What are the Uses of Dog Fur?

March 21, 2024 4 min read

Dog fur is a real nuisance for pet owners. Pet floating hair may stick to our clothes, furniture, and even our cars, forming huge dust bunnies under the bed and sometimes finding their way into our food. That's why a pet hair remover is a must-have tool for pet owners. But have you ever thought about making good use of this fur? You can creatively transform the collected dog fur in the following ways, their value far exceeds what you imagine.

1. Dog hair made into clothes, gloves or other textiles

In winter, we all wear sweaters or woolen clothes to keep warm. Most of them are made of wool, but think about it, dog hair can also be used. Not only can it be used to make sweaters, but also simple items like gloves and socks. It not only keeps you warm but also has very important significance! However, it is important to note that not all dog hair can be made into clothes. If the dog's hair is long enough and plentiful, it can be woven into various fabrics: sweaters, gloves, cup covers, socks, shawls, etc. They are rougher and more suitable for weaving. For example, the Golden Retriever and Newfoundland breeds, longer undercoat,  easier to succeed.  But the user should not be a friend who is allergic to animal hair. A simpler way is to stuff animal hair into pillowcases to make pillow pads or cushions. In comparison, short dog undercoats are not suitable for making clothes because they will gradually shed over time. It is also worth noting that the dog hair cut off in pet grooming shops cannot be used.


Many dog owners hope that their dogs can always be with them. These textiles made from dog hair can allow dog owners to feel closer to their dogs, always staying connected with their pets. This is especially true for those unfortunate owners who have lost their pets, as using this method to commemorate a loyal friend is a very good way to remember them.

2. Used to Make Bird Nests

Birds enjoy cozy nests, and they would be delighted to have dog hair in their nests. You can wrap a cluster of fluff on top of the fence posts in your yard, which can also be seen as a way to keep things tidy and allow birds to pick what they need. Although your dog may enjoy barking at nearby birds, the thought of providing these birds with a warm nest will make the barking seem less bothersome.

3. Crafts Made from Dog Hair

Felting is a traditional method of material production. Wet felting only requires hot soapy water and some fibers, such as dog fur. The method is relatively simple - just lay the fur flat and then rub it together with your fingers and water. The fibers will eventually entangle together, just like the felt you can buy in craft stores.

You can also try needle felting. This technique involves repeatedly poking a special felting needle into a rolled-up bunch of fur laid on a mat or cushion. The barbs at the end of the needle help to tangle the fur fibers together. You can use needle felting to add felted decorations to other fabrics or even create three-dimensional sculptures. These crafts can be used as keychains, phone charms, backpack decorations, and more, and they hold significant meaning.

  • Cute ornamental hairball decoration, can also be used as a cat teasing stick

    In addition to the simple fur ball version, it can also be made into a rose shape, which looks great whether it's placed in a vase or used as clothing decoration. Moreover, it's genuine fur and looks very high-end!
  • Keychains and bag charms
  • Brooch

4. Making into plush toys

For dog owners with strong handicraft skills, simple decorations are no longer satisfying. Filled with love for their furry friends, they have turned their dogs' fur into cute and adorable plush toys in the shape of little pet.

5. Filling for toys or pillows

The shed dog hair can also be collected and used as filling for pillows, creating a comfortable cushion for your beloved canine.

6. Protecting the Garden

The scent of dog fur may help deter pests in your yard. Stuff dog fur into coarse burlap bags or pantyhose, tie them up, and place them around the yard. You can even create a boundary around the outer edge of the garden. Rabbits and other small animals may think they smell a dog nearby, so they might avoid the area. Regular grooming of the fur may be necessary to maintain the strongest scent. Alternatively, wrap loose fur around the base of plants and vegetables. This can effectively deter pests. Not only does this scent discourage animals from nibbling on your garden treasures, but the loose fur can also act as traps for sowbugs, snails, and other small insects.

7. Fertilize the soil

Pet fur contains a significant amount of nitrogen, which is an important nutrient for plant growth. Therefore, it can be used to fertilize the soil. Nitrogen helps the soil retain moisture and regulates plant temperature. Over time, dog fur will decompose and release nitrogen to nourish your garden. You can also add dog fur to compost. Mix it with other green materials, such as vegetable scraps, and make sure to turn the compost pile several times a week to keep it aerated. After about a month, it will have decomposed enough to be added to your soil.

8. Clean up oil spills

Dog fur is excellent for absorbing oil. Collect shed dog fur and use it to make cleaning tools such as brushes to help clean up oil spills.