Rough fluff: The best tips and tricks to get rid of dog hair

Sometimes, you can recognize dog owners by the fact that they often have their pup's hair all over the house, in the car, or on their clothes! However, if you know the tricks, it is not difficult to get rid of that pesky shedding.

How often you need to remove dog hair depends on the breed.
How often you need to remove dog hair depends on the breed.  © 123rf/Jaroslav Frank

Often, after cuddling with your beloved four-legged friend, you can look like a hairy dog yourself.

At least twice a year, dogs shed their coat and unknowingly leave their hair in their wake.

To make the fluff loss more rough, dogs do not lose all of their hair at the same time when they shed their coat. The hair loss usually starts at the back of the animal and then moves forward toward the head.

Dog comforts dying sibling in the most heartbreaking way
Dogs Dog comforts dying sibling in the most heartbreaking way

The start of the shedding phase largely depends on the breed and on external factors, like environment.

Whether short or long haired, rogue balls of fur can be a nuisance on clothing, in the car, or on furniture.

Contact with dog hair can also provoke an allergy, and take a toll on both dogs', and their owners', immune system.

To make living with your dog more pleasant, TAG24 has some useful tips for the removal of that mangy hair.

How to get dog hair out of clothes and blankets

To remove dog hair, many dog owners reach for a lint roller, but there are effective alternatives.
To remove dog hair, many dog owners reach for a lint roller, but there are effective alternatives.  © 123RF/Olga Yastremska

The first thing dog owners usually reach for when removing dog hair is a lint roller.

The adhesive surfaces of the commercially available rollers are well suited for quickly removing hair from smaller areas.

If you don't have a roller at home, you can also use adhesive tape to remove the hair. Try wrapping the tape around your hand with the adhesive side facing outwards, and you'll find a quick fix.

Dog becomes life of the party with epic Flip Cup skills
Dogs Dog becomes life of the party with epic Flip Cup skills

Unfortunately, lint rollers and tape can produce a lot of waste and are usually used up quickly, which can be expensive in the long run.

Remedies are rolls made of silicone or with other rubber coatings, which absorb the hair when slightly moistened. Afterwards you can wash off the hair and can reuse the roll. However, the pet hair can clog the drain over time, so make sure to use a strainer or clean out the drain.

It may also be worthwhile for dog owners to buy a special pet hair roller or clothes brush. They are commercially available in various designs. Some include a hair-attracting surface, like velvet, which picks up the hair into a compartment.

After cleaning, the hair from the compartment can be emptied and disposed of separately.

How to spin the hair out

Use lint balls or wet wipes in your washing machine to help catch some hairs!
Use lint balls or wet wipes in your washing machine to help catch some hairs!  © 123rf/bilanol

When doing laundry, there are a few things to keep in mind when removing dog hair.

First, blankets and clothing should be freed of most of the hair beforehand. Give your materials a good shake outside your house to get off the first layer of pesky hair.

To remove even more, you can also put lint balls into the machine with your textiles. The hair will collect on the balls during the wash cycle. (Beware, this method is not recommended for delicate fabrics.)

Alternatively, simply place fragrance-free and antibacterial wet wipes in the machine. These can have the same effect as lint balls when used once.

To get the most out of your washing machine and to keep it from clogging, the lint filter should be cleaned regularly. It is also worth considering switching to a machine with a special pet hair washing program.

Often, just five minutes in the dryer is enough to rid fabric of dog hair, so this should help do the trick for that sticky excess fluff.

How to get dog hair off couch and other furniture

Coaches and furniture can be pesky challengers to the removal of pet hair.
Coaches and furniture can be pesky challengers to the removal of pet hair.  © 123RF/tissansk

If only a few hairs adhere to the surface of your couch or upholstery, simply stroke the surface with slightly damp hands and the hairs can be easily removed.

If there are more, it helps to moisten a rubber glove and stroke the hairy area with light pressure. Another possibility is to use moistened pantyhose or nylon tights, which can also be cleaned and reused.

Since lint rollers and pet hairbrushes are usually only suitable for small areas and clothes, there are now furniture brushes and furniture rollers to help. These work similarly, but since they are larger, they cover a larger area.

After unrolling, the hair also collects into a removable compartment and can be disposed of with household waste.

How to remove dog hair from carpets, floors, and the car

Dog hair often gets stuck deep in the fibers of the carpet, but can be removed with simple tricks.
Dog hair often gets stuck deep in the fibers of the carpet, but can be removed with simple tricks.  © unsplash/Mason Kiesewetter

To help with household floors, manufacturers now offer special pet hair attachments for vacuum cleaners. These are available in different price ranges depending on the supplier and vacuum model. Research and read some customer reviews before buying to get an idea of each's effectiveness.

The dog hair on the carpet or floor can also be removed with slightly moistened rubber mops, small brushes, or brooms with rubber strips, because rubber attracts the hair.

If you don't want to buy extra cleaning supplies, you can also fasten a slightly damp pair of pantyhose over a broom or mop head and clean the floor with it.

Best way to remove dog hair from car

In addition, another secret tip is rubber squeegees.

Window and windshield squeegees and other washing tools made of rubber pull even the most stubborn dog hair from floor mats and car seats. Simply run these over the affected areas in the car, and your interior can look like new again.

If you frequently transport your dog in the trunk, a mat can be inserted for protection and as a hair catch-all. It is also helpful to brush your dog before driving, as this will remove most loose hair.

How can I get ahead of the dog hair?

Large amounts of stray dog hair can be combated by brushing and grooming your four-legged friend regularly.
Large amounts of stray dog hair can be combated by brushing and grooming your four-legged friend regularly.  © unsplash/Александр Гросс

Although it is unavoidable that dogs will lose hair, it is possible to lessen it from spreading around your home.

Dogs need regular grooming and brushing, and it is best to use brushes that also reach the animal's undercoat. The dog should be combed carefully with little pressure, and making sure not to go against the grain of their hair growth, from the time they are puppies.

Some people prefer to vacuum their dog. With this method, it is important to only vacuum gently on the lowest setting on non-sensitive areas of a dog's body. There are even specific vacuums sold for pet grooming! Whether this is an option for you depends on your pet's reaction, noise tolerance, and sensitivity.

Grooming can also be done at a professional groomer, and is especially recommended for dog breeds like poodles that need a specific haircut.

It is very important to consider your dog's breed, because not all dogs with long hair need a trim. In some severe circumstances, the dog could suffer skin damage and have problems with permanent hair loss if they are groomed incorrectly.

Proper and regular brushing of dogs will not only prevent a lot of hair from falling by the wayside, but is also important for your pup's health.

Hopefully, these tricks and tips will allow for less bothersome hair loss and more cuddling up to your four-legged friend!

Cover photo: 123rf/Jaroslav Frank

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