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Petmate Academy December 30, 2021 |
Does your dog shed a lot? As frustrating as it may be to find dog hair all over furniture or clothing, shedding is a completely normal process for dogs. It is also necessary, as it helps them get rid of their old and damaged hair. Therefore, shedding is inevitable, even among hypoallergenic dogs, and isn't something that can be prevented. There are a few things you can do, however, to get the shedding under control.
You can start by monitoring the situation and familiarizing yourself with your dog's breed. Some dog breeds are more prone to shedding than others. Some will shed seasonally while others may shed all year long. Do a bit of research on what is typical of your dog's breed and then watch to see if this matches up with your dog. If your dog is shedding more, less, or at different times than what is considered normal for their breed, you may want to consult with your veterinarian to see if there are any underlying health issues causing this.
Knowing the ins and outs of your dog's coat is a great way to help manage the shedding. Certain types of coats may need to be brushed or groomed more often than others to remove the excess dead hairs.
After you've determined your dog's coat type and get a better idea of how you should be grooming them, consider these 7 tips for controlling your dog's shedding:
There are many types of dog brushes available. Certain types of brushes may be better for your dog's specific coat than others. For example, wire pin brushes are best for dogs with longer, curlier coats while slicker brushes work well for fur that's prone to matting. Find something that works well on your dog's coat and stick with that.
While different coats may not need to be brushed every single day, it's a good idea to get in the routine of brushing daily, especially if shedding is an issue in your household. Brushing daily (or even every other day) will get rid of any dead hair as well as prevent matting and tangles.
Don't underestimate the power of a healthy diet! Providing your dog with all the right nutrients can prevent excessive shedding and keep their hair from breaking. Be sure you consult with your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your dog's diet before you switch them over to a new food. Be sure that your dog is drinking regularly and staying hydrated. Dehydration can lead to hair loss which means more shedding.
If you're tired of fur sticking to your favorite chair or sofa, consider using furniture covers to prevent hair from getting stuck to the cushions and fabric. Most furniture covers are easy to remove and clean.
Regularly vacuuming and sweeping your floors and furniture is a good way to get rid of any excess dog hair. While you may have to vacuum or sweep more often than you would prefer, it is an easy way to clean up fur and keep your space tidy.
Bathing not only cleans your dog's fur, but it also removes all their dead hair. Certain shampoos and conditioners can help strengthen your dog's hair and prevent breakage. How often you need to bathe your dog depends on their breed and coat type, and some breeds may need to be taken in for professional grooming. Keep in mind that for some breeds, there is such thing as bathing your dog too much, so be sure to do your research before you start weekly or even monthly baths.
Whether your dog has short hair or long hair, you should regularly schedule time with the groomer. Groomers are able to bathe, massage, brush, and remove any built-up dirt, knots, and dander from your dog's coat. While your dog is at the groomers, they can also get their nails trimmed and teeth brushed! Scheduling a grooming appointment every couple of months will not only help with excessive shedding, but it'll keep their coat healthier as well.
If you've tried everything under the sun and the shedding continues to persist, there might be an underlying problem. Hormonal imbalances, stress, parasites, and various infections can all cause excessive shedding. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to determine the cause of the excessive shedding.
As a pet parent, we love our pets like their our kids. However, dealing with the shedding can become annoying and something we hate dealing with. If you keep up with your dog's coat, clean regularly, brush regularly, and schedule appointments with your groomer, you will be able to keep it under control!
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