If your dog's shedding is causing your home to look like the floor of a beauty salon, you can manage the issue by frequently and regularly giving his coat a thorough brushing. Don't use dryer sheets. Rubbing dryer sheets on your pet to minimizing shedding can be hazardous.
Hazardous
Dryer sheets, also known as fabric softener sheets, are indeed a danger to both dogs and cats. The sheets are especially problematic the more detergent they contain, so if they're unused, they're even more harmful. The ASPCA warns that dryer sheets consist of cationics, a type of cleansing agent that can seriously irritate a pet's digestive system. Because of the risk thereov, never rub your pet's fur using dryer sheets.
Symptoms
If your dog happens to lick his coat after exposure to dryer sheets, he may experience symptoms of cationic distress. Signs include loss of appetite, excessive salivation and burning of the mouth. In especially severe circumstances, digestive tract ulcers may even be a possibility. Seek veterinary assistance for your pet as soon as possible if you notice any indication of these symptoms -- the quicker the better.
Cats
Definitely dangerous to the canine species, dryer sheets are particularly harmful to felines. Cats are more vulnerable to the hazards of the chemical agents in fabric softener sheets; compounding the risk is the fact that they lick their fur more frequently than dogs due to their meticulous self-grooming routines. Be safe and smart. Keep dryer sheets out of reach of any pets in your household, period.
Shedding
Shedding is just one normal and healthy aspect of being a dog. Although shedding is inevitable, you can minimize the appearance of pesky loose hairs throughout your home by diligently and regularly brushing them out of your pet's coat using a comb. Aim to conduct a brushing session with your pooch once or twice a week if not more frequently. Depending on your fluff ball's coat type, you may need to use a specific brush or comb. If you're uncertain, consult your veterinarian for detailed recommendations.