Shedding Season

It’s shedding season…again:)
If your dog is currently shedding all over your house and it’s become difficult to keep up with it, this article is for you! Shedding season occurs differently for different types of dogs depending on their breed and coat thickness. Some dogs, such as Huskies, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds and Golden Retrievers will shed twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This is referred to as “blowing their coat,” and it is the most heavy shedding occurrence for these breeds that have double coats. However, the shedding often doesn’t seem to stop after this, and it can be a year round issue. Other dog breeds, such as the Bichon Frise, Dachshund and Poodle, don’t shed much at all.

We have some tips that can help alleviate what seems like the constant struggle of controlling shedding fur in your home. The first one is one of the most obvious pieces of advice, but it can also be the most difficult to stay on schedule with: brushing your dog regularly. Brushing your dog’s fur regularly is not only vital in helping to remove dead hair and stimulating new hair growth, but is also a great way to bond with your dog and teach them to be calm during grooming.

There are several types of brushes that can be used to brush your dog, so it is important to know which one to use to achieve the best results. Bristle brushes and metal combs work great for medium coated dogs such as Retrievers, Shepherds and Terriers. Slicker brushes are perfect for medium, long, wire and curly coats because they help to prevent matting. Pinhead brushes work well for long haired and wire coated dogs, often as a finishing brush to smooth everything out. For double coated breeds that shed a lot, an undercoat rake can remove loose hair and help with shedding. Finally, a rubber brush is a good tool for short haired dogs that tend to shed a lot.

Another aspect of shedding that is often overlooked is your dog’s diet. If you notice that your dog is suddenly shedding more than they normally do, or has any fur patchiness, your dog could be allergic to something that it has been eating. Your veterinarian will help you to discuss the best diet for your dog, and whether anything in their diet could be triggering sudden hair loss. Regular vet visits will also help to make sure that your dog is getting the proper dog food or supplements that can potentially help to reduce shedding as well.

Bathing your dog frequently can also make shedding more manageable—bathing will loosen shedding fur, and thankfully the fur can be contained in the tub. It is suggested to at least bathe your dog once a month if shedding is a problem. Making sure that your dog is properly hydrated is also important. The most common advice from veterinarians is an ounce of water per pound of your dog’s body weight daily.

Along the lines of bathing, having your dog groomed can be a lifesaver when dealing with excessive shedding. You’ll be amazed at how much excess fur can come off of your dog during a de-shedding bath, and you’ll be even happier to know that it won’t be all over your house!