Ah... Spring! A chance to end cabin fever and start airing out the house. We've been cooped up for several months and it's time to get out and... break out the brushes.

We often joke that Michigan has two seasons - snow and construction. Many of us feel the same about our pets: that there are two shedding seasons, but they seem to last six months! Before you start pricing industrial strength vacuums to rid your home and furniture of pet hair tumbleweeds, let's get to the root (pardon the pun) of the problem.

Why Do Cats and Dogs Shed?

Shedding is a natural process through which animals (including humans) lose their existing coat and allow a new coat to come in. Most pets shed on a natural cycle that begins in the early Spring and again in the early Fall. Some dogs shed more than others, and all dogs can benefit from grooming that will help control the clouds of hair that are drifting through your home.

Nope - you can't stop a dog from shedding. That hair is going to fall out no matter what. Trimming it shorter will not prevent shedding, it just means the hair that falls out will be shorter - and pickier. So, what are the options? Don't wait for the inevitable - go on the offensive! Actively remove that loose hair from your pets before it falls off and invades your home! Brushing at least once a week (although more often is better) will help control the fallout. As the weather warms you can do this outside to keep the loose stuff from decorating your carpets - and the birds in your neighborhood will have the most luxurious nesting material available.

Bring your pet in for regular bathing and grooming - and leave the hair on our floor, not yours. Plus, while your pet is out, you can really get to work with the vacuum and steam cleaners without having to trip over your dog in the living room or your cat on the stairs. Here's one last tip: the rubber curry you use on your pet to get rid of unwanted hair works great on your furniture, too. Try using the vacuum attachment as you curry your couch and you'll be amazed how much hair you can remove from your sofa!