When the humidity level in your home drops to 30% or lower, static electricity can make you and your furry friend uncomfortable. In fact, just stroking your pet's fur could result in a little shock for both of you. Bathing your pet with moisturizing shampoo (one approved for use on pets) and increasing the moisture in the air can help remedy the problem.
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As the seasons change, night-time temperatures are dropping and a lot of folks are reaching for the thermostat to turn up the heat a little bit.
Artificial heat can make the indoor air very dry, and may create a static electricity problem, especially as the weather gets colder. You stroke your pet and the hairs of its fur cling to your hand. When the air gets really dry, sparks can fly – literally –creating an electric discharge that both you and your pet can feel.
One way to help combat the static electricity problem is to use a humidifier to add moisture back to the air, especially in carpeted rooms where static electricity seems to be worse. A small table-top humidifier can take care of a moderate-size room; for larger areas, you may want to consider a console humidifier that sits on the floor. (In addition to treating a larger area, a floor unit usually needs to be filled less often.)
You may also want to use a moisturizer on your pet’s coat, such as a spray or wipe made especially for pets that won’t have chemicals which may harm their skin. Apply it lightly over your pet’s fur and then brush it through.
The moisturizer will help protect the coat during grooming – brushing your pet’s coat without the moisturizer could increase the static electricity and even damage the hair. Use a brush with soft bristles. If you can find an ionic brush with bristles coated to prevent static, that’s even better. And brushing will help stimulate the natural oils in your pet’s coat which will also help to counteract dryness.
You may reduce static electricity in your home by spraying the fabric on your sofas and chairs with an anti-cling fabric spray product. I have seen one suggestion to use fabric softener sheets. But keep in mind that such products may contain chemicals which could be toxic to your pet or irritate its sensitive skin. If it appears your pet experiences an allergic reaction, discontinue using the product and consult your veterinarian.
Moisturizing and humidifying may help make both you and your four-footed friend more comfortable (and lovable) in the dryness of artificial heat this fall and winter – when you’re speaking of pets.
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