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6 Tips And Tricks To Manage Your Dog’s Excessive Shedding In Summer
Here is everything you need to know in order to stay on top of your dog’s seasonal shedding without wanting to pull your hair out!
While our dog’s fur makes him cuddly and adorable, many of us become frustrated when we find clumps of said fur scattered around the house, stuck to valuable furniture, or as a surprise accessory on our favorite outfits. While the effects of seasonal shedding can be annoying, it’s important for your dog to shed the excess fur that kept him warm in the cold Winter months to stay cool and healthy in the hot Summer months. However, that doesn’t mean you have to just accept that your home will be a hairy mess until further notice. Here are 6 tips and tricks to help you and your dog painlessly survive his Summer shedding!
Connect with your vet.
Even if you have a non-shedding or low-shedding dog breed, you will likely still see excess fur around your home due to the warmer weather. That said, if you notice your dog is shedding significantly more than normal, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Excess shedding or hair loss can be a sign of some medical conditions, including parasites, fungal infections, itchy skin allergies, and thyroid problems.
In general, dogs with healthy coats and skin tend to shed less. Your vet may be able to give you guidance as far as supplements, changes to your pet’s diet, or other products to use to improve your dog’s coat. Your veterinarian can also help with finding a flea control method that works for you and your pup. Fleas make your dog itchy and uncomfortable, which leads to excess scratching and hair loss.
Use the right brush.
One way to curb excess shedding is to brush your dog routinely to remove dead skin and hair before it ends up all over your house or causes your dog’s coat to become matted. Depending on your dog’s breed and coat, the frequency he needs to be brushed and the type of brush you use will vary. However, you do need to use the right brush in order to curb excess shedding and keep your dog feeling good. For dogs who are particularly prone to heavy shedding, you may also need to use a dedicated de-shedding tool along with frequent brushing.
Use professional grooming services.
If you’re not sure how much to brush your dog or your pup is an extreme shedder, you may want to consider enlisting the services of a professional groomer. While groomers can save you time by bathing your dog for you and giving your dog a haircut, they can also safely deep clean your dog and perform deshedding treatments. For example, your groomer can use deshedding shampoos and conditioners, which contain moisturizers that hydrate your dog’s skin and fur to create healthier, stronger hair follicles. These shampoos and conditioners can also help to loosen and remove your dog’s excess undercoat so they can easily be brushed away. In extreme shedding cases, dog groomers can vacuum away excess fur using a special tool designed for pet grooming.
Keep your dog hydrated.
Did you know that dehydration can cause your dog to shed? This is because dehydration causes your dog’s skin to dry out, among other medical complications. Therefore, you may need to closely monitor your dog’s water intake during the hot, Summer months when it’s easier to become dehydrated or overheated. While some dogs are better at drinking water than others, the general rule of thumb is that dogs need an ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, you can try to encourage them by making sure he has clean water, changing the position of the water bowl, or letting him play with ice cubes. Dogs can also have flavored liquids, such as chicken broth, but be careful that the recipe you use doesn’t contain onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
Stay on top of your cleaning routine.
The easiest way to keep shedded fur from taking over your home is to stay on top of your cleaning routine, and sweep or clean a little bit each day so it never becomes a huge, cumbersome task. The key is to clean up rogue dog fur before it has a chance to embed itself in your furniture or carpet. While sticky tape is surprisingly effective for touching up cushions, furniture, and clothes, having a solid arsenal of cleaning tools on your side is absolutely essential.
Mix up your laundry routine.
Somehow, dog fur has a way of getting all over our clothes, including outfits that have lived in the back of the closet for who knows how long. While lint rollers and sticky tape can help touch up an outfit when you need to get out the door in a hurry, changing the way you do laundry can also help remove excess fur from your clothing. The next time you do laundry, try popping a fur catcher in the washing machine with your clothes!
While there is no way to stop shedding completely, there are ways to make it bearable. That said, trying to stop the shedding process completely could harm your dog. Similarly, do not shave your dog to halt shedding, as it will interfere with your dog’s ability to naturally cool and warm himself, and there is a small chance his hair won’t grow back correctly. Instead, try to keep a positive attitude and stay on top of seasonal shedding before it has the chance to make you crazy!
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