Tips to Prevent Static Shock to Dogs and Cats
Reduce Shocks Caused by the Dry, Winter Air
Increase humidity with an air humidifier. In cold weather, forced air heaters can warm up a space quickly. However, they can be very drying to the air, among other things. These things may include your dog or cat's coat. If you need to use a forced air heater, run a humidifier to add moisture to the air, reducing the risk of static shock to your pet.
Add moisture to your pet's coat before brushing. There are several ways you can do this - first of all, use a conditioner to moisturize your pet's coat after a bath. Another option is to use a spray detangler on his or her coat before brushing. If nothing else, wet your dog or cat's coat then run a brush over it for a quick fix.
Avoid sweaters made with synthetic fibers. If you have a small (or even a large) dog and live in a cold climate, there is the chance you might have dressed your pet in warm sweaters. However, synthetic jackets and sweaters can make the static electricity worse. Stick with clothing made of natural fibers, instead.
Pack away the fleece blankets. Anyone who has snuggled up with a fleece blanket in the winter knows the fibers in this type of fabric can increase static electricity. Do you keep a fleece blanket on your pet's bed or in the kennel for warmth? Perhaps it is time to turn it in for something that produces a little less static.
Fabric softener can help. I don't like to use dryer sheets, knowing that there is rat poison in them, but they can help reduce the risk of static. If nothing else works for you, you can either use fabric softener when you wash your pets' bedding, or you can run a dryer sheet over his or her coat as a temporary solution.
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Published by Tonya Hillukka - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
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4 Comments
Post a CommentI used to pet my cat in the early mornings while still dark and the static shock must be painful...its blue color. Great advice. Wouldn't want to ever hurt my "Pretty Girls..."
Good information to be aware of for your pets.
Why, that would be scary for both the pets AND me! I've never had this happen to us either which is a surprise since we live in such as dry climate. Thx for the tips :)
That's something I never thought of, I guess because it hasn't happened. Interesting.