Ridding your home of excess shed fur is, literally, a never-ending chore. However, while fur will always be an issue for those of us who enjoy having a soft, cuddly pet, it doesn’t have to be a difficult or consuming one.

First, address the issue at the source: your pet. All furry or hairy animals–even humans–shed to a certain extent. But your pet may shed more than necessary, if not being given an optimum diet, or is not being brushed thoroughly and frequently. Many grocery store brands of pet food don’t contain vitamins and minerals for the healthiest coats, or do contain allergens which may lead to more shedding. You can consider premium food which addresses both of those problems, or you can supplement your pet’s diet with separate vitamins, to rule out a deficiency, first.

Next, consider how often you brush your pet. Many animals can be brushed gently on a daily basis. If you don’t believe you have time to do that, consider how much time you spend cleaning up shed hair. It’s far more efficient to remove it from your pet with the brush than to allow it to disperse through your home, requiring more clean up.