
As a dog parent, you've probably noticed that your pooch tends to stink when it's wet. For instance, you took your dog for a dip at the lake. On your drive home, you notice a funny smell while in your car and you find out later that it's your furry friend that's causing the smell.
So why do wet dogs smell so bad?
The Science Behind Dog Stinking
There's a scientific explanation behind the stinking of your dog when wet. Certain breeds of dogs, especially the hound ones, have more oil in their coat compared to other breeds. Known as Sebum, the oil accumulates on your dog's hair follicles and shaft. The main purpose of the Sebum is to keep your dog's skin protected from dehydration.
So when your dog gets wet, for instance, after taking a dip in a lake, the Sebum will mix with the water and this will eventually lead to bacteria growth that is what's causing the stinky smell. Therefore, you need to make sure that your pooch is dried properly after a dip to avoid smelling so bad.
How To Prevent The Stinky Smell?
Of course, the stinky smell can be prevented. As mentioned, you need to dry your pet properly after taking a bath. But sometimes, toweling your dog is just not enough because the towel won't be able to get through to the skin of your pooch where the Sebum is. In fact, dogs that have very short coats require more. Using a blow dryer that will penetrate the coats of your furry friend may be the best way to address this problem.
Bath Your Dog Regularly
Vets recommend bathing your pooch once in a couple of weeks. It's not a good idea to bath your dog too often since this could make the skin of your dog flaky, dry, and itchy. Also, when washing your pooch, use a high-quality shampoo that's designed specifically for dogs. After shampooing, make sure you rinse their fur properly. Otherwise, the residues could lead to skin problems.
Although a hair dryer is recommended to properly dry your dog and prevent the stinky smell, some dogs might not appreciate the presence of a hairdryer. Other dogs may suffer from a heart attack and anxiety when exposed directly to a hairdryer. If this is your pooch, you might as well use a good quality brush to dry your furry companion's hair.
Use An Air Purifier
Although there are ways to prevent the stinky smell of your dog when wet, there are cases that the smell cannot be removed and the best thing that you can do is to use an air purifier to get rid of the smell in your car or home. Air purifiers that have activated carbon filters are a great solution in this regard. The activated carbon comes with special properties that could effectively remove the odor coming from your wet pet so your car or home will always smell fresh.
Why Does My Dog Stink?
As pet parents, we certainly love cuddling and hugging our pet from time to time just like we do with our kids. But what happens if your dog stinks? The bad smell can put you off.
There are many reasons why your dog smells bad. Perhaps, it ended up rolling or playing in surfaces that had feces or some other substances with a strong smell. Or probably some angry skunk ended up spraying your pooch.
Depending on the reasons behind the stinky smell of your pooch, this problem can be easily remedied. Usually, you can simply wash your pooch with a good smelling shampoo, and that should solve the problem. But sometimes, no matter how you wash and bath your pooch, the bad smell just won't be removed.
So what could be the reason behind the awful smell of your dog?
Flatulence
Flatulence or gas can also happen to dogs, which could be the reason behind its bad smell. But some dogs produce extremely smelly gas because of the foods that they eat. You can perhaps talk to your dog's vet and propose the idea of changing your dog's diet to prevent the smelly gas. Also, the bad smell can be a sign of some underlying medical condition, so it's best to take your pet to the vet.
Allergic Diseases
Food allergies could trigger an inflammation on the skin of your pet that can also result in the excessive oil secretion from the glands, which can produce a musty smell in your pet. This is why a proper diet is important to avoid this condition. Your pet may also end up suffering from yeast infections that would give off a bad smell. A diet high in processed foods and carbohydrates could be the reason behind this. So try changing your pet's diet to a high-protein diet and feed your pooch with non-processed foods.
Dental Problems
Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from dental problems that could make them develop bad breath. The buildup of tartar and plaque in your pet's teeth could lead to bad breath, and this could be the reason behind the stinky smell of your pooch. Certain breeds of dogs, especially the small breeds, are at high risk of developing dental problems, most especially gum diseases. Another common dental problem that your dog could suffer from is Gingival Hyperplasia, a condition resulting from the overgrowth of gums, which could produce a rotten smell.
Anal Sacs
Anal sacs are among the most common reasons behind the stinky smell of dogs. Our furry friends have two tiny scent sacs at their bottom, which is why dogs smell on their rear ends. Once these sacs are affected, your pooch may suffer from extreme pain, and this leads to the release of smelly secretion that could linger on its fur, which is why your pooch will smell bad.
Ear Infections
If your pet is suffering from an ear infection, then it could develop a bad smell in the ear area. This is usually a result of the yeast and bacteria that may have accumulated in your dog's ears. If your dog suffers from hormonal imbalances or allergies, the bacteria and yeast could increase dramatically, leading to the stinky smell in your dog's ear. Dogs that have floppy ears or hair ears are highly susceptible to this, such as the Springer Spaniels and Basset Hounds.
Urinary Tract Infection
If you notice that your dog smells like urine, then that's probably because it's suffering from UTI or Urinary Tract Infection. While many think that this infection only happens to humans, it's more common on dogs. Aside from smelling bad, your dog could suffer from miserable pain.
Some of the most common signs of UTI in your dog are frequent bathroom trips and pain during peeing. You might also see the presence of blood on your pooch's urine. Therefore, you should immediately take your pooch to the vet when this happens.
Take note that a strong urine smell on your pooch can also be a sign of diabetes, kidney stones, and some fungal infections.
What To Do About The Stink?
- Always keep those folds in the ears and skin of your pet dry and clean. Regularly check your dog's ears to ensure that they are dry and clean after swimming and taking a bath.
- If you believe that the smell has something to do with your pet's bad diet, then feed your pooch with a healthy diet. Consult your pet's vet for advice on the most suitable diet that can help to prevent your pet from smelling bad.
- Regularly bathe your dog no matter how busy you may be. Try to wash your dog once every two to three weeks.
- Strictly observe proper dental hygiene on your pooch to prevent bad breath. Brush your dog's teeth regularly and schedule an annual dental cleaning with a vet.
Use An Air Purifier
The tips above are effective in preventing your dog from smelling bad.
However, it might take a while for these remedies to work. What you can do for now is to get an air purifier for dogs that can somehow help to mask the odor that your pet produces.
The air purifier is very effective at removing odor from the air so your home will smell fresh and stay clean despite the stinky smell coming from your pet.
