One of the few unpleasant moments most of us as dog owners know is when shedding season really kicks in. With the change in weather, you'll see loose dog hair everywhere, and vacuuming can now become a daily necessity.
Why does the dog shed?
Shedding is a necessary evil in order for the dog's coat to be replaced and thus protect the dog from wind and weather and dirt. Dogs usually shed extra heavily twice a year – around spring and autumn.
Do all dog breeds shed?
There can be big differences in how much a dog sheds depending on the breed of dog. For example, you will find that some breeds shed large amounts of fur, while others shed very little or not at all. The breed differences in shedding depend, among other things, on the development of the hairs, which can be divided into 2 phases – the growth phase and the resting phase.
The growth phase is the period when each hair has a distinct root and does not fall out. In the resting phase, the hair has grown out, and at the end of this phase, a new hair will push the old hair out of the follicle, after which it falls out. This is also the reason why short-haired breeds can shed more than long-haired breeds – namely, the process from growth to resting phase is faster.
Some breeds do not shed at all. These dogs are easy to clip and are often associated with being more hypoallergenic than other dog breeds – precisely because they do not shed. Then there are the wire-haired breeds, which need to be trimmed to make room for new fur to emerge.
As you may have already read, there are many types of dog fur, which of course require different care. We recommend that you seek advice from your breeder, groomer or veterinarian so that you get the correct guidance on what is right for your dog.
What can you do to minimize the shedding?
Grooming is of course always important, but especially during the shedding period. And shedding during this period can be reduced. Here are 3 tips to reduce shedding during the period:
1. Brush your dog
Good grooming can help limit the problem. Brush your dog thoroughly, preferably several times a week. When you comb your dog, massage the scalp and hair roots at the same time. This helps the hair strands to fall out, and you can thus reduce the hairballs that collect in the corners of the home. Brushing your dog will not only remove the loose hair, but also remove dirt and grime from the coat.
2. Give the dog a bath
When the shedding period is at its peak, it is a good idea to give your dog a bath. This will allow you to massage the dog's coat with the shampoo and remove some loose hair. It is important that you use a shampoo that is intended for dogs. After rinsing the shampoo out, it is important to rinse the coat thoroughly, as soap residue can cause irritation and itching in the skin.
Then dry the dog thoroughly and, if necessary, put a drying blanket on it. Brush the dog after the bath to remove more of the loose hair that has been loosened in the bath.
3. Make sure the dog gets the right diet
The dog's diet can also have an influence on shedding. Through the dog's food, it gets the building blocks it needs to maintain its body and coat. In addition, it can be a good idea to add omega fatty acids to the dog's diet. It is also beneficial to seek advice from a nutritionist who can conduct a food check on your four-legged friend.
Could there be other reasons why the dog is shedding?
Shedding can also be a symptom of stress, allergies, illness or hormonal imbalances. If there are sudden changes in the coat – for example, it becomes shaggy and thin, you may need to have your dog examined by a vet.
When bitches come into heat, they will often shed a lot during that period. If you suspect stress, you can seek advice from a behaviorist who can help you come up with a plan to get your dog back in balance.
Has your dog started shedding too?
One of the few unpleasant moments most of us as dog owners know is when shedding season really kicks in. With the change in weather, you'll see loose dog hair everywhere, and vacuuming can now become a daily necessity.
Why does the dog shed?
Shedding is a necessary evil in order for the dog's coat to be replaced and thus protect the dog from wind and weather and dirt. Dogs usually shed extra heavily twice a year – around spring and autumn.
Do all dog breeds shed?
There can be big differences in how much a dog sheds depending on the breed of dog. For example, you will find that some breeds shed large amounts of fur, while others shed very little or not at all. The breed differences in shedding depend, among other things, on the development of the hairs, which can be divided into 2 phases – the growth phase and the resting phase.
The growth phase is the period when each hair has a distinct root and does not fall out. In the resting phase, the hair has grown out, and at the end of this phase, a new hair will push the old hair out of the follicle, after which it falls out. This is also the reason why short-haired breeds can shed more than long-haired breeds – namely, the process from growth to resting phase is faster.
Some breeds do not shed at all. These dogs are easy to clip and are often associated with being more hypoallergenic than other dog breeds – precisely because they do not shed. Then there are the wire-haired breeds, which need to be trimmed to make room for new fur to emerge.
As you may have already read, there are many types of dog fur, which of course require different care. We recommend that you seek advice from your breeder, groomer or veterinarian so that you get the correct guidance on what is right for your dog.
What can you do to minimize the shedding?
Grooming is of course always important, but especially during the shedding period. And shedding during this period can be reduced. Here are 3 tips to reduce shedding during the period:
1. Brush your dog
Good grooming can help limit the problem. Brush your dog thoroughly, preferably several times a week. When you comb your dog, massage the scalp and hair roots at the same time. This helps the hair strands to fall out, and you can thus reduce the hairballs that collect in the corners of the home. Brushing your dog will not only remove the loose hair, but also remove dirt and grime from the coat.
2. Give the dog a bath
When the shedding period is at its peak, it is a good idea to give your dog a bath. This will allow you to massage the dog's coat with the shampoo and remove some loose hair. It is important that you use a shampoo that is intended for dogs. After rinsing the shampoo out, it is important to rinse the coat thoroughly, as soap residue can cause irritation and itching in the skin.
Then dry the dog thoroughly and, if necessary, put a drying blanket on it. Brush the dog after the bath to remove more of the loose hair that has been loosened in the bath.
3. Make sure the dog gets the right diet
The dog's diet can also have an influence on shedding. Through the dog's food, it gets the building blocks it needs to maintain its body and coat. In addition, it can be a good idea to add omega fatty acids to the dog's diet. It is also beneficial to seek advice from a nutritionist who can conduct a food check on your four-legged friend.
Could there be other reasons why the dog is shedding?
Shedding can also be a symptom of stress, allergies, illness or hormonal imbalances. If there are sudden changes in the coat – for example, it becomes shaggy and thin, you may need to have your dog examined by a vet.
When bitches come into heat, they will often shed a lot during that period. If you suspect stress, you can seek advice from a behaviorist who can help you come up with a plan to get your dog back in balance.