Have you left the home only to realize that you are covered in your pet’s fur?  Are you nervous to allow your guests to sit on the couch for fear that they will get coated in dog hair?  Do you see little clumps of fur in every corner of the house?  While shedding is natural, normal and healthy, it can be incredibly frustrating.  Managing shedding and reducing dog hair throughout your home (and on your clothes) can feel like a never ending battle.  Fortunately, it does not have to be thanks to a myriad of modern inventions that are prepared for the task.  Below we list 5 products that will help you manage your pet’s shedding and reduce pet hair in your home for good!

1. Brush and Use the Deshedder
   • Most pet owners know that brushing their dog consistently is important for a variety of reasons. It can help remove excess hair, redistribute the oils on your dog’s scalp for a soft coat, make your dog look nice and is even a great bonding experience between you and your dog.  Beyond basic brushing there is a tool called a “deshedder” that is capable of removing some of the dog’s undercoat so that it reduces shedding.  A deshedder should not be used as a last resort because it will not work well on hair that is matted and tangled, still connected to your dog.  It works well with loose the loose undercoat that is already being shed to grab and remove.
2. Pick Up Mitt
   • A great tool when you want to quickly and efficiently run around to your furniture and remove dog hair is a pick up mitt, such as the Evercare Pet Hair Pic-Up Mitt. This handy mitt slides ride onto your hand and you can sweep your hand along furniture, clothing and more and it will easily attract and grab pet hair, even if you do not easily see the hair!
3. Fabric Sweepers
   • The Scotch Fur Fighter Hair Remover is a handheld tool that is ideal for fabric upholstered furniture. It works similarly to the mitt but is a handheld option with attachable/refillable sheets that remove pet hair and dander.
4. Animal Vacuum
   • There are many vacuums on the market designed specifically for animal hair but what seems to be the most popular is the Dyson Animal Upright Vacuum. Animal vacuums have powerful suction and specialized tools designed specifically to be more effective for pet hair removal.

Have you ever leaned in for a hug or smooch from your beloved dog and been startled by their bad breath?  If so, you are not alone!  Just because dogs are animals does not mean they do not need proper dental care.  In fact, routine and consistent dental care, such as brushing can preserve dental health and even protect overall health! Don’t worry; your dog’s breath does not have to be constantly minty fresh!  But, if it smells particularly bad it is probably time to start getting consistent with dental care.  And, if you have a new puppy, start now so that they will be used to routine dental care and will happily comply as they grow older.

First, it is important to note that if your dog has bad breath and it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or loss of appetite you should take your dog to the veterinarian as the symptoms could be more than simply poor dental health.  But, if your dog just has some foul-smelling breath and is otherwise healthy you can probably make some improvements in the dental health department.  If you do not already have a canine toothbrush kit, getting one is a great place to start.  It is important to emphasize that you should invest in a canine kit because dogs should not use human toothpaste because it can upset their stomach.  Additionally, canine toothbrushes are designed specifically for a dog’s mouth and there is even canine mouthwash available.  Introduce the toothbrush slowly – a few times each week you can gently rub your dog’s gums and teeth with your finger or a toothbrush to get them used to the idea and procedure.  Once they are used to that, you can begin to introduce toothpaste.  Make it a gentle and relaxing process so that it is not stressful for you or you dog and so that you can take your time and do an optimal job brushing their teeth.

Fortunately, dogs rarely get cavities but they do often get tartar buildup on their teeth.  Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis and inflamed/painful gums.  While dogs cannot care for their teeth themselves by brushing, there are things they can chew on that will help improve their dental health. There are special bones and other chew toys designed specifically to help clean teeth and gums while your dog gets to enjoy a special treat. WebMD points out that research supports the use of dog treats and chew toys to help improve dental health, “Dogs that chew actively have less plaque build-up. And some types of dog dental treats and diets can reduce plaque by nearly 70%. How do they do this? Simply the mechanical action of chewing can make a difference. In one study, increasing the diameter of kibble by 50% led to a 42% reduction in tartar. In the same study, coating the products with a substance called polyphosphate further reduced tartar by 55%. It prevents plaque from turning into tartar by isolating calcium on teeth.”  If you are uncertain where to begin, consult your veterinarian who will be able to offer dental health guidance specific to your dog and your lifestyle.

As pet owners, we often focus on what “human” foods our dogs should not eat.  We vigilantly avoid giving them things like chocolate or pecans that can make them seriously ill, we sometimes forget that there are many human foods that are actually good for our dogs.  Many store-bought dry dog foods lack certain vitamins and minerals that real food can provide.  So whether you decide to share some “ok” foods off your plate as an occasional treat, or you decide to prepare fresh food for your dog on a regular basis, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are giving your dog food that is good for them.

1. Peanut Butter
   • It is not just humans that find peanut butter delicious, dogs do too! It is a great source of fat and protein but just do not overdue it.  You can give your dog a little peanut butter as a treat each day.  If you want to use it to occupy and entertain your dog, consider stuffing it inside a Kong toy and letting them work to get it out while enjoying their treat.
2. Meat
   • Chicken, turkey, and beef, whether ground or cut into small pieces can make a delicious meal for your dog. Mix it in with some vegetables or rice and you have a great, well-i
3. Cheese
   • Small amounts of cheese can be another good source of fat and protein that your dog will enjoy. Any kind of cheese is ok but cottage cheese is a great option because it is low in fat but high in protein.
4. Fish
   • Any kind of fish is high in vitamins and is a great, lean source of protein. Like meat, mix it with some rice and vegetables and your dog will enjoy a complete, well-rounded meal.
5. Yogurt
   • We aren’t talking about the sweetened, flavored yogurt, it needs to be plain, unsweetened yogurt. Plain yogurt is high in protein, calcium and digestive cultures that will support the health of your dog.
6. Pumpkin
   • Pumpkin is not just for your pies during the fall. Pumpkin is great for your dog because it is full of fiber and Vitamin A. Stick to plain pumpkin, not the kind that you have mixed with cinnamon and other spices though, because those spices could upset your dog’s stomach.
7. Eggs
   • Scrambled or hard-boiled, any eggs with whites that have been fully cooked are great for your dog. They are rich in protein and can even help with an upset stomach.