How to Get Dog Hair Out of Velcro

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Velcro is a trademarked name brand of hook-and-loop tape that is quick and easy to use. You will often find it on sports equipment, shoes, and clothing. However, Velcro easily attracts debris including dog and pet hair. When this happens, the Velcro no longer effectively fastens. Fortunately, with a little time and some common household items, you can clean and refresh the Velcro.

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Clean the Velcro

There are several ways to clean Velcro depending on the materials you have on hand. A toothbrush is an easy way to remove hair and debris. Simply brush the Velcro with the toothbrush and pluck any loosened hair and lint with your hand.

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There are also several ways to comb the dog hair out of the Velcro. The cutting edge from a packing tape dispenser or a fine-tooth comb are both effective options. Another option is to use a piece of strong tape and press it to the Velcro. When you remove the tape, much of the dog hair should be stuck to the tape.

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These methods work for either the hook or the loop side of the Velcro. You can also use the hook side of the Velcro to remove dog hair from another hook piece of Velcro. If there are still some stubborn hairs stuck in the Velcro, consider plucking them out with a pair of tweezers.

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Maintain clean Velcro

Once the Velcro is clean, take some easy steps to keep it free of dog hair. Keep the pieces of Velcro closed as much as possible, including when you wash the items that have Velcro. This prevents lint and hair from attaching to the Velcro.

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It is also a good idea to clean the Velcro regularly. While this may take a bit of time, it is far easier to clean out a small amount of dog hair rather than waiting until the Velcro is so dirty it no longer closes properly.

Minimize dog shedding

Dogs shed and some shed more than others. Whether your dog sheds seasonally or all the time, regular grooming can help control shedding and minimize the amount of dog hair that may be attracted to Velcro. Depending on the breed and type of coat, you may need to brush your dog daily, especially in the fall and spring when shedding is at its worst.

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If your dog has a short coat, consider using a glove or brush with natural bristles. Dogs with longer hair may benefit from grooming with a slicker brush or coat rake. While it is important to brush the entire coat so that mats don't develop at the skin level, don't press so hard that you damage or irritate your dog's skin.

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If your dog is shedding more than usual, consider taking him to the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Some problems that may cause an increase in shedding include allergies and hypothyroidism.

Shaving and haircuts

When dog shedding feels out of control and there is dog hair all over your home and Velcro, it can be tempting to simply shave your dog or cut his fur short. While a haircut is fine for some dogs, take care not to cut the fur too short. Doing so can decrease your dog's ability to regulate his temperature, including staying cool, and leave him susceptible to sunburn and insect bites.

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In general, avoid shaving double-coated dogs. When you cut their hair, you are cutting the outer coat which doesn't tend to shed as much. If you cut down enough to remove the double coat, you remove the part of the coat that acts to insulate the dog from both cold and heat. In addition, the hair may not grow back the same, leaving your dog with an unattractive coat.

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