You don’t really need to be worried when your dog starts shedding hair. It’s a natural process for them. However, it can really end up being a pain after a while. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be giving you some tips to help you control your pet’s shedding. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
What Causes Dogs to Shed Hair?
Before we look at why dogs shed, let’s try to understand why hair is so important to a dog. A dog’s coat provides protection against elements such as cold and heat. Similar to human hair, dog hairs wear out over time. When this happens, the hair falls out.
The amount of hair you have to deal with will vary depending on your dog’s health and breed. Some dogs shed more excessively than others. If proper care is not taken, you could get dog hair everywhere in your house. Excessive shedding might be a sign of sunburn, parasites, allergies, or even cancer.
Which Breeds Shed the Most?
Not all dogs shed hair at the same level. Here are some of the most notorious shedders around.
German Shepherd
Even though this breed sheds practically all year, the major shedding happens maybe three or four times a year. You can easily work around this by brushing regularly.
The Great Pyrenees
Ah, the Great Pyrenees. The dog’s hair looks great on it; however, it doesn’t look so good when it’s all over your furniture. Unlike German Shepherds which do minor shedding throughout the year, dogs of this breed shed a lot all year. It gets even worse during season changes. If you own a dog of this breed, you are going to have to brush regularly whether you like it or not.
Labrador Retriever
A lot of people think that just because a dog has a short coat, it won’t shed much. You can imagine their shock and surprise when they discover how much Labs shed. Unlike most dog breeds, their shedding is not limited to certain seasons. They shed a lot throughout the year.
Rottweiler
Similar to the Labrador, the Rottweiler sheds a lot more than expected. Rottweilers also have fur that gets stuck in fabrics really easily. To reduce excessive shedding, brush your Rottweiler at least once or twice a week.
Shiba Inu
Despite their small size, these pups shed a lot of furs. By now you’re probably thinking, “I’ll just brush the hair right off”. It isn’t that easy. This breed is incredibly stubborn and has a passionate hatred for baths and brushing. It is best to introduce Shiba Inus to brushing and bathing from a young age so that they can get used to it. If your Shiba Inu is already grown up, we wish you the best of luck. Click here to learn more about this breed.
Australian Shepherd
If left unchecked, these bundles of fur will leave hair all over the place. They might also get too hot during the summer if you don’t brush out their winter coat. It is advised that you brush dogs of this breed at least once every week in order to keep them comfy.
Pomeranian
This small but hairy pooch breed sheds a lot. You can shave your Pomeranian if you want, but this isn’t advised. To prevent overheating, brush about twice a week.
Border Collie
The fur of this breed clings to pretty much every surface. Whenever the seasons change, the shedding gets worse. To get rid of the clingy hair, brush at least twice a week.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Everyone admires this pooch’s fur coat. Sadly, this admirable fur has an annoying habit of falling all over your house. Similar to a lot of dogs, the shedding gets worse when seasons change. This can be dealt with by brushing regularly.
Newfoundland
This lovable giant dog is a great family pet. However, you must be ready to deal with a lot of shedding and drool. As you might imagine, these two are a terrible combination.
Siberian Husky
These dogs are bred to withstand insanely low temperatures. As you’ve already guessed, their thick fur coat plays a huge part in providing warmth. During the summer, Huskies shed their winter coat.
Note: Keep in mind that Siberian Huskies can often have very sensitive skin. They also require a bit more time when brushing. Visit https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/ to learn more about Siberian Huskies.
How To Minimize Dog Shedding
Here are some simple steps you can take to make your dog’s shedding a lot more bearable.
Brush Your Dog Regularly
Regular brushing is a simple but effective method of minimizing your pet’s shedding. Aside from ensuring that your home stays hair-free, brushing also makes your pet’s hair coat cleaner and softer. Remember to keep a garbage can nearby when brushing to dispose of the excess hair.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming your dog’s hair will take a lot of diligence. You have to do this every day in order to prevent the hairs from accumulating.
Watch Your Dog’s Diet
Your dog’s food greatly affects its hair growth. Ensure that you feed your pet with good quality meals all the time.
Check For Fleas and Allergies
It is advised that you consult your veterinarian to determine if your pet has any allergies or fleas. Fleas cause scratching, which in turn leads to hair loss. Allergic reactions can also cause your dog to start shedding.
Cover Car Seats and Furniture
Things like rugs and car seats are hair magnets. It is advised that you invest in seat covers in order to protect your furniture. This will help your upholstery continue to look and smell good.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s completely normal for dogs to shed hair. Some breeds shed more excessively than others and require more work to maintain. However, with some diligence and persistence, you can keep your house free of fur.
