How to Get Dog Hair Out of Carpet: 5 Life Changing Hacks

Buying a carpet is one of those purchases we hope we only have to make once or twice. A nice carpet or rug can tie the room together, but it can also cost a pretty penny. So when our furry friends shed all over the rug, you can imagine the frustration we feel. Fret no more! This guide will teach you how to get dog hair out of a carpet!

 

 

What Causes a Dog's Hair to Shed?

When dogs shed, the hair they leave all over your furniture and clothes can be annoying, but it is usually normal. Dogs can't go out and buy a new coat like we can, and hair loss is their way of growing new fur. They discard hair that may be damaged, dead, or nearing the end of its life cycle.

 

Many people assume that a pet's hair length affects how much hair they'll lose, but this isn't the case. For example, take the Afghan Hound, whose hair is about as long as a Golden Retriever's. The Afghan sheds so little you hardly notice, while a Golden Retriever loses a lot of hair.

 

The amount of hair a dog loses varies by breed, though other factors can contribute. In the following sections, we'll take a look at some common reasons for canine hair loss, whether they be natural or cause for concern.

 

Seasonal

This is the most common reason for fur loss, and it is a vital stage of a dog's skin health. Since the primary function of an animal's hair is to protect the skin, it must be replaced with fresh fur. Another reason to remove hair is temperature changes, as no one wants a heavy coat in summer.

 

Dogs shed excess fur during warmer months and grow it back when winter comes around. Some breeds do this year-round, while others lose so little hair that they are labeled "non-shedding" dogs. While such breeds may be hypoallergenic, it is a myth that some dogs don't shed any fur at all.

 

Parasites

Parasites like fleas, lice, and mites can cause any pooch grief. They feed on the nutrients of the animal's coat or skin and irritate your pet. This can cause the dog to bite, chew, or scratch at the affected areas, resulting in hair loss.

 

RELATED: HOME REMEDIES FOR FLEAS ON DOGS

 

Ringworm

Despite its misleading name, ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. Ringworm feeds on the keratin (protein) in an animal's nails, hair, and skin. If a dog contracts ringworm, the fungus can cause hair follicles to break, resulting in excessive shedding. You can treat ringworm at home, but it's best to take your furry friend to a vet for complete care.

 

 

 

Dermatitis/Allergies

Dermatitis is a skin condition that causes an animal to scratch itself frequently. It is caused by an allergic reaction, and the scratching can cause hair loss. Some common sources of pet allergies are food, medication, household cleaners, and grooming supplies.

 

Hormonal Changes

A dog's body is accustomed to certain levels of testosterone and estrogen. If your pooch is producing too much or not enough of these hormones, it can lose fur. Common causes of hormonal imbalance are spaying and neutering, so take your pet to a vet if you notice hair loss after one of these procedures.

 

 

Are There Ways to Reduce Dog Hair Shedding on Carpet?

Fortunately, there are more ways to tackle pet hair removal than a vacuum cleaner. You can keep your pooch's hair loss at a normal level so that it does not become a problem. To keep your rug and other furniture clean, try some of these solutions for reducing dog shedding:

 

• Shampoo: The best way to care for a dog that sheds too much is to ensure its coat has no reason to get rid of its hair. You can do this by grooming and cleaning your pets regularly. A great canine shampoo is crucial, and HolistaPet's CBD Shampoo for Dogs can help pacify irritated skin, reducing pet hair loss.

 

Related Post: BEST DOG SHAMPOO FOR SHEDDING: REDUCE HEAVY SHEDDING FAST

 

• Formulas: Some supplements are designed to target pet hair loss. They contain all the essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that a canine's coat needs for optimal health. Our CBD oil for dogs also contains many of these beneficial ingredients.

• Foods: The right dog foods can provide your furry friend with those same vitamins and minerals its coat needs for healthy hair. There are various types of kibble for different breeds, ages, sizes, and underlying conditions. Check out organic dog food and special formulas that combat shedding.

• Brushes: When the warmer months come, you can help your dog lose its coat by routinely grooming it with a de-shedding brush. This will maintain your pet's coat health, reducing the amount they shed all over your home. Controlled hair removal also lets you gather all the pet hair in one sitting rather than discovering it while vacuuming.

 

RELATED: HOW TO REDUCE DOG SHEDDING

 

 

How to Get Dog Hair Out of Carpet

If preventative measures haven't stopped dog hair from piling up on your carpet, that's no problem! There are various methods and tools for pet hair removal from all types of fabric. Be sure to use any aids you already have at home before purchasing a top-of-the-line vacuum cleaner or squeegee.

 

We've ordered this list so that the more "DIY" methods come first. It's always a good idea to give tried-and-true cleaning methods a try before moving on to more drastic measures. At the very least, your carpet will look even cleaner!

 

Wet Cleaning

A wet paper towel or sponge is the easiest and most inexpensive way to remove pet hair from carpets. You can even wet your hand with water and run it across the carpet. The hair will "stick" to the water and be pulled up more easily than manually searching for each piece.

 

Carpets are an almost sacred place for many pets, and many dogs spend hours each day curled up on their favorite rug. This could mean that there are unpleasant odors on the carpet's surface, either due to bathroom accidents or general dog-smell (sorry pooches, but sometimes you stink).

 

Due to these potentially foul smells, try not to use much force as you rub your damp paper towel, sponge, or hand into the carpet. This can dig in and possibly release bad odors, as well as drive loose hair further into the fabric. Instead, run it along the rug's surface, collecting as much fur as possible.

 

 

 

 

Baking Soda

Baking soda can cause some of the dog hair embedded deep inside carpets to clump together. Static electricity causes pet hair to cling to fabric, making it more difficult to remove from your couch or carpet. Baking soda neutralizes this electrical charge, which is what causes the hair to stick to surfaces.

 

Without the charge, the hair is much easier to vacuum. Plus, baking soda takes odors out of rugs! Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes, then vacuum it clean!

 

Lint Rollers Or Sticky Tape

A lint roller or some sticky tape is a cheap and simple technique to remove pet hair from carpet fabric. A lint roller designed for clothes is just as effective on rugs, and all you need to do is roll it along the surface to collect hair. You can use this method on any furniture, blankets, or vehicle upholstery.

 

As if a lint roller wasn't easy enough, there's an even simpler way to gather loose dog hair. Make your own lint roller by wrapping any type of tape around your fingers, the non-sticky side facing the skin. Run this "tape glove" over your carpet, couch, or any other type of furniture to collect dog hair.

 

Pet Hair Vacuums

If you still need help removing those last stubborn hairs embedded deep in a carpet, you may want to consider a pet hair vacuum. These are designed specifically for animal hair, which is notoriously difficult to vacuum. As we mentioned earlier, this difficulty is due to the hair's static charge.

 

The best pet hair vacuums neutralize this slight electrical charge, making it easier to remove hair from carpet fabric. This is usually done by rubber trim or "fingers" on the intake end of the vacuum. Bristles made of rubber neutralize static charges as they pick up the hair.

 

Another common frustration when using standard vacuuming designs on pet hair is tangled brush rolls. Vacuums designed for pet hair utilize tangle-free brush rolls. Lastly, you'll want a dust cup that's easily removable since you'll be emptying it a lot!

 

All of these features mean that a pet hair vacuum is typically expensive. A decent model will set you back $100-$200. This is considerably more expensive than baking soda and tape, so make sure you've exhausted all other options before moving onto a vacuum.

 

Rubber Brooms & Rubber Gloves

Rubber is a great way to remove dog hair's electrical charge, but that doesn't mean it has to come in a vacuum. Countless tools feature long bristles excellent for deep cleanings, such as rubber gloves, brooms, or squeegees.

 

Gloves and brooms can be used in tandem. A broom is ideal for a large surface area, while a glove is better suited for corners and hard-to-reach spots. Whether you use a squeegee, glove, or broom, simply drag it along the carpet, applying pressure to maximize hair removal.

 

How Do You Get Dog Hair Out of a Shag Carpet?

Shag rugs are a great way to add texture to a room, but when it comes to cleaning, they can be a nightmare. As with other carpets, a squeegee or broom with rubber bristles are some of the best tools to remove hair.

 

You may need some further assistance with a shag carpet. Use an anti-static spray to neutralize the electrical charge, making it even easier for the rubber tools to pick up the hair. You can also mix three parts of water with one part fabric softener to create a solution that will loosen the fur.

 

 

Final Thoughts - How To Get Dog Hair Out of Carpet

A dog can be a best friend, but they can't pick up after themselves very well. If your pets leave clumps of hair all over your carpet, clothes, or furniture, use our hair removal techniques to keep the area clean. Experiment with different methods, trying a fabric softener if baking soda doesn't work or a squeegee if vacuums won't do the trick. And for all your pet care needs, HolistaPet has you covered!