All that You Wanted to Know About Pet Shedding

There are some things you cannot avoid as a pet parent—shedding is one of them. All animals shed, some more often than others. If you own a pet or you’re planning to own one soon and are concerned about the allergies and discomforts associated with shedding, then this info may help!

Why Do Dogs Shed:

A dog’s fur is essential: it keeps the dog warm and protects the animal from the elements. Also, it regulates a dog’s body temperature. When it’s cold out, the thick undercoat provides warmth. But when it’s hot out, dogs shed their undercoats to allow their bodies to cool. Of course, some dogs shed more than others, but all dogs shed. Also, some dogs only shed during certain times of the year, while others, like Dalmatians, shed all year long. Sometimes shedding could be related to health issues, and an infestation of flies, lice, or mites could as well contribute to excessive shedding. Fungal infections, autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancers have direct ties to shedding. If shedding is followed by other symptoms like itching, excessive scratching, face rubbing, or lesions, consult your pet’s veterinarian.

Breeds that Shed More than Others:

St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Alaskan Huskies are some of the dog breeds that shed more than others. As for those that shed less, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire Terriers are at the top of the list.

What Can You Do to Prevent Shedding:

You can’t prevent shedding, but you can definitely control shedding. Use a high-quality dog brush, one that’s good at removing dead hairs from your dog’s coat. Brushing your dog not only prevents dog hair from falling on your couch, carpet, or blankets, but also stimulates the dog’s hair follicles. With regular brushing, your dog is sure to have a lush, smooth, and vibrant coat. There are different pet brushes for different breeds. For example, the best brush for your German Shepherd is a de-shedding tool that’s specifically designed for heavy shredders. The bristles on this tool gently remove excess hair without cutting the dog’s fur. If the shedding is because of nutritional deficiencies or stress, take the dog to a vet, one that can check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies and recommend a well-balanced diet. Lastly, some extra TLC should help with stress-induced shedding.

Cleaning the House After Shedding:

Cleaning dog hair from your carpets and couches can be overwhelming. But with regular grooming, you don’t have to worry about finding hairs all over the house. Vacuum the house regularly with attachments that are specifically used for picking up unwanted hair. To remove pet hairs from clothes, use lint rollers. If someone in the house is allergic, do not encourage dogs to sleep on the couch or other furniture; instead, make sure they sleep on their pet blanket.