Dog Shedding: How To Stop Or Reduce Shedding?
Most of the pet owners could relate themselves to the process called “Shedding” while many of them do carry negative thoughts regarding this scary process. But, Shedding is a natural phase through which dogs have to undergo to get rid of their old or damaged hairs. Reports have been carried out to figure out this dilemma, while according to the researchers it could be “seasonal” or it could continue throughout all the year depending on the dog’s breed. Specific breed (so-called hypoallergenic dogs) sheds up to a lower extent while others (namely heavily double-coated breeds) sheds on a large scale.
Factors Contributing To Dog Shedding:
Certain factors play their major role in shedding which includes;
1. Breed
2. Age
3. Hormones
4. Overall Health
Types Of Shedding:
Having a deep sight in this proficiency researchers have categorized it into two;
1. Yearly Shedding;
Almost all the animals shed on a regular basis. As it is the natural life cycle of hair shafts within follicles. Phases of growth and shedding continue throughout the year. Factors that are mentioned above are responsible for this yearly shedding. But genetics is the predominant factor that affects the rate of shedding effectively, dogs with a continuous increase in hair growth rates like “Poodles” and “Yorkshire” terriers have hair shafts with longer life spans and sheds very little. On contrary to it dogs like Labradors and huskies have hair shaft with shorter life spans and shed hugely.
2. Seasonal Shedding;
Generally, most dogs shed additionally during spring and fall. Most of them are double-coated i.e they have undercoats and topcoats. Seasonal shedding is highly affected by temperature change. This process is also termed as “blowing coat.” During warm weather, dogs make their old winter undercoats to be replaced by lighter summer coats. Similarly, when the weather begins to cool again it shed its lighter undercoats to make room for thicker and warmer coats for winter, dogs like “Bichons” and “Shih Tzus” shed less as they have less undercoat. However, dogs like “Newfoundlands” and “Malamutes” have heavy, thick undercoats that make shedding much more obvious. Basic brushing is important for both coat types.
Other Reasons For Shedding;
It will be foolish to limit ourselves to the aforementioned factors for dog shedding because problems like Skin problems, endocrine diseases, nutritional or vitamin deficiencies, and other metabolic disorders can also cause hair loss or change the rate of hair growth.
Ways Stop Dog Shedding;
As we can not put shedding to an end but there are some dog shedding remedies through which we can limit shedding;
1 Brush your dog’s coat.
Every dog contains a characteristic coat. It’s very important to choose the right brush for their particular fur:
- Bristle brushes are the best choice for all coat types. For a longer coat, make use of long bristles. For shorter-haired dogs, a stiff brush is more suitable.
- Wire-pin brushes work best for woolly or curly coats that need detangling.
- Slicker brushes are recommended on dogs who are prone to mats and tangles.
2 Shedding Tool;
Shedding tools are truly beneficial whether your dog sheds seasonally or year-round. It can help you to remove dead hair before it shed from your dog’s fur
3 Healthy Diet;
When your dog is fed properly with good nutrients then hair follicles become more resilient.
4 Keeping Pup Hydrated;
Make sure that your dog gets in freshwater. It keeps their skin hydrated and makes them stronger to battle shedding effectively.
5 Bathing Pooch Daily;
Bathtime not only keeps your dog clean, but it helps them to remove excess and dead hair before it falls. A de-shedding shampoo can be a helping hand to ease shedding even more.
Conclusion:
Shedding can be a nuisance, but spending time grooming your pup has benefits beyond just reducing the amount of fur in your home. Taking the time to brush and bathe your pup will not only be fun but will provide your pup a clean and safe environment. In the end, it will keep your pup healthy and active and will strengthen your love-bond.