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As someone who’s drowning in dog hair, you’re dying to know “Can You Vacuum Your Golden Retriever?”
Admit it, the thought of vacuuming your Golden Retriever has crossed your mind on more than one occasion. Especially since you find yourself struggling to keep up with all that Golden Glitter!
It sounds like the perfect solution, right? But, can it be done? Is it safe to vacuum your Golden Retriever?
Keep reading as we reveal everything you need to know below!
Can You Vacuum Your Golden Retriever?
Yes, you can safely vacuum your Golden Retriever by using proper vacuum attachments made specifically for grooming. Before vacuuming your Golden, make sure your dog is accustomed to the noise and feeling of being vacuumed. Use long gentle strokes in the direction of the hair. Never vacuum your dog’s face, ears, or private areas. You should also never use your regular vacuum attachments, as the powerful suction may harm your dog.
1. Safely Vacuum Your Golden By Using Proper Vacuum Attachments
Vacuuming your Golden Retriever seems like a genius idea, after all, you’ll be getting rid of the excess hair right at the source.
But, don’t go using your regular vacuum attachments! The suction is too powerful, and you could harm your dog in the process.
Instead, opt for vacuum attachments that are made specifically for grooming dogs.
There are many grooming attachments available, with some better suited for long-haired dogs such as Golden Retrievers.
Many of these grooming attachments have a universal fit designed to fit most vacuum models, and then there are some that are made specifically for a certain brand of vacuum.
By far the most popular grooming attachment is the Dyson Groom Tool. It is Dyson-specific, meaning it will only work with Dyson vacuums.
Since many Golden Retriever owners also own a Dyson vacuum, it’s a great tool to have. Plus, it’s specifically designed for medium to long-haired dogs.
2. Get Your Golden Retriever Accustomed To The Vacuum
Before you even think about vacuuming your Golden Retriever, you first need to get your dog used to the vacuum.
Vacuums are loud and scary to most dogs. But, with a little conditioning and desensitizing you could get your dog accustomed to it.
Here are some steps to follow:
1. Let your dog sniff and get familiar with the vacuum when it is off.
2. Turn the vacuum on while your dog is in the same room.
3. If your dog doesn’t run away scared and remains calm while you are vacuuming, praise him and give him a treat.
4. It may take several weeks for your dog to get used to the noise of the vacuum. Just be patient.
5. Always use positive reinforcement and offer your dog treats to let him know that the vacuum will be associated with positive rewards.
6. Once your dog is accustomed to the noise of the vacuum, you can introduce the grooming tool.
7. If your dog shows any signs of stress or being scared, turn the vacuum off. You may need to make several attempts in order for your dog to get used to it. Always be positive, and never force your dog to do something.
3. Vacuum With The Direction Of Hair Growth
When vacuuming your Golden Retriever with the proper grooming attachment, you will want to vacuum in the same direction as the hair growth.
Going in the direction of hair growth ensures that you don’t pull out your dog’s hair or cause any pinching or pain.
Start by vacuuming your dog’s back at the base of the neck and move your way down.
Use long gentle strokes and continue doing so on the back, sides, and tail.
While your Golden is standing, you can continue vacuuming his legs.
Vacuuming your Golden’s chest and belly is best done while he is laying down.
You will want to go over the same area a couple of times to ensure you get all of the loose hair out.
You’ll be amazed at how much loose hair gets sucked up by the vacuum, instead of gathering on your floors!
RELATED ===> Stop Golden Retriever Shedding.
4. Never Vacuum Your Dog’s Face, Ears, Or Private Parts
Only use the grooming attachment on your dog’s back, sides, legs, tail, chest, and belly.
Never run the vacuum over your dog’s face, ears, or private parts. I would assume this is common sense, but it’s worth mentioning!
Also, another safety precaution is to never vacuum a wet or muddy dog.
Vacuuming a wet or dirty dog can not only ruin your vacuum, but it can hurt your dog.
5. Make It A Part Of Your Golden’s Grooming Routine
If your Golden Retriever doesn’t mind being vacuumed, you can start making it part of his regular routine.
It seems that vacuuming your dog is the latest trend that dog owners are doing. This is fine as long as your dog is ok with it.
Vacuuming should never replace giving your dog a bath, or brushing regularly to prevent matting, but it can certainly be in addition to all of these things.
The Dyson Groom Tool, in particular, looks like a slicker brush that brushes your dog’s coat while the loose hair and dead skin cells get sucked up into the vacuum.
6. Some Golden Retrievers Love Being Vacuumed
Golden Retrievers are really one of the most easygoing breeds out there! Many of them allow their owners to do pretty much anything to them, including vacuuming them.
Some Golden Retrievers love to be vacuumed, and when their owners pull out the vacuum cleaner, they run over and lay on the floor waiting to be vacuumed.
While this may be the case for many Goldens, it might not be the case for yours.
Your Golden Retriever may never accept being groomed by a vacuum, and that’s okay! You should never force your dog to do anything they don’t like.
You may need to stick to brushing your dog the old-fashioned way, with a brush!
RELATED ===> Best Dog Brush For Golden Retrievers.
How Often Should You Vacuum Your Golden Retriever?
There really is no set amount of time as to how often you should vacuum your Golden Retriever.
It’s really dependent on how often you choose to, and how often your dog wants it done.
That being said, Golden Retrievers shed daily and heavily during the spring and fall. So, you may want to vacuum your Golden more often during his heavy shedding seasons.
When it comes to brushing your Golden Retriever, I highly recommend daily brushing as it really cuts down on the amount of hair in your home. Plus, it keeps your Goldens coat looking its best.
Since vacuuming your Golden Retriever can be an alternative to brushing, you may wish to vacuum your dog once a week.
Can You Vacuum Your Golden Retriever To Get Rid Of Fleas?
Vacuuming your Golden Retriever is a quick solution to get rid of fleas on your dog.
According to studies done by the Ohio State University, vacuuming is an effective way to kill fleas.
Studies have shown that vacuuming killed 96% of adult fleas and 100% of flea pupae and larvae.
Scientists believe that the brushes, fans, and powerful suction of vacuum cleaners are what kill fleas. This combination destroys the waxy exterior of a flea, causing them to dry out and die.
While vacuuming your Golden may be a quick solution, you should always be sure to use pet-friendly vacuum attachments!
You will need to empty your vacuum cleaner’s dirt cup/dust bin or bag and toss it in a sealed garbage bag.
Keep in mind that a female flea can lay up to 40 eggs in one day. The eggs fall off your dog and are about the size of a grain of salt.
You will need to vacuum your entire home regularly and wash your dog’s bedding.
Vacuuming your dog alone will not solve your dog’s flea problem. It is best to consult your vet in order to prevent and treat fleas on your dog.
Fleas can be treated and prevented with oral medication, special flea shampoo, or a flea collar.
Final Thoughts
By using the right vacuum attachments that are specifically designed for grooming, you can vacuum your Golden Retriever.
In fact, many Golden Retrievers actually enjoy being vacuumed. If this is the case with your Golden Retriever, it’s a win-win situation.
By vacuuming the source of shedding, your dog, you can effectively reduce the amount of dog hair in your home.
Have you tried vacuuming your Golden Retriever? Does your Golden Retriever enjoy being vacuumed?
Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you!
I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie.
Hi Jenny!
Thank you for this post! I’ve always wanted to have a golden retriever, so this is pretty helpful information for me when I get one in the future. I have to admit I’ve never thought you could vacuum your dog, no matter the breed.
I currently have an American Staffordshire Terrier. Considering that she is short-haired, there’s no need to vacuum her. Is it even an option for Staffordshire Terriers?
Thanks in advance,
Alisa.
Hi Alisa,
I wouldn’t think you would need to vacuum your American Staffordshire Terrier, as they have very short coats. A quick brushing is all you would need to do. They do shed as well, however, it is nothing like a long-haired breed like the Golden Retriever.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Jenny.