Having a pet dog can be great fun, but dog shedding? Not so much.Shedding is in fact a natural process, and while some dogs may shed less than others, all dogs are bound to lose part of their fur coat. This process is part of your pet’s natural life cycle.The best way to handle the situation, without becoming a fuzz ball yourself, is to get the right brush for the breed of dog that you have. You may as well accept that this is going to happen all the time and just start to brush your problems away!If you enjoy this article, why not also read about why do dogs stop growing and why do dogs bark at other dogs.Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t ShedWhile it would be nice to have a dog without any hair loss issues, it isn’t really possible. Any veterinarian or pet groomer will testify to the fact that, while some dogs may shed less hair than others, it is quite impossible for any dog breed to stop shedding dead hair completely!Shedding is essentially a process through which dead hair follicles are lost and room is made for new hair growth. Humans go through exactly the same process! Just like it would be absurd to expect any human not to lose some hair, you can’t expect the impossible from your pet dog.Another common misconception is that there are certain hypoallergenic dog breeds. This is completely false because, while there are some dogs that shed much less hair than others, they are still losing hair but we just don’t notice it. These hairs can still contain the allergenic materials that trigger some people’s allergies.Having said that, if you are looking for dog breeds that won’t give you too much grief when it comes to shedding, there are a few key things that you might want to keep in mind. If shedding is something that bothers you, make sure not to adopt a double-coated dog as a pet, since they shed the most. Breeds which have a single coat usually lose much less hair than their double-coated counterparts. Examples of these breeds include Maltese, Irish terriers, Bichon Frise, Afghan Hounds, Giant Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, and American Hairless Terriers. These dog breeds do not have an undercoat and are short-haired. As a result, they do not shed very much. However, if you do have allergies, you should definitely check if these dogs would be suitable pets before you consider adoption!When do dogs shed?The shedding season for most dogs is in both spring and fall. Dog shedding can get very intense at these times of the year since your pet is likely to be preparing for the next season. Spring shedding in double-coated dogs is essentially their way of making sure that the summer heat does not bother them too much. On the other hand, shedding during fall allows new hair growth so that the cold does not reach a dog’s skin.A dog’s hair, much like any other mammal’s, has a lifetime. Due to this, once that time period has passed, the dog sheds the dead hairs in order to make space for new growth. Pet owners tend to find it difficult to handle such large amounts of hair loss since there is hair gets everywhere! However, proper grooming, a healthy diet, and the use of proper tools can make everyone’s lives better.Having said that, if you do notice that your dog is shedding in a way that does not seem natural, the first thing to do would be to see a veterinarian. This is because your dog may have some health and diet related issues. Such health issues may include allergies, skin issues, insufficient pet care, pregnancy, and stress. To make sure that you are looking after the overall health of your dog, seeing a vet is the best thing to do.How do you reduce excessive shedding?While there is no way to reduce the shedding that occurs as a normal bodily process, there are some ways in which you may be able to manage your pet’s hair loss and save your house from all of your dog’s hair!During the shedding season, whether owners have double-coated breeds or single-coated ones, they can make sure to have shedding tools handy. First, it’s best to just accept the fact that dogs will shed their loose hair and coats when there is a rise or fall in temperature. Once that is out of the way, owners can start by grooming their pet. Different grooming is required for different dog breeds. A dog with a double coat will require more frequent hair cuts.Another obvious but very important part of taking care of your dog is to make sure that it is stress-free and is given proper food at all times. Some food supplements, if approved by a veterinarian, can also be a good idea. Make sure to maintain proper grooming, and check the fur for any ticks or fleas that may be stuck in the undercoat. If there are no concerns related to the body, remember that shedding dogs need just as much care and love!Brushing Your Dog’s HairTo groom your dog at home, you will need a slicker brush to get through coats and reach the skin. First, make sure to run the brush in the opposite direction to the hair growth on the body. Then, brush in the direction of hair growth. This should help you to take care of your dog’s shedding if it has a double coat. Use a shedding tool, as it will remove all the loose hair from the coat and keep your pet looking sharp!Double coat types can be a hassle, but single coat breeds shed too! If excessive shedding in these dogs does not seem normal, consider going to your veterinarian. If there isn’t a medical issue, get the proper tools and brushes to take care of seasonal shedding at home. Start with brushing in circular or vertical motions with a bristle brush. It is also a good idea to search for ticks and fleas to ensure that the health of your dog’s skin is not compromised.Dog shedding can also be managed during fall and spring, when temperature changes tend to cover your house in dog hair. Regularly bathing your dog is key. Hair loss is normal and a sign of good health. If you have the right tools, you can manage seasonal shedding like an expert!Which dogs shed the most?Dog shedding is common in many breeds and can be a sign of a healthy dog. However, some breeds tend to be heavy shedders when compared with others. Some heavy shedders include Huskies, Saint Bernards, Chow Chows and Golden Retrievers. This is mainly because these breeds have an undercoat that they need to get rid of at certain times of the year. The correct tools and frequent brushing can help you to manage your dog’s shedding!Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for why do dogs shed then why not take a look at why do dogs have whiskers, or Corgi Golden Retriever mix dog facts.
Having a pet dog can be great fun, but dog shedding? Not so much.
