dog hair close up of fur beautiful auburn color

The Easiest Ways to Deal with Pet Hair and Odor in Your Home- 3 Simple Tips

Can we take a minute to talk about something almost every pet parent deals with?

Although pet hair and odors are a small price to pay to have our pups at home with us, the fuzz and funky smells can sometimes seem overwhelming!

My Echo gets hair everywhere. From the couch to the bed it seems to get in the smallest places which makes it harder to clean up. And if I’m honest here, Echo does smell sometimes although not super often.

I know enough pet parents to know I’m not the only one dealing with this.

Over the years, I’ve found some of the easiest ways to keep my home as fur and odor-free as possible.

I do enjoy having a minimal amount of hair in the home as it helps with allergies and keeps the home fresher.

dog being groomed - dog life

Here’s a few of the things I do to tackle pet odor and hair in my home:

Tip # 1: Throw your pet’s linens in the washer.

Echo loves her blankets and doggy bed. Ugh, but does it get smelly!

I invested in washer-safe fabrics and sturdy bedding that can easily be washed.

Pro tip: Use pet-friendly, odor-busting detergent. Don’t forget to wash your own bed linens, too, especially if your pup loves lounging on them.

Tip #2: Keep the air in your home fresh with opening some windows or using an air purifier. [

Fresh air makes everything better. When the weather is nice, I like to open my patio door or run some of my fans in my home to create a breeze. Make sure your screens are secure, though—especially if you have a door-dasher!

If you can’t air your space out or it’s too hot or too chilly to open the windows, an air purifier may help. Many of them clean the air by filtering out particles that cause bad smells.

Tip #3: Groom your pet.

Bathing, brushing and trimming your pet’s hair regularly cuts down on yucky odors and makes your pet look great, too. I have to clean my dog at least once a month to maintain her hair and keep her smelling fresh but also keeping her coat nice because she has longer hair so if I don't groom or wash her enough her hair gets matted as well.

Regular brushing helps keep your pet’s coat and skin healthy. Brush your pet outdoors, if it’s safe, or be sure to vacuum after an indoor brushing session. And remember, if you come across any mats in your pets fur to seek out the assistance of a professional.

dog hair - dog life

Thinking of grooming your pup at-home? Check out my tips for at-home grooming.

Tip #4: Every pet home needs a great lint brush

Lint rollers are great at picking up your pet’s hair.

Don’t limit them to your clothes. They are great on any fabric and furniture. I use mine all over my home and keep them handy through out the house so I have them near by.

If the lint roller doesn’t work, you can try duct tape for any fabric surface.

Tip #7: Check your pet for any health issues

Shedding is normal. Excessive shedding is not. An active dog can get somewhat smelly, but if the smell is strong from your pet’s skin, mouth or ears, your pet may need more than regular home grooming. Medical conditions, infections, allergies, poor diet, stress, anxiety may result in shedding or odors that really need the attention of your veterinarian to check for serious health issues. Proper treatment can help your pet live better and help reduce odors or loose hair.

Having a pet means you will deal with hair and odors from time to time. It’s part of pet parenthood. What do you do around the home to deal with hair or odors? Let me know!

Would love to know what else you think should be on the list? Let us know!

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