While spring is a welcome change from winter weather, it also brings about an often less-than-enjoyable change in pets—shedding. Both dogs and cats shed their thicker winter coats in preparation for the warmth ahead, and the process can leave your home covered in hair. Keeping these simple dog grooming tips in mind, however, will help you get through shedding season.

How to Handle Pet Shedding

1. Gear Up

There’s no way to prevent your pet from shedding their coat during the spring, but you can take the necessary preparations to be ready for the extra hair. Before the warm weather, stock up on lint rollers and trash bags to hold all of the hair bunches you’ll be collecting from your home. Because loose pet hair can work its way deep into the fibers of your carpet, invest in a powerful vacuum capable of cleaning the surface. Also, clean or replace the vacuum’s filter before shedding season to cut back on dander and hair particles in the air.

2. Establish Temporary Pet-Free Areas or Cover Up

Even if your pet normally has access to your entire home, sectioning off even a small area during shedding season means considerably less cleaning to worry about. This is especially helpful if someone in your home has sensitive allergies. Keeping the dog or cat out of specific bedrooms or family areas will reduce the allergic impact of the hair and dander.

If keeping your pet out of certain areas doesn’t work, covering your furniture with blankets or sheets can make the cleanup much easier. Instead of lint-rolling or vacuuming every inch of the furniture, you can remove the cover, wash it, and return it without much hassle.

3. Practice Regular Cat & Dog Grooming

One of the best ways to deal with shedding season is to work regular cat and dog grooming sessions into your day. Brushing removes loose hair before it collects on your furniture, and it is also an opportunity to spend quality time with your pet. Taking the animal to a professional groomer will also keep shedding under control and maintain the coat’s health.

If you need a bit of help getting through shedding season, Robinwood Kennel in Highland Heights, KY, will help. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati and a few minutes from Northern Kentucky University, Joe, Carol, and Peggy are always willing to lend their expertise to any dog or cat, and they treat each pet with the care and love they deserve. Blow drying, haircuts, brushing, de-matting, and more services will have your pet looking and smelling as fresh as can be. Visit the website for more information on dog grooming and boarding options for residents of Anderson and Mt. Washington, and call (859) 781-2352 to schedule an appointment.