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Pet Hair and Pet Care: The trials and tribulations of living with pets

Do you despair over the pet hair in your home? It is on your clothing, your furniture, even your bed! Believe it or not, there are some benefits to having pet hair around your home. Your children, when exposed at a young age, are less likely to develop asthma and allergies. But for most of us all that fluff and dander is just plain annoying.

Another annoying factor in living with pets is taking care of them when we aren't around. Try to get away for a break or just work long hours at the office and your pets are left home alone. We feel guilty.

Australians love their pets. We are a nation of pet lovers and enjoy the many benefits that pets can bring us - companionship, protection, a chance to nurture, exercise and lowered stress levels and risk of cardiovascular disease. Chances are we are not going to get rid of our pets in a hurry so we have to find ways of managing pet hair and pet care.

Dr Joanne's tips on removing pet hairs from your home:

• Vacuum regularly, even floorboards. Dusting will only remove some hair.
• Brush your pets regularly. Even shorthaired pets will benefit from a regular grooming session and the hair will all be gathered at your convenience, instead of being deposited constantly around your home.
• Try some sticky tape on furniture and clothing to remove hairs that aren't easily removed.
• Place covers on valuable furniture but remember that hairs can get trapped underneath.

Accept your life will be filled with pet hair, constant cleaning or better still hire an agency like Dial-an-Angel to do it for you, giving you less housework to do and more time to spend with your pets. They can even take care of your pets for you while you take a well-earned rest!

Dr Joanne Righetti (Dr Jo) is an animal behaviour consultant, educating people on their pet's behaviour and finding solutions to problems. Contact drjoanne@petproblemsolved.com or + 61 2 9416 9800. www.petproblemsolved.com