5 Ways Your Dog's Fur Can Be Useful To You

Dog fur often finds its way into different things in our homes, such as the couch, clothes, and bed. Sometimes, they may even be found inside our food! Despite the annoyance they cause sometimes, there are some ways to put dog fur to good use.

1. Knitting: The official term for wool made from dog fur is chiengora. Dogs with long, rough fur, such as Golden Retriever and Newfoundland, have the best fur for spinning. If your dog has a short undercoat, you can blend it with a longer fiber.

2. Keep gardens rodents-free: Rabbits and other small animals will avoid certain areas of your garden if you keep your dog's fur around because the smell makes them think your dog is around the corner.

3. Make stuffed items: Wouldn't it be nice to sew some of your dog's stuffed toys rather than purchase them all the time? Dog fur is great for stuffing and can make different stuffed items in the home, including throw pillows.

4. Share with birds: Dog fur can help birds make cozy nests. Gather the fur in a paper bag and allow them to pick out what they need.

5. Use as fertilizer: Dog fur contains nitrogen, a nutrient the soil needs to retain moisture and regulate plant temperature. Put your dog's fur to good use by including it when making compost.