Shedding is a normal part of a dog’s life, yet it can be irritating for their owner. Shedding is an important aspect of most dogs’ skin health. Shedding is how dogs get rid of old or otherwise damaged hair.
The amount of fur shed by a dog is dependent by the breed, the season, and whether the dog has a single or double layer of fur.
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Can I Prevent My Dog from Shedding?
It’s difficult to keep a dog from shedding. You can, however, choose a dog that sheds less. Although there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, some breeds are less troublesome than others. They have hair that is more human-like in appearance, produce less dander than other dogs, and do not shed.
As a result, they make great pets for persons who are allergic to pet dander or fur. They’re also great for dog owners who don’t want to fix the mess that shedding may cause.
These dog breeds include the:
- Afghan Hound
- Bichon Frise
- Chinese Crested
- Maltese
- Schnauzer
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
Dogs bred with these breeds, such as the poodle, are popular among dog owners. A “doodle” mix, on either hand, does not ensure that it will not shed. However, they are likely to shed as much as most dogs.
How Can I Manage My Dog’s Shedding?
While it is impossible to completely avoid shedding in any dog, there are steps you can take to make it more manageable:
Brush your dog’s coat: Each dog has an unique coat. It’s essential to select the appropriate brush for their fur type:
- Bristle brushes are excellent for all sorts of coats. Long bristles are best for a longer coat. Choose a firm brush for dogs with shorter hair.
- Wire-pin brushes are ideal for knot detangling of woolly or curly coats.
- Slicker brushes are best for dogs who get mats and tangles easily.
- Rubber curry combs can be used to massage the skin of any dog, including short-haired dogs. Dander, dead skin, and old hair can all be removed using a comb. Many dogs love having their coats brushed with a rubber comb, which also acts as a gentle massage.
Use a shedding tool: Whether your dog sheds seasonally or year-round, shedding tools can help. Shedding tools make it simple to remove your dog’s dead hair before it turns into tumbleweeds in your home. Shedding tools are stainless steel-tipped brushes that are ideal for pulling up and removing your dog’s undercoat fur. A shedding tool can assist in the removal of dead hair before it is shed by your dog.
Feed your dog a healthy diet: The hair follicles of your dog grow more resilient when they receive enough nutrition. Undernourished fur can cause excessive shedding, which can be reduced by developing strong follicles.
Keep your pup hydrated: Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. It’s necessary for their general health and can also help to keep their skin hydrated. Hair loss and shedding can be exacerbated by dehydrated skin.
Bathe your pooch regularly: Bathing your dog not only keeps them clean, but it also aids in the removal of excess and dead hair before it falls out. Even more shedding can be reduced by using a deshedding shampoo.
When Should I Be Worried About Hair Loss?
Excessive shedding is a part of several dog breeds’ usual life! Pay attention to seasonal changes in your dog’s shedding as a dog owner to identify whether something is wrong with your pet.
Hair loss that extends beyond your dog’s usual shedding might signal a variety of health problems, including:
- Parasites like fleas, mites, or lice
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Allergies
- Food allergies
- Kidney disease
- Liver conditions
- Thyroid or adrenal issues
- Pregnancy
- Side-effects from medication
- Anxiety or stress
- Cancer
- Immune disease
- Sunburn
- Topical irritants
If you notice greater hair loss than usual, itchy skin, fragile fur, excessive scratching, or bald spots on your dog, take him to the veterinarian.
Benefits of Managing Shedding
Shedding is uncomfortable, but grooming your dog has advantages beyond reducing the amount of fur in your home. Washing and bathing your dog can be enjoyable and provide time for you to bond. It’s also a wonderful time to check for new bumps, parasites, or dry skin on your dog. Grooming results in a happy, healthy dog with less shedding.
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