December 13, 2011
Posted in How to

Most pet owners are used to their dogs and cats shedding and finding their pets' hair on all of their clothes. However normal this may be to some, it can be troubling to others who either have allergies or who just don't have pets. Because of this, pet owners planning to host holiday parties in the upcoming weeks will need to prep their homes to get rid of excess hair and tidy up pet supplies.

To prepare for an upcoming party, first bathe your pooch in a mild pet shampoo like oatmeal shampoo for dogs a week or so before the soiree. Bathe it again the day of the party to both have the dog smell good and remove any last minute dirt or fur. Make sure to also groom the dog well every day to both get out any snarls and knots and to stop it from shedding so much in the house. Depending on your dog's coat, you'll need to use certain tools. For dogs with thick hair like Bernese mountain dogs or golden retrievers, you may need a more serious brush like the FURminator deShedding Tool For Dogs that works to get both the undercoat and the top layer of hair. For dogs with fine hair like Labrador retrievers or Boston terriers, you may need a less intense tool like the Resco Pro-Series Combo Brush. Starting your dog on a daily supplement like Nordic
Naturals Omega-3 Pet may also keep its hair strong and healthy.

Once your dog is cleaned for the big night, you'll want to create a space for it to go where it won't bother guests. This can be in a spare bedroom, the basement or another area that's big enough for it to relax. Put all of its pet supplies like its Deluxe Orthopedic Dog Bed, its Durapet Dog Bowls full of pet food like Natural Balance Synergy Ultra Dry Dog Food and toys to play with in the space. Use a One-Touch Pet Gate to secure the pooch in the room.

After Fido has a safe haven, it's time to tackle the rest of the house. The news outlet suggests plugging in new air filters into multiple rooms in the home to catch pet allergens floating in the air. Then, thoroughly clean your entire home one or two days before guests arrive – dusting and mopping hardwood floors as well as removing and shaking out any area rugs in your home for a deeper clean. If you know certain guests are allergic, it may also be helpful to suggest they take allergy medications prior to coming over to ensure they have a good time.

Although these steps won't remove all traces that a dog lives in your home, it will help curb some discomfort, allowing everyone, including your pets, to enjoy the evening.

Related posts:

1. How to reduce your dog’s shedding
2. Learn what plants are poisonous to pets before starting your garden
3. Scrubbing essentials for pet owners