Minimizing Pet Allergies: Expert tips on grooming
TAMPA (BLOOM) – As pet lovers grapple with the twin challenges of pet hair and allergies, Jennie Smith, a Nationally Certified Master Groomer, shares expert insights on maintaining a clean home and healthy pet. Here’s a look at her practical advice on grooming, cleaning, and dietary practices to help pet owners this allergy season.
Selecting the Right Brush
The choice of brush plays a pivotal role in reducing pet shedding and allergens. Jennie recommends using a slicker brush for curly or double-coated breeds to effectively reach down to the skin, separating hair and removing dander. For short or smooth-coated breeds, a rubber curry or boar bristle brush is advised to minimize hair loss without harming the skin.
Essential Grooming Techniques
Many pet owners miss crucial grooming practices that can significantly cut down on shedding. Jennie highlights the importance of brushing not just the top but all areas of the dog, including the underside and tail. She also suggests using a pet-safe grooming spray to reduce static, which can make hair harder to remove and uncomfortable for both pet and owner.
Effective Cleaning Tools
When it comes to cleaning tools, Jennie emphasizes frequency over the type of tool used. However, she personally recommends Swiffer products for their ease of use in quick surface wipes and floor sweeps to manage pet hair.
Creating Allergen-Reduced Spaces
Truly reducing allergens in a home may require limiting pet access to certain areas, but this isn’t always feasible for pet lovers. Instead, Jennie suggests using HEPA air purifiers and Allerpet solutions, which are effective in reducing airborne allergens and removing dander directly from pets.
Washing Pet Bedding
To control allergens, pet bedding should be washed weekly using any regular detergent, with dryer sheets or balls to help release pet hair from fabric.
Diet’s Impact on Shedding
Jennie asserts that a pet’s diet profoundly affects their coat health and shedding. She warns against lower-quality pet foods available at general retailers, suggesting instead that pet owners opt for higher-quality food from specialized pet stores or consider a raw or partially raw diet, pending a vet’s approval for pets with specific health needs.
Innovative Grooming Solutions
For those seeking new methods to manage shedding, Jennie recommends grooming gloves, especially for cats and short-haired dogs. These gloves feature silicone dots that capture hair effectively during regular petting sessions.
A Personal Success Story
Jennie shares a touching story about a client with a Golden Retriever, whose frequent grooming sessions significantly alleviated their son’s allergies, allowing the family to keep their beloved pet without compromising their child’s health.
This comprehensive advice from Jennie Smith not only promises to ease the life of pet owners but also enhances the well-being of their furry companions during the challenging allergy season.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
