You can't stop an animal from shedding — it's only natural. But what you can and should do is control it with proper care. Dog and cat grooming benefits everybody: your pet, your furniture, and your sanity! An excellent place to start is Robinwood Kennel, Highland Heights, KY's best pet sitting and dog grooming facility.

Here, they offer the following tips for keeping shed hair at bay:

• Daily Brushing: Brushing your pet's fur every day will keep shed hair on the brush — and not on the furniture. Choose a brush that makes sense for your pet's coat type for best results.

• Control Pests: Fleas, ear mites, and other pests, can make a pet scratch so hard that they shed extra fur, or even bleed. Use a vet-approved spot treatment get rid of current infestations, and stay vigilant about future ones.

• Alternatives To Brushing: Cat grooming can be challenging, especially since many cats do not always respond well to typical brushing. If that describes your cat, try using a grooming mitt or "self-grooming” product.

• A Note on Tangles: If your pet often gets twigs entangled in his or her fur, you should cut these out before bathing your pet. Some people erroneously think a bath will “loosen” these, when in fact, bathwater will only tighten fur mats.

• Food Additives: Consult your veterinarian about supplements, such as flaxseed oil, that can benefit your pet's fur, or try a specially formulated supplement for giving your pet a strong, healthy coat.

Many animals develop thick winter coats, and now that it's spring, they're starting to shed those furiously! If your pet is shedding big time or has a lot of mats leftover from winter, take them into Robinwood Kennel for a full combing, de-matting, and bathing session! Make a dog or cat grooming appointment by calling (859) 781-2352. For a complete list of services, including pet sitting and boarding, you can also visit their website.