Each dog reacts distinctively to vacuuming. If your dog remains calm while you clean your home, it’s time to consider whether you can vacuum your dog.
Some dogs don’t get bothered when a vacuum is running, but others do. Some are scared, so avoid vacuuming them.
Take it near them and keep the vacuum in places where the dog often visits. When you are vacuuming the house, make sure to keep the pet near you to get familiarized with the sound.
Praise and reward your dog during every step as you gradually move the machine nearer.
Dog vacuuming tips
Never vacuum your pet hair with the ordinary attachment on your vacuum. It will unnerve the dog, but at the same time, it’s possibly hurtful and doesn’t work particularly well.
You’re better off putting some money into a specific machine that uses softer bristles made especially for your dog’s skin and hair. These attachments make the experience more soothing.
The goal: Remove dog hair without making your pet nervous or afraid.
It does not create the same suction as a usual attachment, and the suction makes the vacuum potentially harmful.
Move slowly by drawing the vacuum nearer and closer. Start by just cleaning your dog for a couple of seconds. Praise and reward your dog for his good behavior.
Different methods for grooming your dog
Using a dog vacuum attachment is an integral approach to prep your dog.
The quieter vacuums are a welcome addition. You also have a ton of alternatives. A well-known option is to prep your dog consistently with a brush to loosen their hair.
Use your vacuum to pull any loose hair after brushing or bathing.
If you have had dogs for a while, you already know how much your dog sheds.
Typical vacuums used to clean floors and upholstery are fine as long as you use a dog-friendly attachment. The idea is to vacuum your dog to reduce shedding so you don’t have to rely on lint rollers or rubber gloves to clean up loose hair.
Vacuum your dog: The current trend
Using a vacuum to remove loose pet hair from your dog reduces time and work by going to the source rather than trying to clean a hundred things where the shedding happens.
Be warned. Since most dogs fear the sound vacuums make, and likely will be terrified the first few times you try to use this method. Take your time and let your dog get used to the process.
Vacuuming your dog is safe if you use the correct gear and understand the strategy. Removing pet hair at the source will save you time and effort rather than vacuuming the entire house where your dog has shed.
Introduce your vacuum
Acquaint your dog with the vacuum by letting the dog play with it.
Leave it in spots where your dog is often present, for instance, the living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Let your pet explore the machine.
Sniffing is a gigantic pressure reliever for dogs.
Search for a calm spot
Never begin vacuuming with other stressful sounds present, like a crying infant, a running food processor, or a whistling pressure cooker.
Vacuums make constant noise, so find a quiet spot to introduce the process to your dog.
Take small breaks. This will give your dog a breather, and it will also let you search for places that you may have missed vacuuming.
Regular vacuuming, like regular brushing, lets your look for signs of unusual hair loss, thinning hair, or other potential health issues.
Use positive reinforcement and rewards
Positive reinforcement works best. Ensure your dog knows he’ll be rewarded for good behavior. Select treats he loves to compensate for the noise and the need to remain still throughout the procedure.
Keep treats nearby and reward your dog for being good during grooming. After a couple of times, your dog will understand and exhibit better behavior.
Build up a routine
Make vacuuming a daily routine for your dog.
If you use the machine regularly, this will reduce the mystery and help calm your dog. Hold the vacuum so it doesn’t directly confront your dog.
Extra pointers
All vacuum cleaners can’t be used to clean your dog. The suction power would ordinarily hurt your dog. Specifically, created dog attachments can remove your dog’s hair without harming your dog in any way.
Always try to vacuum your dog in a single gentle stroke to avoid pulling out any hair strands and potentially hurting your dog.
Final thoughts on choosing to vacuum your dog
Even the most common grooming methods have downsides, and since pets can’t communicate their emotions in words, it is critical to watch your dog’s reaction.
Look for these warning signs that your dog is nervous or fearful:
- Take note if your dog looks terrified or is barking excessively.
- Pay close attention to whether you are hurting your pet.
- Check if you are pulling your pet’s hair out instead of removing loose hair.